Harold “Hal” Williamson was a beloved great grandfather, grandfather, father, and husband during his incredible 93 years of life. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on July 26, 2023, in Richland, WA.

He was born on August 30, 1929 in Steubenville, OH, to Forest Williamson and Daisey Mercer.

Hal married Janice Gottlieb on April, 25,1953 in St Joseph’s Cathedral in Baton Rouge, La. They have 3 children, David Williamson of Brentwood CA, Barbara Christensen, of Selah WA and Carol Wahula, of Lancaster, SC. They have 5 grandchildren (David, Daniel, Lori, Michele, and Tony) and 5 great grandchildren (Luke, Lucy, Alexis, Anjelica and Lourdes).

Hal graduated from Steubenville H.S. in 1947 and went on to earn a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Case Institute of Technology in 1951. He started his professional career as a Chemical Engineer with a company that made the antiknock compound for gasoline. He started his nuclear career by attending the 1953/54 class of the Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology. During his 30 plus years in the nuclear industry, he has worked for a national laboratory (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), an architect engineer (United Engineers & Constructors), a nuclear steam supply system manufacturer (General Electric), and a reload fuel supplier (Exxon Nuclear/ Siemens Company).

He retired in May 1995 and was able to spend more time on his hobbies and interests. Hal was a member of the Richland Rotary Club and was President in 1996 and is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Other organizations he was a vital member of or an office holder were The National Society of Professional Engineers, The American Nuclear Society, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Alpha Chi Sigma and the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. He was also a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Kennewick. He traveled extensively with his wife, Nan, and visited many foreign countries.

Hal was best known for his leadership roles and generosity. He held multiple leadership positions in the organizations he joined and endowed a permanent fund at Rotary and a scholarship fund at Case Western. He did not tolerate selfishness and led his life through example.

Hal is survived by daughter Barbara and her daughter Lori and Barbara’s husband David Christensen, daughter Carol and husband Ron Wahula and their children Michele and Tony, daughter-in-law Cindy Williamson and her children David and Daniel and friend/partner Florence Cook.

He is preceded in death by his parents Forest and Daisey Williamson: grandson Corey Northam: son David E. Willliamson: and wife of 60 years Nan Williamson

The service for Hal will be held on Friday, at 10:00 AM at Sunset Memorial Gardens – Alcove of Remembrance.
Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens – Alcove of Remembrance, Richland, WA.

A celebration of his life will be held later that day at a winery to toast the extraordinary life he led. He will be remembered for all the love he shared with family and friends. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength and was full of love for those who went before him and those he left behind. His spirit and soul are at peace and will be forever free to soar.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either the Hal and Nan Williamson Endowed Fund for the Rotary Foundation Permanent Fund www.rotary.org or Janice (Nan) & Harold (Hal) Williamson, P.E. ’51 Endowed Scholarship Fund. Also, Case Western Reserve University Office of Donor Relations 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106-703.