Gary Bagley Williamson, 67

Gary Bagley Williamson, 67, passed away on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 in Sandpoint, Idaho after an 11-year battle with a form of Alzheimer’s called PCA.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at the Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Chad Wilks officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Pack River Cemetery.

Gary was born on October 19, 1953 in Rochester, New York, to Roger and Janet Williamson. He graduated from Woodward High School in Washington, D.C., and graduated from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.

Gary married Denise Lipper on Dec. 28, 1976, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He taught high school chemistry and physics, pastored the Zion Mennonite Church in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, and served in various ways to build the Kingdom of God all over the world, including six years in West Africa with Eastern Mennonite Missions. After being diagnosed with his condition, he continued to serve by volunteering for Network Ministries in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In 2016, Gary and Denise moved to Sandpoint to live with their son Josh and his family.

Gary was a strong and courageous man who led with love and faith. Many remember him starting his sermons by reciting Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (KJV). He impacted many lives across the world, not only through words but through passion, service and unquestioning acceptance. His realization of his own imperfection fueled him to minister without prejudice. He cherished his family and was an example of joy in his love of nature, sports, mentoring others, and the simple beauty of a hard days’ work.

He is survived by his wife, Denise Williamson of Sandpoint; two sons, Joel (Karen) Williamson of Geelong, Victoria, Australia, and Josh (Bethany) Williamson of Sandpoint; five grandchildren, Corban, Micaiah, Ezra, Willow, and Archer; twin brothers, John (Lynn) Williamson of Akron, Pennsylvania, and Kasey (Madeline) Williamson of Swampscott, Massachusetts; and one sister, Jill Williamson of Arnold, Maryland.

Gifts may be made to the Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene or Network Ministries in Chambersburg, to honor his life and continue the work of serving others.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Gary’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.