Born May 19, 1947 in Aberdeen, Scotland died on October 30, 2009 in Victoria, BC. He is survived by his wife, Mechthild “Maggie” Williamson; sisters, Anet Williamson of Victoria, BC, and Eileen Harvey (Bill) of Halifax, NS; nieces, Nicole, Renee, Rachelle and Juliet of Halifax NS; brother, Charlie Williamson (Ava) of Mission, BC; mother-in-law, Helga Kroscky of Germany; and sister-in-law, Annette Henrichs (Kasper) of Germany.
Lou was an extremely honourable man, a multi-talented percussionist, specializing on vibes and drums. He was a mentor to many and will be greatly missed by all.
In Lou’s honour, a musical tribute to celebrate his life will be held in the new year. To honour Lou’s memory, donations may be made to the “Lou Williamson Scholarship Fund” for young drummers, AFM Local 247 Musician’s Association of Victoria and the Islands, 732 Princess Ave., Suite 202, Victoria, BC V8T 1K6.
46 Responses
Lou was a wonderful guy, an extremely talented artist who made it look easy. I’ll remember Lou’s spastic drumming style, and the fun he imparted to the audience while whimsically tossing his sticks in the air. He will be missed, but good memories will remain.
Lou’s playing and his playfulness were sources of great delight and inspiration for me — it was just plain fun to watch and listen to him play (in both sense of the word). I hope that his family and friends are feeling a great welling-up of appreciation and support from the local community.
Steve
Dear Maggie:
My heart goes out to you, your family and Lou’s family. While posted to Montreal I had the wonderful pleasure of being invited to Lou and Maggie’s along with best friends, Cathy and Bill for meals, friendship and music. Maggie and Lou always made me feel so at home.
I am truly sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you.
Moira MacDonald (nee Hollohan)
Lou was a constant inspiration to me. When I wanted to stop drumming he encouraged me to keep going,to believe in myself and not to give up. He gave me lessons without charge with always a kind word. I’ll never forget all that he has done for me over the years. He had a talent that very people ever possess combined with unyielding integrity. I’ll miss him.
I met Lou about 9 yrs. ago. He was unpacking his drums from his car into the Wharf St. Bistro, where the Thurs. night Jam was to be held. I couldn’t decide whether to wait around for an hour or so or drive home. He said, “You’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t.” I decided to stay and met Hugh Fraser and Mike Herriot along with my new mentor.
I’ll always remember his words of wisdom and positively, upbeat attitude. I got the Times Columnist yesterday and Yes, Lou is a mentor to many and I am so fortunate to be one of them.
To his family. I’m so sorry for your loss. He will be remembered by many.
Take care, Linda Walker.
Maggie,
Thinking of you at this time …Kia heard about Lou before I did, she really enjoyed his music …,
hope you are ok, take care of yourself,
we achieved a lot back in the old ‘group’ days
With best wishes
Gillian & Kia Kadiri
My sincerest condolences to Lou’s family and friends. I miss him, but then I always missed him. From the time our paths diverged in Victoria in the 60’s to the last time he recorded with us last winter, I missed him. Then, It was as if we’d never been apart. A good friend, amazing musician and fine human being. Lou, your recordings and memories and teachings live on.
There was never a question about how wonderful Lou’s musical contributions to our life was, but the really special thing was his selfless effort to help musicians. I remember the extra effort Lou took to help people see things from many different angles, especially in difficult situations. This struck a special chord in me and inspired me to be better also. More recently Lou had encouraged and guided me to focus my efforts to get better results. We all will remember Lou for these sorts of things, and best of all we can take these gifts and pass them on to others in perpetuity. My heart goes to the family and its loss. RIP.
I worked with Lou for four years in his capacity as President of the musician’s local and as a casual musician for the Victoria Symphony.
Lou and I sat across the table through some difficult discussions. I always found him to be a man of immense integrity, fairness and honesty. He carried out his duties with dignity and aplomb, and his word was his bond.
There are simply too few people of his character around and he will be truly missed.
For the past several years Lou played percussion for the Palm Court Orchestra & my husband & I enjoyed watching and listening to him during the concerts. He always played superbly and added considerably to the music played.
My sincere condolences to his family & I know he will be sorely missed by the music community as well.