Discussion: John Williams

It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform that my father, John 'Jack' Williams, passed away on Dec. 27th. He had been battling dementia for several years and took a more serious decline in July 2022. He, thankfully, passed in his sleep, in his home surrounded by persons who cared for him.
I do not yet have specific information regarding services, but can already say that this will likely take place later in the Spring, more as a gathering to celebrate his life.

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear this. Jack was a mainstay in my early years of orienteering; I specifically remember him giving me and Pam James some excellent financial advice once.
It's always hard to lose a parent. Thinking of you as you live through this. Hugs to you.

Karen, I'm also very sorry to hear this, and coincidentally I also owe him thanks for financial advice in general, and a more specific "heads up" on the "free" conversion to the Roth IRA, way back when.

Sorry to hear this, Karen. Best wishes for you going forward.

So sorry to hear about your father, he really did so much for orienteering.

Thanks for the news, Karen, sad as it is. Sounds like the end came as well as could be hoped. Your dad was one of the folks making things happen in the early days of orienteering in this country. RIP

I’m so sorry to hear this sad news Karen! Your family is very much part of my early memories of orienteering. My thoughts are with you. Sending hugs!!

Really sorry to hear this, Karen. I remember Jack very fondly from my early years of orienteering in the US. Love and hugs to you and your family.

Jack was a mainstay in DVOA and gave so much to orienteering. My condolences, Karen.

Sorry to hear, have nice memories of talking to Jack about orienteering...and Volvos!

Karen, our deepest sympathies. I have wonderful memories of how Jack and Flo made me so welcome when I first joined DVOA. He did so much for the club over many years and it was always nice to catch up with him and have a good chat about so many different topics.

I just saw this post. Jack was one of the early pioneers and promoters of USOF and DVOA. He was a tireless advocate for orienteering. Sorry that his final years were difficult.

I remember once at Lake Tahoe watching him try to crawl over a snowbank that was still in the woods in July.

May he rest in peace.

Very sorry to hear this Karen, Jack was one of the most welcoming DVOAers when I washed up on the shores of the Delaware in the 80s: the man who seemed to just run the show, in a good way.

So sorry for your loss Karen. I didn’t know him well, but remember him from my teenage years traveling for orienteering.

Thank you for posting, Karen. I am sorry to hear that he passed away. Losing a parent is so hard.

Sorry to hear this, Karen. Your father was an important person in the development of orienteering in the US, and we all have benefited from his work. Also sad to hear Jack dealt with dementia - a difficult thing for all involved. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Jack giving Pam and me advice (also, like Eric, about Roth IRAs), 1998 at Elk Neck SP.

Oh Karen, I am so sorry. My heart hurts for you.

I too am very sorry to hear the news about Jack. It was always a pleasure to attend any meets he was involved with. He made big contributions to orienteering. Thank you so much, Jack - you are sorely missed.

Karen, my deepest sympathies to you and yours. Jack made so many great contributions to orienteering, long live his memory!

My memories of Jack pretty much began at my first DVOA event -- a Dual with HVO at French Creek (only 1 O-map back then, probably now West), followed by a Night-O, at which the O-flags had glow-sticks inside them. Probably about 1983-84

The man was a fixture at northeastern A-events (nka NREs), during the 80s & 90s always ready to chat-up anything -- especially orienteering. He, Flo, and Karen often had other DVOA juniors along for the ride.

However my most distinct memory had nothing to do with orienteering. That was in 1999, when my Mom and I visited Longwood Gardens, and Jack & Flo treated us to dinner there, and then the spectacular water show -- a special treat since that was a drought year, and all the fountains were otherwise dry.

Caroline & Kent Ringo, Flo & Jack: DVOA Eternal

Rick and I (Suzanne Armstrong's parents) send our deep sympathy. Losing a parent in this life, no matter what age we are, is always a significant loss, especially a beloved and capable one. Your father is surely at peace and I pray that your family will experience peace even in this loss.

I will hold a ceremony for Jack on April 8th at the Myrick Center (http://www.brandywineredclay.org/) starting at 1 PM for any who would like to attend. Please let me know if you plan to join - email karen.williams@chalmers.se

Karen, thanks for posting the wonderful legacy to your dad. He certainly lived a full life and dedicated to family, and the importance of giving time for the benefit of others through his coaching, advice and involvement in the community. A very special person.