Donald L. Williamson

Headline: Donald L. Williamson, Active in Youth Hockey Donald L. Williamson, 68, of Goffstown, died November 5, 2001 at his residence surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with Cancer. He was born in Montreal, PQ, Canada on August 28, 1933, the son of Lawrence and Aurian (Vezina) Williamson and grew up in Pembroke, Ontario. He graduated in 1957 from Clarkson University in Potsday, NY and was a standout member of the 1956 undefeated Clarkson hockey team. He was a Bedford resident for 33 years. After moving to New Hampshire, Mr. Williamson helped start and was a co-captain of the Manchester Tam O'Shanters hockey team. He was also very active in fostering youth hockey in the Manchester area. In the 1970s, he co-owned and operated Souhegan Skating Center in Merrimack. He was instrumental in founding the Granite State Hockey League. He spent nearly two decades coaching his sons and other area youth, winning numerous state and regional championships with the Manchester Flames and leading his teams to National tournaments. From 1980 until his retirement in 1995, he was employed by Lockheed Sanders in Nashua. Mr. Williamson loved reading, music and traveling with his wife. He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren at his summer home on Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham. He was a parishioner of St. Patrick Church. Family members include his loving wife of 42 years, Joan (Thomas) Williamson; five sons, Robert F. Williamson of Concord, Donald J. Williamson of the City of Falls Church, VA; Michael E. Williamson and Stephen J. Williamson both of Manchester and Thomas L. Williamson of Portsmouth; two daughters, Mrs. Jonathan (Terese) Rheault of Deering and Mrs. Andrew (Patricia) Bonefant of Tuftonboro; sixteen grandchildren; and nephews, nieces and cousins. Calling hours will be at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Ave on Thursday from 4 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday morning at 11:00 in St. Patrick Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Visiting Nurse, Home Health Care, 1850 Elm St., Manchester, NH 03104. To view an on-line memorial, get directions, send a condolence or for more information, go to www.phaneuf.net.