Culture

Walking On - Gordon Lynn Williams

06.12.2015 Dean Rhodes Walking On

Gordon Lynn Williams

Nov. 29, 1957 – April 24, 2015

Tribal Elder Gordon (Ab) Lynn Williams, 57, of Siletz, Ore., walked on at Evergreen Hospice House in Albany, Ore., on April 24, 2015.

He was born in Toledo on Nov. 29, 1957, to Eugene and Carol (Quenelle) Williams. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 and received a commendation for expert marksmanship. He was the high shooter from his series, scoring 232 out of a possible 250 points on the rifle range.

Gordon graduated from Siletz High School and attended Linn-Benton Community College where he studied auto body repair. He was a “jack of all trades,” rebuilding car engines and remodeling homes. He helped build the first Siletz Tribal homes and worked for the city of Salem, working on streets and roads. In his spare time, Gordon enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Gordon was a devoted family man. He is survived by his life partner, Cindy Belgarde; his mother, Tribal member Carol Williams; children, whom he loved with all his heart, daughters Gayle Williams York of Kentucky and Letitia Williams of Illinois; sons, Nick Williams of Sheridan, Ore., Tyler and Lil Ab Williams-Belgarde of Depoe Bay, Ore., and Elijah Williams of Corvallis, Ore.; and his siblings, Eugene (Debbie) Williams Jr., Nora (Randy) Williams-Wood, Melody (Daryle) Williams, Charmaine (Mark) Hammett, Scotty Williams, Christine Goodell and Bucky Williams.

Gordon was the grandfather of four grandchildren and “uncle” to many nieces and nephews. His father and brother, Stacey W. Williams, preceded him in death.

A memorial service was held Saturday, May 2, at the Siletz Tribal Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gordon’s name to the Mario Pastaga House, 3505 N.W. Samaritan Drive, Corvallis, Ore., 97339.

Affordable Burial & Cremation handled the arrangements.