BANGOR – Dwight R. Williamson, 59, died peacefully Friday, July 8, 2005, in the arms of his wife. He fought a brave and courageous battle with lung cancer this past year. He was born Nov. 27, 1945, in Bangor, the only son of Richard “Buster” and Virginia “Ginny” Williamson. He graduated from Gould Academy in Bethel in 1964. He was employed at The Bangor Daily News for 42 years. Dwight had a great love and deep respect for the outdoors and wild life and anxiously awaited spring and the fishing season. He had the greatest love for fishing and enjoyed immensely exploring the many lakes of Maine; hoping to catch “the big one,” of which he often would do many times. His favorite being “Lake Umbagog” and numerous, summer visits spent with his family in Upton. Dwight would talk at length about his adventures in the woods with his John Deere Skidder. He enjoyed cutting and hauling out trees when visiting Upton. Dwight was an avid sportsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, as well as camping and trapping in his earlier years. He enjoyed special times with his wife, boating the Penobscot River and enjoying the wild life. He looked forward to his Saturday nights spent at the Brewer Eagles Club, of which he was a 20-year or more member. Dwight had a love for dancing and was affectionately referred to as “the snake.” He shared a unique bond with his cousin, who was known only as “Cuzin’ Dunk” and loved him like a brother. He also had an amazing bond with his little stepgranddaughter, “Rachel” and looked forward to her many visits. Dwight was a quiet and shy man with a “gentle soul” who never spoke an unkind word toward anyone. He had a sensitive side toward people and animals alike, and a special love for his loyal cat, “Boots.” Dwight will be remembered for his shy, boyish personality, his mischievous, dimpled grin, sparkling brown eyes and dark, curly hair. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 12 years, Johanne “Joni” (Watts) Williamson; his wonderful parents, Buster and Ginny Williamson of Upton; sister, Dianne Williamson of Augusta; a daughter, Pamela Johnston of Indiana; a son, Richard Williamson of South Carolina; and a stepdaughter, Jodi (Collins) Braley of Virginia, which he shared a closeness with; grandchildren, Piper and Seaver Johnston of Indiana; stepgranddaughter, Rachel Braley of Virginia; mother-in-law, Genny Butler of Brewer; “his special cousin,” Duncan Jordan, wife, Carol and families of Clifton; niece, Michelle Bouchard and family of Auburn; many relatives, in-laws and friends. Dwight also leaves a special group of co-workers, that he formed a close “brotherhood” with over the years, while employed at the Bangor Daily News. Much gratitude goes out to all the medical professionals at CancerCare of Maine and Eastern Maine Medical Center of Bangor, Norumbega Medical Staff of Brewer, St. Joseph’s Hospice and to the family and friends who were there during this very difficult time. Respectfully granting the wishes of Dwight, there will not be a funeral service. To honor the request of the departed, A “Gathering of Remembrance” will be held 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, for family and friends to pay tribute to Dwight’s life, at Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer. Gifts in memory of Dwight may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
DWIGHT R. WILLIAMSON
