Leo William Williamson, age 71, of Buchanan, ND, was born April 1, 1935 to Lauritz and Gina (Haugo) Williamson in the Turtle Mountains north of Bottineau, ND. He died February 26th, 2007, in the Larimore, ND, Good Samaritan Center, after a difficult fight with lung cancer.
Leo grew to manhood in Oregon, where he developed an affinity for wildlife and wood, working in the timber industry. He was drafted into military service on June 10, 1959. He earned the expert rifle badge during his 3 years of duty.
Honorably discharged, he returned to North Dakota working on the missile silos and running his own commercial fishing business. It was this experience and knowledge that caused the ND Game and Fish Department to come calling in 1965.
His career with the Department took him many places throughout the United States and Canada. Retiring from the Department in 1994, he was able to spend more time in his shop, cutting wood with the sawmill he built from scratch, and with his music. Although his "handyman' talent was formidable, we will miss the ever-present wit and intelligence he brought to each conversation.
Leo is survived by son: Mark (Kristi) Williamson, Larimore, ND; a daughter, Shelane (Jon) Hoverson, Fargo, ND; son, Leon (Sarah) Williamson, Larimore, ND; brother, Dan (Bonnie) Williamson, Jerome, ID; brother, Ted (Gay) Williamson, Jerome, ID; grandchildren: David and Rachel Williamson; Kellie, Cassidy and Jamie Hoverson, and Erica Miller, Dillan and Madison Williamson.
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He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother (Junior).
Services: Friday, March 9, at 2:00 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown, ND. Interment: Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore, ND. The Bakke Funeral Home of Larimore, ND, is handling the arrangements.
