Robert Breck Williams Jr.

1942 - 2023

Robert Breck Williams, Jr.

Chichester, NH - Robert Breck Williams, Jr., 80, of Chichester, NH, died at Concord Hospital on January 20 with his family at his bedside, after a period of failing health.

He was born in 1942, the son of Robert B. Williams, Sr., and Elizabeth Shaw Williams. He grew up in Winchester, MA, and attended local schools and Governor Dummer Academy. He began college at Bates College, took some time off, and then transferred to Clark University where he majored in psychology. His wife Linda was also a transfer student at Clark, whom he wouldn't have met had he not taken time off.

Bob began his work life as a social worker at the New York Training School for Girls in Hudson, NY. As a conscientious objector to the war in Vietnam this was also his alternative service. He then discovered that his real calling was auto repair. He opened Williams Alignment in 1977. Making cars safe and energy efficient was part of his commitment to caring for the earth.

Bob was passionate about clean energy, environmental issues, and the peace movement. He was active in the anti-nuclear movement and was a co-founder of the Campaign for Ratepayers Rights. He worked to end the death penalty in NH. Bob was also active in the UU Church for 44 years and very involved in making it a green building. Nothing would make him angrier than a lack of justice, and nothing made him happier than feeling like the world was being made a better place somehow.

Above all, Bob loved his family, his friends, and his pets. He instilled a sense of justice and responsibility in his children, along with a sense of sensory delight and gratitude. He would ride a train anywhere. He once owned a Checker cab and he was always a fan of Checkers. He loved to travel, and especially loved Scotland and anything Scottish. He would never pass up a chance to have ice cream.

He leaves his wife of 54 years, Linda Dumelin Williams, son Robert B. Williams III, daughter Lorien Wilson, son-in-law Wayne Wilson, child Moriah Williams, and sister Susan Williams. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Morag Othen. Many beloved pets will greet him on the Rainbow Bridge.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Instead of flowers, you may remember him with a gift to UNICEF, Peace Action, the local SPCA, or the Concord Unitarian Universalist Church.