Obituary for Paul Joseph Williamson
Paul Joseph Williamson, 52 of Hinesburg Vermont, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep from a heart attack on May 5, 2020 at home. He was born on January 25, 1968 in Burlington, VT to Ronald J. Williamson and Brenda J. (Sheehan) Williamson Paul grew up in Essex Junction, Vermont. He previously lived in Key West, FL and Providence, RI.
Paul was fascinated by all things mechanical from a young age especially bicycles! He fell in love with BMX bikes as a teen and loved to ride, jump, build ramps and practice tricks with his friends. He was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes/Type 1 at age 14 and lived life to the fullest in spite of the challenges associated with this disease. As a young man he embraced his free spirit, traveling the country following the Grateful Dead. Paul could often be found working on his or a friend's VW bus. He inherited his love of VW’s from his dad. Eventually he settled in Key West FL, where he lived for close to 20 years. Paul worked as a bicycle mechanic and manager, at The Bike Shop in Key West. He loved the laid back lifestyle, the ocean, warm weather and his garden. He grew herbs and vegetables and loved to make salsa, hot sauce and sauerkraut among other things. Paul enjoyed a simple life. He prefered music, conversation and laughter to possessions. Wherever Paul went he made new friends with his easy smile and infectious laughter. Key West is where he met his life long best friend Heather Pullman. When Paul got tired of the Key West life he reunited with his friend Heather in Providence RI, where she was attending Johnson and Wales. Paul again found work as a bike mechanic in RI. About 2 years ago Paul moved back to Vermont and reconnected with many of his old VT friends. He loved the Burlington scene and he would happily meet up at the OP. His family was happy to have him home and loved spending time with him. Paul was a sweet and caring man, and you will never find a more loving brother and friend.
Paul was part of a large and loving family. He was the 7th of 8 children. He leaves behind his siblings and their families: Joan Williamson, her daughters Morgan and Caitlin Safford, Helen Williamson, Dott Lamore and husband Steve Lamore, her daughter Shannon Begins, Jennifer Sorrell and husband Scott Sorrell, their sons Brian and Dylan Sorrell, Ron J. Williamson Jr., brother-in-law Bob Terrill, his children Meg Gallup and James Terrill, and Desiree Fields. He also leaves his step mother Vicki Williamson and a large extended family of uncles, aunts and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father Ronald Williamson in 1999, his mother Brenda Williamson in 2017 and his sister Kathie Terrill who passed in 2012.
A special thanks to Josh, Steve and Lisa Carlson, who were a second family to Paul. He loved you all very much.
There will be no service at this time. The family will plan a celebration of life for late summer, and will spread his ashes at that time. Memorial contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to Joan Williamson 118 Main Street Essex Junction, Vt 05452. This will be used to cover end of life expenses. Contributions can alternatively be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. https://www.jdrf.org/donate
The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.
Paul was fascinated by all things mechanical from a young age especially bicycles! He fell in love with BMX bikes as a teen and loved to ride, jump, build ramps and practice tricks with his friends. He was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes/Type 1 at age 14 and lived life to the fullest in spite of the challenges associated with this disease. As a young man he embraced his free spirit, traveling the country following the Grateful Dead. Paul could often be found working on his or a friend's VW bus. He inherited his love of VW’s from his dad. Eventually he settled in Key West FL, where he lived for close to 20 years. Paul worked as a bicycle mechanic and manager, at The Bike Shop in Key West. He loved the laid back lifestyle, the ocean, warm weather and his garden. He grew herbs and vegetables and loved to make salsa, hot sauce and sauerkraut among other things. Paul enjoyed a simple life. He prefered music, conversation and laughter to possessions. Wherever Paul went he made new friends with his easy smile and infectious laughter. Key West is where he met his life long best friend Heather Pullman. When Paul got tired of the Key West life he reunited with his friend Heather in Providence RI, where she was attending Johnson and Wales. Paul again found work as a bike mechanic in RI. About 2 years ago Paul moved back to Vermont and reconnected with many of his old VT friends. He loved the Burlington scene and he would happily meet up at the OP. His family was happy to have him home and loved spending time with him. Paul was a sweet and caring man, and you will never find a more loving brother and friend.
Paul was part of a large and loving family. He was the 7th of 8 children. He leaves behind his siblings and their families: Joan Williamson, her daughters Morgan and Caitlin Safford, Helen Williamson, Dott Lamore and husband Steve Lamore, her daughter Shannon Begins, Jennifer Sorrell and husband Scott Sorrell, their sons Brian and Dylan Sorrell, Ron J. Williamson Jr., brother-in-law Bob Terrill, his children Meg Gallup and James Terrill, and Desiree Fields. He also leaves his step mother Vicki Williamson and a large extended family of uncles, aunts and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father Ronald Williamson in 1999, his mother Brenda Williamson in 2017 and his sister Kathie Terrill who passed in 2012.
A special thanks to Josh, Steve and Lisa Carlson, who were a second family to Paul. He loved you all very much.
There will be no service at this time. The family will plan a celebration of life for late summer, and will spread his ashes at that time. Memorial contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to Joan Williamson 118 Main Street Essex Junction, Vt 05452. This will be used to cover end of life expenses. Contributions can alternatively be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. https://www.jdrf.org/donate
The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.