Harry R Williamson

Harry Rittenhouse “Duke” Williamson passed from this world on March 28, 2017. Born November 9, 1932 in Mt. Airy, NJ, Duke was a carpenter, US Navy Seabee (Can Do!), builder and avid deer hunter throughout his life. His dedication to duty led him to Antarctica in the mid-1950’s to serve as part of the Seabee team living in tents while constructing the first permanent structures at the South Pole. Subsequently, duty called Duke to serve two volunteer tours in Viet Nam as a Seabee providing critical construction services, the second tour being motivated by the call to provide leadership to younger inexperienced Seabees. Duke earned the Bronze Star for bravery under fire (“We fight, we build!”) while completing those construction duties. Despite being a non-commissioned officer (Chief Warrant), his military career closed with a rare commission to command a Seabee unit at Oceana Air Base in Virginia Beach, where he retired. His post military career was occupied with construction supervision and his passion for deer hunting. He was a greatly respected, quiet man who spoke with his actions, not words, was bound to duty and honor, and ever faithful. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Doris, children Mark and Laurie, two fine grandsons Zac and Danny, and a great-granddaughter Teyle who warmed his heart. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to support the Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme, CA through the Seabee Historical Foundation (http://www.seabeehf.org).