1932 – 2023
Woodstock – John (Jack) Hunt Williamson passed away February 9, 2023, at home after a brief decline in health.
He was born in Woodstock, CT March 27, 1932. He spent his childhood in two worlds, schools in Brooklyn, NY and summers on his father’s farm in West Woodstock. He attended Cornell University in ROTC program and earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Dairy Sciences then joined the Army. His basic training was as a helicopter mechanic was in San Marcus, Texas. He continued his military career at Fort Brag NC. He was dispatched to Korea as crew chief to retrieve helicopters. While stationed at Fort Benning GA, he married Catherine (Katie) Dewey Cole of Eastview Farm, Woodstock, on September 18,1955 and together they had 4 children.
While serving, they purchased Maple Lane farm. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He was hired at the DHIA (Dairy Herd Inspection Association) and worked for an Allis-Chalmers dealership. Jack worked many decades for Joseph Campert, helping Joe develop Lake Bungay, Witches Woods Lake, an airstrip and the Ohoho ski area.
He was hard worker, kind, respectful and patient person. He was always a reliable, available friend. He was a husband, father, brother, a dairy farmer, mechanic, construction worker, heavy equipment operator, welder, wood lot manager, avid reader and a fan of Wheaties.
He was widowed in 1974 and married Cecile (Jeanne) Lamontagne Syriac in 1978. Together they raised a second set of four children. He retired from dairy farming in the late 70’s but continued to farm the land and opened Maple Lane Farm Welding and Repair, with his son Dan. He also worked many years for Rene Bennet. He continued to cut and gather his own wood, clear land, tend his fields and his wood stove. Above all Jack was a farmer, the good old Swamp Yankee-kind, like his father Paul Williamson before him.
Jack is survived by his children, Lucy Mac Williams, Jane Williamson and Steven (Kathy) Williamson; by Cecile’s children, Scott (Christine), Lori, Arthur and Sarah Syriac. His brothers, Paul A. Williamson, Gil Williamson (Jean,); his cousins, Peter and Michael Ellsworth, many grand and great-grandchildren, and many lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Katie, his son, Daniel Hunt Williamson, and Grandson, Michael Daigle. There will be a celebration of life in late March. Details will be posted in the Shoppers Guide. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Donald Hibbard
Jack was a true gentleman who years ago was willing to problem solve for his friends’ and family’s mechanical needs. The only thing I did not know in his obit was that he was a Wheaties fan. I guess it fits though as Wheaties claimed to be the ‘breakfast of champions. He truly was one. Bless
Natalie Parker
I’m sorry for your loss.
Natalie Parker
Deborah Ravenwood
My heart goes out to Jane for the loss of her dad. While I never met him, I know wholeheartedly the love she held for him. Bless
You Jack on your journey.
Linda Petricola
Dear Janey, So sorry for your Loss, Wonderful Human Being . Linda Daigle Petricola . Love You Always xoxos.
PAUL A WILLIAMSON
REST IN PEACE BIG BROTHER. KNOWING YOU FOR THE PAST MANY YEARS HAS BEEN FULL OF WONDERFUL MEMORIES. IT IS HARD TO SAY GOOD BYE BUT I HAVE GOT THAT FEELING THAT WE WILL MEET AGAIN DOWN THE ROAD. AS YOU ALWAYS TOLD ME ON MY MANY TRIPS TOO AND FROM KENTUCKY, “DRVE SAFE” I WILL MISS YOU.
Elaine Turner
Sorry you lost your Dad, Jane. He seemed like one of a kind!
Love and Blessings,
Elaine
Leslie & frani Peabody
Janey, Lucy and Steven, both Leslie and I are deeply sorry for your loss. Although I only got to meet your Dad a couple of times at his farm, Leslie has all good things to say about a feisty, friendly man full of life and spirit. Makes a lot of sense since he brought up wonderful people!! And how Leslie speaks of him sounds exactly like the man that made me feel welcomed… May the good life your Dad lived keep you comforted.
George French
So sorry for your loss.
Such a good, kind, caring, person.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Lillian Hopkins
To the Williamson Family,
I was privileged to know Jack as my x-husband’s employee (working excavation equipment, driving truck and repairs) and the husband of daughter’s babysitter. He was truly a gentleman: intelligent, kind, hard working, thoughtful and patient with all personalities. He strived to live a simple life. I am so grateful that he was a life role model for my daughter Amy. Rest in Peace. I am so sorry for your loss.