Musicians’ Association of Victoria & the Islands, Local 247 AFM
Online Referral Service • Services for Professional Musicians
In Memoriam: Lou Williamson
Musical Celebration of Life Service
A musical celebration of Lou's life will be held Saturday, February 6th from 3pm to 6pm.
Location: CFB Esquimalt Naden Wardroom, 1586 Esquimalt Road. The wardroom is on Signal Hill at the end of Esquimalt Road.
The Dec. 16 issue of Island Tides featured a wonderful article about Lou written by Paul White, who kindly allowed us to post it on our website.
Click here to listen to a great sound file featuring Lou, sent to us by one of our members!
Our sincere thanks to all who sent condolences to our office regarding the passing of President Williamson. As of Nov. 3 we have so far received over 50 emails: he was dearly loved by all! Almost everyone has asked about a memorial service, but there will not be a public service held at this time (to honour Lou's request). However, we have learned that:
- An obituary appeared in the Times Colonist's Nov. 6, 2009 edition, which includes a Guest Book that can be viewed and signed.
- Condolences can be offered to the family through McCall's of Victoria.
- A scholarship fund for deserving young drum students has been established in Lou's name. Donations can be made by mailing or dropping off cheques to Local 247. Make cheques payable to the “Lou Williamson Scholarship Fund.”
- The Nov. 3 Victoria Idol show was dedicated to Lou.
- A Facebook Group has been started called “Tribute to Lou Williamson” that currently has 203 members, many comments, 46 photos of Lou, and links to videos featuring Lou on YouTube.
From the Office of the President
We were saddened to hear of the death of Local 247 President Lou Williamson.
There is no finer gift an individual can give his brothers and sisters than the dedication it takes to be a Local officer. Lou loved the Union and the musicians for which he worked. He was known and respected by his fellow officers throughout the United States and Canada and will be missed by all.
On behalf of the 90,000 members of the AFM you have our sincerest condolences over the loss of our brother and friend – Lou Williamson.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Thomas F. Lee
President
AFM
From the Office of the Vice-President from Canada
Lou was an excellent officer and admired for his patience, intelligence and fairness. People liked him immensely but that was the easy part. If you couldn't like Lou, you couldn't like anyone. He was respected. He listened and heard. He concentrated totally on what his colleagues said. He was always able to offer a balanced and just opinion on any topic that required his input. I listened to Lou's advice and I relied on his counsel. He was truly a righteous person and I am so grateful that I knew him. I was in contact with him personally last month after his initial operation. He was so positive and so looking forward to contributing to bettering the lives of musicians. We have lost a great advocate. May I humbly express condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the members of AFM Canada. Lou, rest in peace.
Bill Skolnik
Vice President from Canada
AFM
From AFM Local 820
I am so sad to learn of Lou's passing. Through the time we spent together working for the Musicians' Association of Victoria and the Islands, and in the years since then, I have treasured my friendship with Lou Williamson. Such a positive, strong and honest person. I feel your loss keenly. He will be very much missed all the way across this country. On behalf of the executive board, staff and members of our Local I want to express our deepest condolences to his family, co-workers and friends.
Dan Rubin
President
AFM Local 820
The Newfoundland and Labrador Musicians' Association
