"WENDY" WILLIAMSON

John "Wendy" Williamson, 65, who taught music at the University of Alaska Anchorage, died Saturday, June 25, at his Anchorage home following a lengthy illness.

There will be a gathering of family, friends and students from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Red Dodge at 2010 Lake Otis Parkway.

Mr. Williamson was born March 4, 1923, in Chehalis, Wash., and had lived in Alaska for 41 years. He graduated from Chehalis High School and earned a bachelor's degree in music from Washington State College in Pullman, Wash., where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. He played trombone and piano in local dance bands and the college orchestra and band.

He continued his studies and obtained a master's degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He had played professionally for several famous entertainers, including John Denver.

Mr. Williamson served in the U.S. Army during World War II, played trombone in a military marching band and organized and directed a camp band. He had been a professor of music with the University of Alaska Anchorage and Anchorage Community College since 1971.

He was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 28 in Chehalis, Wash. He was also a member of Shriner of Nile Temple, in Washington, the Pioneers of Alaska Igloo No. 15, the College Band Directors National Association and Musicians Union Local 650 A.F.M. He enjoyed flying, hunting and fishing.

He leaves his wife, Marjorie, of Anchorage; his sons, James, of Tustin, Calif., and Scott and John, both of Broomfield, Colo.; and his sisterinlaw, Josephine Williamson, of Anchorage.

UA Site named after John (Wendy) Williamson

Williamson Auditorium

Links

Friends Remember Wendy Williamson as Adored Teacher