Albert E. Williamson
May 28, 1922 - January 17, 2013
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Albert E. Williamson
May 28, 1922 - January 17, 2013
Obituary
Albert Edward Williamson, age 90, died surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 17, 2013. He is survived by his wife Mari of 69 years, sister Naomia Sweet, daughter Jan, son Steve, granddaughters Melanie (Andy Young) and Elizabeth (Eli Vignali), and two great-granddaughters.
Al was well-known in the community for his generosity. He gave his time, effort, and money to many worthy causes including Whatcom Hospice Foundation, Bellingham Farmers Market, the Whatcom Museum, and St. Joseph Hospital. He was active in the Bellingham Navy League and the Rotary Club, and was a past member of the Bellingham Golf Club and Bellingham Yacht Club. He was a founding member of the San Juanderers Winnebago RV Club and joined them in outings as recently as October.
Born in Los Angeles to Edward Williamson and Mary Crosbie on May 28, 1922, Al was fascinated by math and science from an early age. This led to education at UCLA, M.I.T., Columbia, Harvard and graduation as a chemical engineer at U.S.C. He belonged to Tau Beta Pi and Phi Lambda Upsilon fraternities.
Al served his country in WWII in the Navy on the U.S.S. Rixey as a lieutenant working with radar technology at its inception.
After the war, he began his career with Mobil Oil (formerly General Petroleum), which spanned 35 years, culminating in his position as refinery manager at the Ferndale refinery until his retirement in 1982. He loved his work as a leader, mentor, and inventor. Al also enjoyed contributing to his community, serving on the Governing Board of St. Joseph Hospital for many years as well as the Board of Horizon Bank.
He packed his life with travel, golf, fishing, sailing and camping with his family. His sense of humor and cheerful nature endeared him to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family, where there is an Al-shaped hole that can never be filled.
A celebration of his life will be held at Moles Farewell Tributes-Bellingham on Sunday, February 24th at 2:00 pm. Please bring stories to share. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Whatcom Hospice Foundation.
Moles Farewell Tributes-Bellingham
Farewell Tribute Information
A celebration of his life will be held at Moles Farewell Tributes-Bellingham on Sunday, February 24th at 2:00 pm. Please bring stories to share. Donations Information
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Whatcom Hospice Foundation.
8 responses to Albert E. Williamson
Rita Perry says:
January 17, 2013
To the loving Wife,Family & Friends may I offer my sympathy in the painful loss of your dear Al. Please take comfort in Psalm36:7 “HOW PRECIOUS YOUR LOVING-KINDNESS IS O GOD! AND IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS THE SONS OF MEN THEMSELVES TAKE REFUGE,FOR WIT
Louise Hardin says:
January 17, 2013
To Steve, Jan and Families: It was my pleasure to know Al through Mari, a P.E.O. sister. He was so thoughtful to take Mari to meetings when he would have to fill the time for a couple hours while she had lunch and took part in our meetings. No matter if it was all the way to Lynden, he would get her there. When Mari had surgery he was there for her every bit of the way! As they celebrated 69 years together it is easy to see why! It was my privilege to know these two. I cannot attend the memorial service but wanted you to know how much I admired Al. A very fine gentleman!
Bill and Judy Stern says:
January 17, 2013
What a wonderful man! We will miss him on our San Juanderer outings. Our hearts go out to Mari, Steve and Jan.
Babe Quintrall says:
January 17, 2013
My condolences to Al’s family and friends. Al was obviously loved by all those who were privileged to know him. I find great comfort in knowing that death will not always be a part of our lives as shown in revelation 21:4 where it says “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning, nor outcry, nor pain , be anymore. The former things have passed away”. I hope this verse brings you comfort in the days ahead. I am truly sorry for your loss.
derek nicholl says:
January 17, 2013
Will miss our chat’s while enjoying the view of Bell.Bay Greatly missed