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ARTHUR WILLIAMS Obituary

ARTHUR WILLIAMS - FAYSTON - Arthur Williams, 87, of Fayston, died Dec. 28, 2013, in Copley Woodlands, in Stowe, surrounded by his family and caregiver. He was a longtime civic leader, polo enthusiast, skier, sailor, and devoted father, brother and friend. Arthur was born on July 3, 1926, in Bath, Maine, the son of John Winslow Williams and Emma Kaiulani Sewall. His childhood years were spent at the family's summer home in Small Point, Maine, and their primary residence in Baltimore, Md., where he attended Gilman School and enjoyed riding bikes and waging BB gun wars with neighborhood friends. Arthur graduated from the Clark School in Hanover in 1946 and received his bachelor's degree in English and American History from Bowdoin College in 1951. He joined the American Field Service during World War II, where he served as an ambulance driver for the French Army. After teaching for a few years at private schools in Connecticut and New York, Arthur and his wife, Hanne, moved to the Mad River Valley in 1958, and taught together in one-room schoolhouses in Moretown and Fayston. Arthur was one of the original investors in Sugarbush Resort in Warren, Vt. He served three two-year terms as town representative from Fayston, and then was appointed chair of historic sites and the first executive director of the State Council on the Arts. He retired from the Arts Council in 1986 and stayed on as curator of the Vermont State House to oversee the State House restoration project. He later founded the Friends of the Vermont State House to support the ongoing financial needs of the restoration project. Arthur was also the original founder of The Community Fund, which was set up to meet the needs of Mad River Valley residents. Arthur was an avid polo player for 40 years. He and a group of longtime friends founded the first professional polo league in the Mad River Valley, and he played in tournaments throughout New England and in Canada. He always loved an adventure, whether exploring the Maine coast in a favorite boat, skiing down the slopes at Sugarbush, or playing in a polo game. Later in life, he discovered a love for painting and completed dozens of oil paintings of maritime scenes. He also loved to write, and recently completed his memoir. Being active and enjoying the outdoors were always priorities in his life, along with a deep devotion to his family and friends. He was well-loved for his sense of humor and caring, sensitive nature. As his heath began to fail over the past year, Arthur greatly appreciated the phone calls and visits from his many friends in the Mad River Valley and the State House. He often said that his friends and family were what made life worth living. Survivors include his sister, Anne Winter; sister-in-law, Ann Williams; his children, Astrid, John, and Nate; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. His wife of 55 years, Hanne Nielsen Williams; and his two brothers, Jack and Sewall, died earlier. A celebration of his life will be held on Jan. 18, 2014, at the Round Barn Farm in Waitsfield at 4 p.m. with a reception follow. Interment will be at a later date in Bragg Hill Cemetery, Fayston. Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com and Facebook. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in his name to either Friends of the Vermont State House, 2 Governor Aiken Ave., Montpelier, VT 05633; or The Community Fund, P.O. Box 353, Waitsfield, VT 05673.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on Dec. 31, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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All around good guy who shared his own good fortune generously...

Jim Dodds

December 25, 2023

The first time I came to the Valley to visit my dear wife, Judy, I hitchhiked, from Barre, and Arthur picked me up in Middlesex and dropped me off at the intersection of 100 and 17, pointing out Judy's house. It was cosmic. Good man, good friend.

Jim Dodds

Friend

December 25, 2020

A candle is sent as Arthur was a light of inspiration, competence, and kindness to many, including me. He and Hanne raised fine children and now grandchildren are among their legacy. We are all fortunate for however he has touched our lives.

Alice Armstrong

January 15, 2014

My late husbnd Ed and I first met Arthur when we stayed at Ulla Lodge, in the early days of Mad River Glen. The two brothers, Sewall and Arthur were running Ulla, and we often stayed there on our frequent trips from Bethesda, MD. In fact, we were there for Sewall and Ann's engagement party.
My daughter and I were at our house on Mill Brook Road, during the last holidays, with her daughter and family, including the 2 oldest of my 8 great grandhildren, who with their parents have learned to ski in the Valley.
I regret that I will be unable to attend the service for Arthur, he was truly a wonderful friend to the Valley, Vermont and skiing.
My sincere condolences to the family for this loss. Janet Mischler

2 Buttonwood Lane & 2712 Mill Brook Road
Bethesda MD 20816 Fayston













Vzaermont and skiing

January 10, 2014

The Folger family was greatly saddened to lean of Arthur's passing. We lost a good friend and we owe him a lot over the past fifty years. Our condolences to the family. Tom Folger

January 6, 2014

Dear John, Astrid, Anne and Family,
We were saddened to read about Arthur's passing. He was a good friend and a big supporter of the arts in Vermont. Did you know that in the way he played "Cupid" to Jim and I many years ago? Ethan Hubbard introduced us at a meeting at Goddard College in 1972, and a few days later Jim was hitching down to Waitsfield to see me. Arthur picked him up in Middlesex, and said, "Oh yes. I know Judy,” and drove him down. What a sweet guy! The rest, as they say, is history. Let us know if there's anything we can do. Please give everyone our condolences and we will see you at the service.

Love,
Judy and Jim

Judy and Jim Dodds

January 6, 2014

On behalf of the many Vermont architects that came to know Arthur both through Hanne's many years with AIA Vermont as well as through Arthur's own many endeavors, I express our sadness for your family's loss. Arthur's spirit will live on always.

Carol Miklos

January 3, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss John, Lorraine, Noah and Hanne. Arthur is a valley legend which lives on.

Jeb Bouchard

January 2, 2014

Will always remember Arthur's enthusiasm for Friends of the State House. I can see him now (with David Schutz) telling people about plans for the Cedar Creek room....turns out he was that way about many efforts to make Vermont a better place to live! Vermont was fortunate to have a citizen like Arthur,

Jane Williams

January 2, 2014

Farewell dear Arthur.

Mary Kate Chandler

January 1, 2014

If I recall rightly, Art's moving obituary did not mention his passion for protecting Vermont's environment and his willingness to help a fledgling conservation group, the Vermont Natural Resources Council, move from a handful of loyal volunteers to a well-organized, well-funded organization. I know because my husband Seward Weber was the first paid employee of VNRC, back in 1971. Art was an early supporter, very important in those lean years ("will we survive?") and gave generously. I believe he went on to serve on the board of directors. Today VNRC is a well-organized, well-endowed presence, thanks to the foresight of early visionaries like Art. "From small beginnings . . . "

Susan Weber

January 1, 2014

Arthur was one of the nicest and best men to ever grace the Mad River Valley. He is irreplaceable in so many ways. It was an honor to know him.

Christopher & E.V. Hamilton

January 1, 2014

Dear John, Astrid and Nate and families,
You are in our prayers and thoughts at this sad time. We feel very priviledged to have known both of your parents. We first met them when they were both teaching at the Moretown Common school when we lived in Moretown.
May God Bless you all,
Mickie and Adrian Elwell

December 31, 2013

My deepest sympathies to the Williams family. May all of your memories of him help you through this difficult time. He will be missed by many. He was a kind and gentle soul who gave so much to his family and community.

Laurel Pierpont

December 31, 2013

We wish to express our sympathies to the family of Arthur Williams. He was an outstanding person and well-loved by all who crossed his path. He will be remembered fondly. Laurie and Dan Emery, and Terri Biggers

December 31, 2013

Art was, for many years, a friend and benefactor of our hospice program at CVHHH. He was a true friend and gentleman...always.
Blessings to his family and the Valley he loved so much.
Diana Peirce

December 31, 2013

My deepest sympathies on your loss. I've known Arthur for many years, such a gentle soul. He will be missed.

Judi Buczkowski

December 31, 2013

What a life he had. How I will miss Arthur and my talks with him. He was such a bright light in my life and all who knew him. I feel so honored to have been a friend. I am thinking of you John, and your entire family. I know you have so many wonderful memories of him.

Susan Parrish-Lee

December 30, 2013

Arthur and his family represent what is so wonderful about our community and our state, and he will be revered and remembered for many years to come.
Mary and Pierre Moffroid

December 30, 2013

What a huge contribution to his Mad River Valley, to the state of Vermont, to his family and to all of us who had the honor to know him. His joyous spirit, generosity to the state of VT and many others, and gentlemanly demeanor will stay forever in my memory and shine through each of the children. Bless you, Arthur, your friendship was an honor to me.

Judy Rocchio

December 30, 2013

A very full and well rounded life, he was indeed a good man. We send our condolences to all the Williams family.

Peter & Henrietta Sherwin

December 30, 2013

Sad to hear the news. Arthur knew my parents back in the day, and more recently when my wife and I were looking to join the Small Point Club he offered to put in a good word. In my few brief conversations with him, I appreciated his generous spirit and warmth.

Philip Glouchevitch

December 30, 2013

I am so sorry to hear this news. Arthur was an amazing man who touched so many. He always had a kind word and an incredible memory. He will be missed.

Lori Klein

December 30, 2013

A very special man shared his time on this Earth with us and those who knew him best were blessed the most. He will be remembered with love and laughter....there is no greater legacy. Thinking of you.

Sue Anne Stager

December 30, 2013

A life well lived. Both the community leader and family man will be missed. Condolences to John and the rest of the Williams clan.

Judith Wyman

December 30, 2013

Dear family and friends of Arthur, please know I am keeping you in my warm thoughts at this time. I will always remember Arthur's twinkly smile, his wonderful sense of humor and all the good times we had together at polo games. He was a sweet man.

Bernadette Hood

December 29, 2013

Dear Astrid , John, ( and Nate), I am so sorry for your loss. I am wishing you and your extending family's strength during this difficult time. I'm sorry it takes such an event to at times get back in touch with old friends. It seems almost like yesterday that I was walking his horses between checkers at polo matches, or braiding tails, or enjoying words of wisdom at your house. We were all lucky in The Valley to have your parents as such active members in it.

Most Sincerely,

Betsy Green

Betsy Green

December 29, 2013

Arthur was always welcoming when I came to play polo at Sugarbush. I was a good friend of Harlow Carpenter as well; a good friend of Arthur.
He will be missed by many polo players.

Ed Armstrong

December 29, 2013

My sincerest condolences to all of you.
It was a priveledge to work with your dad, and to get to know this family.
I will truely miss him.

Connie Robichaud

December 29, 2013

Dear Astrid, Nate and John, Sending you prayers and strength through this difficult time. He will live on through all of you and your family members.

Lisa Martin

December 29, 2013

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