Gerald Williams
June 30, 1945 ~ January 3, 2019
The Board and Staff of the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge regret to inform you all that past Board Member Gerald (Gerry) Williams passed away on January 3rd of this year.
Gerry applied to be a board member of the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in the summer of 2013. Gerry didn’t volunteer his time lightly, as he noted in the letter of interest he submitted when he applied, having only been on one other board before choosing to join us. He loved taking photos at the Refuge and attending the many presentations and events that we held, both before and after his time on the board.
Many of us think fondly of Gerry as we process the news. He was a major part in the hiring committee for many Friends employees, he helped with events like BirdFest & Bluegrass by tabling our information booth, and he always had a new incredible photo to share with us at board meetings and when we ran into him on the Refuge.
Gerry was a quiet man when it came to our work, but that didn’t hide his vast knowledge of our Refuge and the history of our area. With a background as the National/Chief Historian and the Regional Sociologist for the Forest Service in the Portland area, and Research Director for Eugene Parks and Recreation (to name just a few of the many titles he held), he spent much of his life focused on the history, assessment, and implementation of public land management.
The board would like to express our deepest sorrow for Gerry’s departure and convey our condolence to his family. The board would also like to express our sincere appreciation for Gerry’s tremendous and valuable contribution to the Friends over the years. Gerry will be long remembered by his fellow directors, the staff, and volunteers of the Refuge.
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