Dr. Charles Richard (Dick) Williams
1933-2023
Dr. Charles Richard (Dick) Williams (1933-2023) passed away in the early morning hours on December 30. He is now at peace.
Dick was a musician in the U.S. Navy, serving on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean during the Korean War, and playing in the parade in Washington D.C. for President Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1953 (where, according to him, he learned to avoid walking behind the elephants).
After leaving the Navy, Dick returned to university studies where he received a BS in chemistry, as well as a masters and PhD degrees in mathematics. He taught math for 20 years at Midwestern State University in Texas and computer science for 20 years for California State University (CSU) Dominguez Hills. Besides serving as president of the CSU senate, he served on the statewide committee that was instrumental in establishing California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo.
Dick was an accomplished musician and clarinetist, so after retiring to Point Roberts to be close to the family, he found groups to join: A Little Night Music Orchestra, The Delta Music Makers, The Delta Concert Band, and the Royal City Concert Band. Dick was a member of the Point Roberts Winds which he and Lucy founded. He also played for the Sunday services for many years at Trinity Lutheran Church. He never wanted to give up the clarinet but finally retired from playing altogether at age 86 after 78 years.
After moving to Point Roberts, the Downtown Wacky Walkers welcomed him wholeheartedly and supplied him with dozens of friends, good walks and talks, and more than a dozen years of fun memories. The Friday afternoon bridge games with Curt Bush, Sally Roberts and her son, Len were a highlight.
Dick volunteered for several years for the Point Roberts Food Bank, was a member of the TOOBS (Tsawwassen Order of Old Bastards), and was proud to have served on the Whatcom County Hospital District Board
Dick was a lifelong learner. He was genuinely curious about the world and all of its inhabitants. That curiosity translated into an openness towards people and situations. He was a kind, caring, generous and loving member of our family and of any community in which he took part. One of the last things he shared was his belief that liking someone was a choice, so why not choose to like them? I don’t think I know of anyone who didn’t like him.
Dick is survived by Lucy, his wife of 41 years, son David Williams, daughter Kelly Williams, her husband Greg Kean Williams, and daughter Valerie Woodard, as well as grandchildren, Dr. Spencer Williams, Lucien Williams, Miles Williams, and Boone Williams.
In lieu of cards or flowers, a donation can be given in Dick’s memory to the Trinity Church’s building fund. The 100+ year old church in Point Roberts needs some serious foundation work and repairs. Canadian checks can be made out to Daily Bread for a Canadian tax receipt. Trinity Lutheran Church, Box 437, Point Roberts, WA 98281.
