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Charles Williamson Obituary

Williamson, Charles W. Jr.

On October 6, 2012, Charles W. "Bill"
Williamson, Jr., of Pasadena, passed on to heaven at the age of 89. Bill's life was defined by his persistence, his devotion to family, and his ready smile.
Bill was born in Sweetser, Indiana in 1923 and moved to Marionin 1938. He was very active in Boy and Explorer Scouts, becoming one of the earlier Eagle Scouts in the US with a Silver Palm. Bill loved small-town Indiana and long enjoyed his friendships from there.
Bill's father wanted Bill to go to college, but that seemed all the harder when Bill's dad died when Bill was 14 and left behind his wife and five children. Bill resolved then to earn his way through college, even though the Great Depression was in full swing.After working 2 1/2 years at afactory in Indiana and in the Pearl Harbor Reconstruction following the attack in 1941, Bill had earned enough money to start college.
At Indiana University, Bill was an active member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, the "Fijis," and established many lifelong friendships. He also played on the Varsity Tennis Team for 3 years. He graduated with a degree in accounting in 1948. Bill earned his MBA in Finance in 1949 from UCLA and continued his close association with the Fijis.Bill then moved to Pasadena to start a career in real estate.
In 1959, he met and married Lorretta Kelly, and gained an instant family with daughters Kathy and Karen. Bill later welcomed his children Charlie, Cheryl, and Craig. Always a devoted family man, Bill also opened his home to his niece, Janet, and his mother, "Mama Jo."
Bill opened his own office for a few years, movedto another office, then finally to John E. Grech, Realtors.During his very active years as a working Realtor, he served as Chairman of the Multiple Listing Service and most of the Pasadena Board of Realtors' 15 committees. He was elected to the Board of Directors, where he served for 7 years, and was elected to most of the offices of the Board. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was named Realtor of the Year in 1975.Bill continued playing tennis regularly and enjoyed the great friendships he built on the courts at Caltech and elsewhere.Many years later, Bill semi-retired in Pasadena, continuing to stay involved in real estate, as he could. Bill switched his fitness focus to table tennis and found yet another group of new friends.
Lorretta passed away in 1997. Bill is survived by daughters and sons Kathy Kelly, Karen Schaack, Charlie Williamson, Cheryl Fitzsimmons, and Craig Williamson. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, Bill asked that you consider a donation to Union Station Homeless Services, 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104. A memorial service will be held at San Marino Community Presbyterian Church on Nov. 9th 2012 at 2:00 p.m.

Published by Pasadena Star-News on Oct. 13, 2012.
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