Harry L. Williams, 68, a longtime Baker City resident, died Aug. 22, 2009, after a nine-year battle with cancer.
There will be a celebration of Harry’s life at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Elkhorn Gallery, 1234 Second St. Minister Doug Edmonds will officiate.
The first child of Henry and Ellen Williams, Harry was born at The Dalles on July 27, 1941. The family moved often in his childhood because of his father’s work.
Harry attended more than a dozen schools growing up, eventually graduating from Marshfield High School at Coos Bay. He then joined the U.S. Navy and served a four-year tour of duty.
Most of his service was in the Far East: Hong Kong, Japan and off the coast of Vietnam.
After serving his country, Harry worked in heavy construction and had the good fortune to meet Tessa Thompson. They were happily married for 44 years and had two sons, Hank and Heath.
Harry’s many endeavors included working in ranching, as a restaurant owner, carpenter, and in construction. He worked at the Sheriff’s Office while attending Eastern Oregon State College (now Eastern Oregon University) at La Grande where he earned a bachelor’s degree.
For the last 21 years he and his wife operated the Elkhorn Athletic Club. Harry became an accomplished artist over the years and two years ago added an art gallery to the business where local artists display their work.
Harry was passionate about whatever he attempted: fitness, weight training, racquetball, art and hunting. He was an avid reader and loved to share what he had learned. His generosity knew no bounds as many will attest.
He was preceded in death by his brother, George; sister, Beth; and his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Tessa, and son, Hank, and his wife, Vickie, all of Baker City; son Heath and his wife, Sania, of Savannah, Ga.; sister, Dana Endicott, and her husband, Marvin, of Baker City; brother, Terry Williams, and his wife, Teri, of Boise; brother, Jerry, and his wife, Michelle, of Nacogdoches, Texas; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Christ of La Grande, or to any local food bank through Gray’s West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon August 26, 2009
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor