Lynden resident Robert L. Williamson passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 at the age of 78.
Robert was born in Flint, Michigan, on Feb. 26, 1938, to William and Helen (Simonin) Williamson. He grew up in Flint, graduating from Flint Tech High School in 1956 and then went on to University of Michigan-Flint for a semester. As a young man, Robert enjoyed basketball and going so far as joining every church that had an indoor basketball court with a wooden floor.
Robert joined the U.S. Navy and was based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from 1958 to 1964. He served on the USS Bluegill submarine until 1960 and then transferred to the USN Seadragon (nuclear submarine) from 1960 to 1964, being discharged in 1964 from San Diego, California. In 1962, the Seadragon stopped by Seattle at the time of the World’s Fair when the Space Needle was built new. On their way back from their trip, the sub went under ice to the North Pole.
Robert met Bethany, his bride-to-be, on a blind date set up by friends. After a long-distance romance, they were married on Oct. 15, 1960, in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Flint. Together they had a son, Tracy, and daughters Wendy and Laura.
After serving in the Navy, Robert and Bethany moved back to Flint, then on to Midland, Michigan, and Oakland, Michigan, all while working for Bell Telecommunications. He was a computer programmer and in 1993 retired as the technical director after 38 years of service. In 2003 he and Bethany moved to Lynden.
Robert liked golfing and woodworking. Having an eye for details, he built furniture and any woodworking projects his children requested, including the cabinets for Laura’s kitchen, among many other projects. He enjoyed nonfiction books and helping Mary Elenbaas hang quilts for display at the Northwest Washington Fair.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bethany; children Tracy Allen of Canton, Michigan, Wendy Lynn Williamson of Plymouth, Michigan, and Laura Jane Innes of Salem, Oregon; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. His extended family included his brother, William Lee Williamson, stepbrothers Lee “Sonny” Bannon, Kenneth Bone and Robert L. Bone; stepsisters Mary Lou Bannon Leet and Doris Bone Serges; half-brothers Henry Clayton Williamson, James D. Bone and Paul A. Bone, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The graveside service will be conducted at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Flint.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
