Hugh Williamson Obituary

Former local pathologist Hugh Foster Williamson died Wednesday, January 6, 2010, in Grand Junction. He was 87.

Born March 8, 1922, in Denver, Mr. Williamson married Frances Jesse Love, also from Denver, in 1946. They had five

children and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2006.

Mr. Williamson graduated from the University of Colorado Medical School in 1949 and worked in private practice in

Cedar-edge and Paonia for six years until he was summoned to serve through 1957 as a lieutenant and medical officer in

the  Navy.

After completing a degree in pathology in New Orleans, the family settled in Durango, where he was the primary

pathologist for the Four Corners and founder of Southwest Diagnostic Laboratories. Former colleagues referred to him as

KODW, Kind Old Doc Williamson, his family said.

The family lived at Rio Valle Rancho on the Florida River, where Mr. Williamson raised Aberdeen-Angus cattle and his

wife bred German shepherds. He later retired to Dolores and for many years wintered in Tucson, Ariz. He and his wife

eventually moved full time to Tucson until 2007 when they moved to Grand Junction to be closer to family.

Mr. Williamson was a master craftsman and was featured in numerous woodworking magazines. He also was a self-taught

electrician, plumber, mechanic, large equipment operator, welder, rancher, artist and photographer.

Through hard work and determination he enjoyed a full and happy life, his family said.

Mr. Williamson was preceded in death by his wife, Frances.

Mr. Williamson is survived by his five children: sons Kent Williamson, of Cortez, and Ned Williamson, of Hailey,

Idaho;  daughters Joan Graham, of Grand Junction, Laurie Williamson, of Lenoir, N.C., and Wendy Williamson, of

Durango; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time.