Gary M. Williamson , 86, died Saturday, June 24, 2023 surrounded by his family at home.

Gary was born in Atlanta, GA to Oscar and Sally (Mylius) Williamson. He was raised in Atlanta and left Georgia in 1954 to enlist in the US Marine Corps. After an overseas tour he was stationed in Washington DC and was a proud member of the USMC Silent Drill Platoon. He served honorably for three years.

While stationed in Washington DC, Gary met Mavis Avery who was from North Dakota working in a Congressional office. They were married on November 17, 1956. A marriage truly admired by family and friends. They raised two children in Minot, ND.

Following his discharge from the USMC he started college at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.  He continued his education at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and completed his degree in Speech Therapy at Minot State College. Gary joined the staff of the Ward County Education System as a Speech Therapist after graduation. A career change happened after three years. He joined the staff of Verendrye Electric Cooperative as Area Development Representative moving into the position of Branch Office Manager. In 1967 he was hired as General Manager for Central Power Electric Cooperative. He served on numerous boards and commissions. Retiring from the job he loved for 38 years in 2005.

Gary was elected to serve in the North Dakota House of Representatives for two terms in 1965 and 1967. He was voted the Most Outstanding Freshman Legislator in his first term. He did not seek reelection because of job commitments. After a few years he resumed some involvement in the Democratic Party. A fellow Georgian running for President had the perfect person in place to be his Chairman of the ND Steering Committee. Then becoming Chairman for the Carter Delegation to the National Convention and member of the Carter Inaugural Committee. Gary and Mavis received an invitation to a State Dinner at the White House being seated at the table with President and Mrs. Carter.

Gary "Slim" valued the many friendships he developed throughout his life. Sharing his management skills to plan and implement outings like the trips to Canada for fishing and camaraderie. He could always be counted on to contribute his time and energy to his friends. You needed something done; you knew who to call.

Gary's most treasured time was spent with his family. Always planning life experiences from travel to fireworks. His grandchildren loved to travel with their grandparents to Nationals Parks, Amusement Parks, museums and ocean side beaches. The fireworks, fishing and fun happened at their lake home on Lake Audubon. A gathering place for family and friends and a quiet retreat for Gary and Mavis. He enjoyed reading, woodworking and sitting on the deck with Mavis.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mavis, Minot; children Margo (Rick) Duquette, Grand Forks, ND and Wade Williamson, Minot; grandchildren Tyler (Amy) Williamson, William (Sarah Mayer) Duquette; great-grandchildren Ari, Skye, Elise, Ellowyn and Magnolia.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and brother Oscar Williamson.

In keeping with the wishes of Gary there will be no memorial service. Share a favorite remembrance of Gary (Slim) to honor him.  He has provided an anatomical gift to the University of North Dakota. His family will provide a final resting place after the completion of study by future physicians.
The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to Dakota Territory Air Museum and Souris Valley Animal Shelter. These interests he held dear, aviation history and caring for family dogs.