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Robert C. Williams Jr.
Robert C. Williams Jr.
Obituary
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Robert Williams Obituary
RC was born on May 21, 1931, in Chattanooga, TN, where he was a Golden Gloves champion boxer and earned a degree in engineering from the University of Tennessee. After a stint in the U.S. Air Force as a jet pilot, he discovered the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. He honed his true calling as an architect at the Harvard School of Design and while there, discovered the mountains of Vermont. Moving here in 1961, he founded Hawk Mountain with a small loan from a friend, with the vision of creating environmentally harmonious homes from wood and stone, carefully sited in nature and designed to elevate the human spirit. His company built several hundred homes over the decades here and abroad, employing many local people.
RC spent his last 42 years with his beloved wife, Annabelle. Together they created a blended family with his daughter Tanya and Annabelle's two sons, Craig and Kaya. Tanya lives with her husband, Brian Mo'e, in Stockbridge, VT. Her mother, Marianne, of Belfast, Maine, remains a close part of this family. Craig and his wife, Holloway, and their children Riley, Hollis & Caitlin live in Norwich VT. Kaya and his wife, Kelley, and son, Thaylo, live in Canyon, California. RC's family was all-important to him. His ashes will be buried in the meadow above his home next to those of his son, Gregory, who died in a car accident in 1978, at the age of 17.
Especially in his last decades, RC dedicated several hours every morning to the reading and writing of poetry. He was also an accomplished watercolorist and a consummate sailor. For almost 30 years, he and Annabelle sailed most of the way around the world on their sloop, Goldenrod II, during the winter months, collecting memories and friends from dozens of cultures. He often declared himself a happy man who never dreamed of the fulfillment he experienced. His wide circle of loved ones added deeply to his life and to the beauty of his passage. He embraced death as natural and liberating. His presence continues to grace our lives. There will be a celebration of his life on his 85th birthday, May 21, 2016, in the backyard of his home, his favorite place in the world.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kat
December 22, 2023
I miss you, RC. Think of you often and sometimes catch the hum of you passing by.
Paul Bunion Bikoff
December 24, 2022
All Xmas blessings to you, Annabelle, and family & friends! Wound up in the Berkshires ...stop by if you are ever passing Jiminy Peak here in Hancock...I´m on the mountainside at 400 Rathbun Rd....namaste! Paul "Bunion"
Diana Anhalt
December 23, 2022
He gave so much of himself and his friendship meant so much to me.
Diana Anhalt
Lynn Kennedy
December 23, 2022
Robert and Annabelle were friends of my parents John and Helen Kennedy. They moved to Vermont and lived in one of the Hawk Homes in Pittsfield. I knew they always felt so lucky to have known both of them. And I still remember them all as well, the light of their lives that touched so many lives on....
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Annabelle
December 23, 2022
Many thanks to you, Paul. On Monday night our Vermont family will gather at Tanya & Brian's to honor and remember RC, whose spirit lingers here, especially at the pond. We will laugh a lot, Im sure, read his poetry, and revel in how he enriched our lives.
annabelle williams
December 30, 2021
It's been 6 years now, and many still report feeling his presence quietly passing through their lives. i greet him every morning myself. He continues to touch our lives with his love and legacy, and this year our whole family was together to celebrate his beautiful eternal being. annabelle
annabelle williams
December 23, 2020
5 years ago today, one day after open heart surgery, RC recognized that his time had come to cross over. Three days later he did just that-- peacefully, gallantly, surrounded by his beloved family. His presence still graces this home as a frequent waft of gentle sweetness. Remembering him always makes me happy.
Neil Fox
December 23, 2020
RC will always be part of my life. I was so proud of our relationship, our Outward Bound trip running rapids on the Colorado, repelling side by side high above the river, sailing in the Caribbean, telling stories, just being together. Love to you dear friend.
Neil
radha bello
July 16, 2018
Dear Annabelle,Just moved into our new home on Salt Spring Island,BC and as I put the books on the shelves in the library I rediscovered RC's 'Patterns of Afternoon' and remembered you both with love and warmth. His poems always touched my heart and I hoped to invite you both to come and watch the sail boats as they pass through Tricomali channel in front of the house.So dear Annabelle we would love to have you visit to catch up on all our lives.omm..Radha and gopal/gary bello
January 26, 2018
I always think of RC's describing poetry "as the most profound way of approaching one's own being and I'm comforted in remembering this truth as I struggle to write what is mine alone to say. As RC wrote in the poem Journey Across these Words."the vast waters where I and my little boat set sail on our journey across these words."
The soft colors of RC's palette and bleeding watercolor images reflect the graceful beauty and mystery of life inherent in his poetry. It's as if he is the two worldsthe here and the approaching beyond mingle in the artist's brush.
We missed RC in San Miguel again this yearit's not the same without him. But to have this collection of last poems is a way of keeping him with us and inspiring me as always with his poetry and art and his profound being. Thank you Annabelle, Lisken, and Ron for creating a lasting trubute to RC and sharing these poems with me.
Susan Florence, Ojai, CA.
Danny Dover
December 26, 2017
This is a remarkable collection, from someone who obviously felt and loved life very deeply. I wish I had taken more of an opportunity to get to know him better. The poetry left behind is a great legacy.
Cavendish, Vermont- foto taken by paul from the covered bridge 09/26/2014
Paul Bikoff
November 29, 2017
Dear Annabelle -
Xmas has arrived early! Thank you for RC's "This Impossible Once - LAST POEMS"...Beautiful watercolors and words that meant so much to RC & us -
Hazel Johnson at her soapstone sink baking biscuits-a flowerpot blessed with the beauty of peonies -the field sloping upward from the farmhouse with wildflowers blooming and the birds singing...
I have an idea...much like the Olympics, I call upon all those who touched and were touched by RC to meet in his beloved Green Mountains on May 21st, 2018 to keep the poetry flowing..
Here's a little ditty to start us off -
"There once was a poet named RC,
We were graced by his love of life as
his words flowed like oil mazzola
So let us come together to celebrate
the life of RC the Unusual-RC the Uncola !
paul
14 Bartlett place
huntington, ny
cell phone: 516 456-9123
home: 631 470-0968
e mail: [email protected]
Bob Kopelman
November 27, 2017
Thank you for the book of RC's poems. I am reading them slowly, two or three each day, or evening. I feel like I am having the talks we never had, RC and I, about everything deep and contemplative, about our wonderment and bewilderment. Lucky you, lucky RC, to live such a life together. Thank you for sharing such richness.
Mo Dwyer
November 27, 2017
Thank You so Much Dear Annabelle for the beautiful collection of Robert's most recent and last poems. I paged through some of them last evening and they are quite poignant and beautiful and the Love he had while on this earth for You and still wraps around you in the Heavens came through Loud and Clear on those pages. I am honored to have been his and still your Friend on this Life"s Journey.
Much Love My Dear Friend & Soul Sister, Mo
Paul Bikoff
January 11, 2017
Great to have met you in person, Annabelle & thank you for the open invitation...you never know when I need to dip the old bod in "Buttermilk Falls" in Mount Holly! Here are some beautiful words I ran across for the first time by a not-too-shabby poet that I know RC would love:
"In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer>" - Albert Camus
Love to all!
Flatlander paul (still stuck in Huntington , Long Island)
Reza Bundy
August 28, 2016
Dear Annabelle, He was an accomplished man who loved you very much. My condolences to you and the family.
August 25, 2016
Dear Annabelle,
I just discovered RC had passed.
He was and always will be, a major influence in my life.
While it's been over a decade since we've been in touch, visions of my time with him and you are a gift I will forever cherish.
With love,
Neil Fox
david "Goody" gudisman
May 25, 2016
Annabelle,
The name of the first restaurant I learned to be a chef. I just thought of you two, looked RC's name up online and discovered this news of his passing in December. I miss you and think of you (both) often. Especially since I have taken up sailing in the Casco Bay of my town, Portland, ME.
If it is any reason to remember you, Annabelle, it is also with RC in mind that I smile and send my love, thoughts, goodness and positivity.
Fleece,
Goody
Don Merkle
May 16, 2016
Dear Annabelle and family,
So sorry for the belated condolences as I just returned to Vermont from winter in the Caribbean to learn of your loss.
Robert, thank you for your confidence in me and mentoring that gave my career a jumpstart nearly fifty years ago. In addition your understanding and commitment to organic architecture served me well and influences my decisions to this day. More recently I fondly remember luncheons with you at the Yellow Deli. You will be missed and long remembered.
Don Merkle - Rutland, Vermont
Larry Templeton
March 3, 2016
Annabelle, so sorry to learn of RC's passing. I have so many fond memories.
Dori Evans/Ball
February 26, 2016
Dear Annabelle, We met many years ago (26 years)when Robert was designing our Hawk home which we named, Magic Happens. You showed me where you meditated and I was so inspired that we had Robert design an addition which included a meditation room. Our Magical home has provided solace and comfort and so much magic, perched on our mountain overseeing such beauty, that people stand in silent awe when arriving. No design can compare to the one that Robert created and his spirit lives on in our beautiful home. We feel his presence every time we enter our home and the wholesome beauty brings such joy to us. We are so grateful for his contribution to our lives. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Payette Horton
February 7, 2016
Dear Annabelle I am saddened to learn about RC. He will be at the farm house watching over things
Flying high....
Kirby North Ancona
February 1, 2016
My deepest condolences to Robert's family. We met long ago in the 1970's. I have never forgotten his inspiring, intelligent creativity & his generous sense of humor.
Sandy Gartner
January 28, 2016
Dear Annabelle,
We were so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. He was one of the most gentle, intelligent and life affirming people I have met. Robert's legacy will live on but he will be deeply missed by his friends, family and community. Fondly, Sandy and Allen Gartner
January 14, 2016
Diana Anhalt
January 13, 2016
After reading about RC I couldn't help thinking that despite the fact that I knew him well during the 13 years we both met in San Miguel de Allende for the poetry workshop, he never bragged about his many accomplishments. How little I knew about him aside from his wonderful poetry. We will always miss his reassuring and self-evasive presence.
January 13, 2016
Dearest AB, Tanya, Craigle, Kaya, grandchildren, and extended family,
To break bread and hold hands only days before the river crossing has made this writing difficult, as then we sensed RC's caution about his own self.
RC still IS one of a kind: both gentle and strong, handsome and rough, shy and bawdy, resolute and giving. We've seen it all and loved both of him!
In the early 70's we eyed this wild, bearded cowboy swing his Porsche into a Woodstock parking spot. From a distance said, An unusual sight, must get to know this man, and so we met not too long afterward, the friendship ongoing -- and this a most tearful goodbye.
Due to a prior work commitment, we are crushed we will not be able to attend the celebration of his life on May 21, but then we have missed a few of his other big moments, that made fond stories through the years. Know we will be there in our thoughts.
TOAST FOR RC:
To know death is to understand
the accomplishments of a single soul,
reverberate in the symphonies of all ages,
revel at the brush, caress the sculpture,
and understand the void.
To feel death is to know the poet
soothing heart and spirit through a veil
of appreciation as we live on
and in the creation.
Is to sense hope and rebirth
truly our only salvation
when we see, hear, feel, and know
with the whole of our being defined?
We live forever if we have lived at all.
Love, T&L
Kathi Guertin Grace
January 5, 2016
Dear Annabelle and family,
Though saddened of the news of RC's passing I am so grateful to have crossed paths with him and fortunate to have been a part of the Hawk community so many years ago. May your many memories bring you comfort.
Fran Markover
January 4, 2016
I am privileged to have known RC through his poetry. He told me our poetry writing was "necessary." I think of this often when I have a hard time writing. I will miss his gentle eloquence. I send my blessings and condolences to RC's family.
"Madness, Magic, Miracles all possible in the Mountains
Paul Bikoff
January 4, 2016
To RC's family -
Even though I never had the chance to meet RC, his life has touched mine...About 2 years ago, after mom had just passed, I stumbled across a place that was new to me -Hawk Mountain in Plymouth...Having been an agent here on Long Island for 30 years with National Life of Vermont, and having vacationed in college at Lake Ninevah, I went looking up at Hawk...The moment I set foot in one of RC's incredibly-built creations, I said to myself, "This is Home"...My Vermont style place, "The Joy of Roy House", here on Long Island is up for sale...A new Joy awaits...I will be driving up (if I'm not hopefully, Krishna willing, already on Salt Ash Rd.) to celebrate with you on May 21st...One of my beloved fellow yogis, Sadhguru, closed his poem "Yalbang" with the words:
"Madness, Magic, Miracles all possible
In the Mountains"...
RC was all of that...and more!
See you soon... All blessings!
Flatlander Paul in Huntington, Long Island
poet, author, yogi, cancer researcher
Gerald Pfeifenberger
January 2, 2016
Dear Annabelle,
I am saddened by your loss. R.C. was a great person, and always in good spirits whenever I was working at the house.
January 1, 2016
Dear Annabelle, Over the years, I reminded RC of the time he sort of saved my life by saying something to me that I needed to hear. I don't know if you ever heard the story and I will have to tell it to you in person. The point of mentioning this is that at the time, he didn't know me but he had such awareness, such insight that he was able to see something that I had been denying and to give me advice I needed to hear. In other words, without knowing it, he changed my life ... I've loved seeing him over the years, always wishing to know him better, and appreciative of his work and kind spirit. My thoughts are with you today as we go into a new year ... I love the expression, he went ahead ... Blessings on the journey ... With love, Yvonne Daley
December 31, 2015
Annabelle FYI... The passing of a great artist, husband, friend and father is never easy. In 1992 when my mother stepped across as RC put it, I was feeling very low a couple of weeks after she passed when I opened a letter from RC. It went further towards my recovery than anything anyone said or wrote at the time. So much so that I framed the letter and it hangs on my wall today. It is a prized possession that I cherish. It was articulate, as he always was and loving. RIP RC you will be dearly missed.
Chris Mathewson
December 31, 2015
Hi Annabelle,
I am sad for your loss.
Louise Harrison
December 30, 2015
To Annabelle and Family and close friends: RC was and will always be one of my very favorite artists.. A true gentle-man, a beautiful spirit,.. And I.only regret that I had not known him better. Lov and Peace from Louise Green Harrison.
Peter Trutmann
December 30, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Thank you RC for the unexpected beauty and friendship you brought into my life, and now the lesson to never leave until later to follow up on the things that are important. It was a privilege to know you. May you rest in peace.
Lynn and Shawn Keith
December 30, 2015
Tanya, We are so sad to hear of your dad's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Alicia Alexander
December 30, 2015
Travel light, My Friend...into your new adventure
Leaving all of us here, the joy of your enduring Friendship
You will be greatly missed
Lynn Kennedy
December 30, 2015
Dear Annabelle and family,
I have such fond memories of you, Robert and my parents in those golden days of the past. I am so sorry to hear of this loss and I am so glad that I had a chance to know you and Robert.
Rosemary
December 30, 2015
What a shock to learn of RC's crossing over today. I, too, just ran into him a couple of weeks ago at the farmer's market, as I often did. My heart goes out to you, Annabelle, and to all of your family, sweet lady.
Tyna Gallagher
December 30, 2015
Dear Annabelle, Tanya, Craig, Kaya and family - I am shocked and saddened by RC's passing. I just chatted with him at the Farmer's Market only a few short weeks ago. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. With a heavy heart - Tyna
Steve "Hobby" Ryan
December 30, 2015
I am so thankful that I crossed paths with RC, it was an extreme pleasure to know him. My condolences and love to the whole family.
Denver Edwards
December 29, 2015
Had one memorable dinner with Annabelle, RC, Craig, and a few Panther teammates in 1987. RC was one of the coolest cats I have ever met. His mind was sharp, critical, and open. His smile was infectious and his laugh was contagious. RC, thanks for seeing me and for giving me one beautiful afternoon. You walk with the Angels brother.
Barb Wood
December 29, 2015
To the Williams and Westling families, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find strength in each other and your friends during this incredibly sad time. God bless
Lisa&Raymond Savoie Elaine Sackrider
December 29, 2015
Annabelle,Craig,Kaya,and Family,our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lisha Garcia
December 29, 2015
Your San Miguel family will miss your poetic insight and incomparable company. Blessings on your next adventure and know you will be missed. Condolences to your much beloved family.
Joan Smith
December 29, 2015
Dear Annabelle,I regret the loss RC's passing must be for your life. But I have no quest ion, as your beautiful obituary makes clear, that both of you lived it to the full.RC's picture made me smile, not a typical response to someone's passing. But with his mischievous eyes and flyaway hair, his soul shines through and invites us all to live our lives whole and fearlessly. You were both a vital influence in my life back in the Vermont hills and valleys, including a book of his poetry. With gratitude, Joan Smith, [email protected]
david
December 29, 2015
To you "Old Friend" -
May the wind always be with you.
At your back
In your sails
At your face
Through your hair
When it moves we will know you're near.
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