Joseph's Obituary
In the early morning of a beautiful Sunday, his favorite day of the week, our dad, grandpa, uncle, and friend, took his last breath on earth and his first steps into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We know the first person in line to watch his homecoming was the love of his life, Betty Jean.
Joseph "Sam" Williamson was born on July 11, 1930, to James and Marie Williamson, in Kenora, Ontario, Canada. He attended St. Mary’s residential school where he put on his first pair of hockey skates. It was here he acquired a love for hockey. When he was a bit older, he ventured to Hibbing, MN, where he played for the Hibbing Flyers and worked in an open pit iron ore mine. It was in Hibbing that the legendary Bob Dylan would watch him play hockey. Dylan would go on to say in an interview ‘Sammy’ was his favorite hockey player, alongside Robert “Rocket” Richard. Sam’s hockey career would be put on hold as he served his country during the Korean War. Upon his discharge from the Army, he was told there was hockey in Montana. He loaded up his car and ended up in Great Falls where he met the love of his life, Betty Jean, in 1959. They married in 1960. Their marriage was built on faith and love, and they instilled that in their four children. Through trials and tribulations their faith and love for each other only grew. They were truly an inspiration to many of what true love means and how the power of God and prayer works in one's life.
Once in Great Falls, he started working at Foreman & Ford Paint Co. and joined the Great Falls Americans hockey team. He played for the Americans for many years. He received the leading score title and the most gentlemanly award on more than one occasion. He was honored to be on the 1956 U.S. Men’s National Championship team. His jersey, #11, was retired in 2014 at the Ice plex in Great Falls. Hockey was a big part of his life, and through it, Sam gained many amazing friends that he treasured with all his heart.
He was a glazier by trade and worked for many years at the House of Glass where he installed the windows and electric doors of many buildings and businesses in Montana and the Northwest. He would go on to work for The Ursuline Center for 15 years, a position he loved and enjoyed being a part of. Sam was a friend of Bill W. for 40 plus years. He was an integral part of the Cum Christo (Cursillo) movement, St. Dismas (prison ministry), and the Kateri Tekawitha conference and meetings in Great Falls. He was extremely passionate about and worked tirelessly to touch and impact as many lives as he could through his different ministries.
Sam’s love for God and family, kindness, gentleness, and his drive to minister in his community made him the amazing person he was. The lives he inspired and touched are countless. He makes us strive to do more, love more, and keep our faith alive. Sam is survived by his daughters, Sherry Vogel and Noreen (Frank) Bell; grandchildren, Jeremy Williamson, Kyle Vogel, Sam (Heidi) Williamson, Eric (Tamera) Vogel, Alexa Bell, and Taisha Bell; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his daughter, Kathy Williamson; and son, Joe Williamson.
His love, caring nature and sweet soul will forever leave an emptiness in many lives, most felt by those closest to him. We are consoled knowing he is sitting at the feet of Jesus with his beautiful wife and all his family who have been waiting for him. God sent angels to carry you to heaven. Rest in eternal paradise. Your work here is done.
The funeral liturgy will take place on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with burial to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to The Ursuline Centre or Peace Hospice.
