Rich Williamson
Monday, Dec 9, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From an e-mail…
I am very sorry to let you know that our friend and [GOP] National Committeeman, Rich Williamson, passed away yesterday. As you all know, Rich loved his family, his country, and his party, and we will miss his wisdom and wit.
I am told the tentative details of the arrangements are: visitation on Friday from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at Scott Funeral Home in Wilmette, and the funeral will be held on Saturday at 2:00pm in Kenilworth. More details will be forthcoming.
…Adding… Press release…
Illinois GOP Mourns Rich Williamson (1949-2013)
CHICAGO – The Illinois Republican Party is mourning the passing of Rich Williamson, the Republican National Committeeman for the Illinois GOP since 2010. Williamson served as chairman of the party from 1999-2001, served three presidents in senior Foreign Service roles, and was the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 1992.
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Jack Dorgan urged all Illinoisans to keep Williamson’s wife and children in their thoughts and prayers.
“Rich was a true friend, and a great diplomat,” Dorgan said. “He loved his family, loved his country, and loved this party.”
The Illinois Republican Party will announce additional details regarding arrangements when they become available.
- Stones - Monday, Dec 9, 13 @ 12:04 pm:
Condolences to the Williamson family. Tough time to lose a loved one.
- Rahm'sMiddleFinger - Monday, Dec 9, 13 @ 12:07 pm:
I’m a Dem. But Rich had a very impressive and productive career in government and politics. Condolences to his family and friends.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_S._Williamson
- Steve Brown - Monday, Dec 9, 13 @ 12:47 pm:
We crossed paths several times. Very interesting guy who covered a lot of ground.
First there was the Daily Herald when he worked for Phil Crane, then the White House and Mayor Byrne and finally his closer than he’ll ever know run for the US Senate against Carol Moseley Braun.
I pray his family is given the strength to handle these very difficult times and they be comforted in the knowledge that the world is likely a better place because of his contributions
- Conservative Republican - Monday, Dec 9, 13 @ 12:50 pm:
I am shocked to hear this news. It’s fashionable to disparage Republicans in Blue areas like ours. However, Rich Williamson was an outstanding public servant. In recent years, he was the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, charged with working against genocide in Darfur. He should be commended for that humanitarian work to end a terrible atrocity.
- too obvious - Monday, Dec 9, 13 @ 2:02 pm:
Sad. Not only a truly good man, but the IL GOP loses one of its few adults in the room.
- Anonymous - Monday, Dec 9, 13 @ 7:18 pm:
My thoughts and prayers are with the Williamson family. Mr. Williamson is mourned and will be missed by many for the good man he was.
- Quinn T. Sential - Monday, Dec 9, 13 @ 9:41 pm:
He was unquestionably one of the brightest people I’d ever met in government. He has a wonderful family, and was always first class.
I hope his family can find peace and comfort knowing he was well respected not just for his acvomplishments, but the way he went about accomplishing them as well.
- North Shore friend - Tuesday, Dec 10, 13 @ 12:41 pm:
My thoughts and prayers are with the Williamson family. Rich was a kind and thoughtful humanitarian. He will be greatly missed not only among his friends and peers, but by the worldwide community for his tireless efforts in eliminate atrocities in Darfur. I am so shocked to hear this horrible new and hope that the impact of his work will live on in his memory.