Richard Williamson Obituary

Williamson, Ambassador Richard Salisbury (1949-2013) of Kenilworth, IL, passed away on December 8, 2013 surrounded by hisloving family. Born in Evanston, IL, Rich was raised in Winnetka, IL and attended New Trier High School. He received his B.A. in Religion and Philosophy at Princeton University and his JD at the University of Virginia Law School. While at Princeton, Rich was the President of his senior class. While at UVA, he was executive editor of the Virginia Journal of International Law. During his time at Princeton, Rich met the love of his life, Jane Thatcher, a student at Wellesley College. It was love at first sight, and they would marry shortly thereafter. Jane would go on to receive her Master's degree at UVA while studying alongside her husband. After obtaining his Juris Doctor, Rich began his long and dedicated career in public service at the local, state, national and international level. In addition to his chairmanship of the Illinois Republican Party, Rich served three presidents in various senior policy positions: Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs in Ronald Reagan's White House, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations at the State Department under President George H.W. Bush, and in George W. Bush's administration he served as Ambassador to the United Nations for Political Affairs, Ambassador to the U.N Commission on Human Rights, and finally as the President's Special Envoy to Sudan. As time progressed, Rich dedicated his life to the honorable and difficult mission of promoting human rights and democracy all over the world. He was active in many organizations who shared that mission, including but not limited to his role as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, affiliations with the Chicago Council of Global Affairs and the Center for New American Security, a board member of Freedom House and at the McCain Institute for Leadership, and vice-chair of the International Republican Institute, an NGO dedicated to the advancement of democracy across the globe, which took him to some incredible places over the years. He was adamant about sharing what he learned from his travels and his various associations with others to heighten awareness of the need for increased focus on the advancement of democracy and the protection of human rights. He did that through his adjunct professorship at Northwestern University, and his authorship of seven books and countless articles. Most recently, he co-authored the report, "The United States and the Responsibility to Protect," examining the necessary steps to protect civilians from genocide, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. Rich was a scholar, diplomat, author, and public servant, but above all else, he was anunwavering and dedicated family man whose love for his family was beyond measure. He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Jane Thatcher; his three children, Elisabeth Graham (Ryan), Craig Salisbury, and Richard Middleton (Sara);his granddaughter, Cora Jane;his brother, Bruce (Alice); his sister, Barb (Erv)and ten nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 13th, at Wm H. Scott's Funeral Home,1100 Greenleaf Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Services will be heldSaturday, December 14th, at 2:00 p.m.at Kenilworth Union Church,211 Kenilworth Avenue, Kenilworth, IL 60043. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the International Republican Institute in his honor.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Dec. 11, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Williamson

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Valenda Newell

November 12, 2016

Dear Jane & Children,

Rich had an amazing life. His dedication to his family & his passion for his life's work is unmatched. I worked with him in Congressman Crane's Office & he was a great boss, the best I have ever had, 2nd to none. I loved him & will remember him always & his impact on my life.

With deepest sympathies,
Annette, Bob & Jenna Polk

Annette (Barrett) Polk

December 9, 2014

Dear Jane and family, I was fortunate enough to have Craig as my high school helper at Kenilworth Union. Craig was a wonderful reflection on you and Rich as parents and exemplary members of our community. Your loss is a loss for all of us. Fondly, Marie (Harris) Dentes

February 18, 2014

Dear Jane and family -- We were honored to call Rich our friend. He was a wonderful person who knew what mattered in this world. He cared about people, not just causes, and he was never afraid to defend those who couldn't defend themselves.

With our deepest sympathy,
Toby and Charles Gati
Washington, DC

Toby & Charles Gati

December 18, 2013

Jane, I've known Rich since first grade and he was truly a great friend and leader. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.

Alex McAlister

December 18, 2013

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, JANIE AND CHILDREN...JERRY JOHNSON

December 14, 2013

We are so sad to hear of your loss of Mr. Williamson. It has been a long time since we have seen you, but remember you as a wonderful family.
Our condolences to you,
The staff of Pediatric Associates of the North Shore

Gail Shorr

December 13, 2013

I served with Amb. Williamson in Vienna and considered him to be an outstanding public servant and representative of the USA, a great family man, and a great human being. A great loss.

Robert Sarofeen

December 12, 2013

Very, very sorry to hear of the death of Rich. My prayers are for Jane and their family. Much love, Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi, classmate at University of Virginia Law School.

December 12, 2013

I had the honor of serving with him in Vienna.
RIP Mr. Ambassador.

Edward Powers

December 11, 2013

Please accept my sympathy for your loss. During this time, may all be comforted by the wonderful promise: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. Neither mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

Robinson

December 11, 2013

Dear Williamson Family - Amb Williamson was an inspiring leader, a brave man, and an outstanding patriot. Our nation, and we, mourn his loss. Paul Foldi and Bonnie Glick

Paul Fold

December 11, 2013

I'm sorry for your lost. May your family rely on God in this time of grief.

December 11, 2013

What a great picture of Rich on this page! I remember Rich from our freshman wrestling team, where he was a terrific teammate and one of our best guys on the mat. He won the West Point Plebe tournament our freshman year, which was the biggest competition that freshman were eligible for.

He was a great example for anyone who came into contact with him..a great athlete, a conscientious student, and a friendly classmate. His body of work after Princeton speaks for itself.

My sincere condolences to Jane and the children.

Randy Meadows

December 11, 2013

Psalm 65:2

December 11, 2013

Dear Jane,
What a shock! Rich and you were, and still remain, two of my favorite people. My UVA memories and those after will be in my heart always. I'm so sorry. Rich was a wonderful man. Love to you and the family.

Susan Tarmy

December 11, 2013

Dear Mrs Williamson and Family, I was sad to hear of Mr. Rich'w passing. It was a privilege to know him and to cut his hair for the last 8 years. Please accept my sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Karol
Jerry's Barbershop Wilmette

December 11, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

December 11, 2013

in God's care rest in peace

Dwayne Bickham

December 11, 2013

My heat goes out to all the family,*I survived a brain aneurysm in 05. marianne39506@hm.

December 10, 2013

My sincere condolences to the family. May you fiind comfort from the peace of God during this time of distress and in the days ahead-Phillipians 4:6, 7. E.D. Park Forest, IL.

December 10, 2013

We are deeply sorry for your family and all the Williamson Clan. We can express Great Joy to know Mr. Williamson's life was devoted to family and a deep love for his work to usher inprovements in the Sudan. He has to be very close to His maker. Rest In Peace Richard. The Kelly's Ocala, Florida

Carl Kelly

December 10, 2013

Please accept my sincere condolences. One can never be prepared for the
empty void that's left when a loved one dies. Our Creator promises to give
us strength and comfort in prayer, and in one another{Jeremiah 29:12,13
"And you will certainly call me and come and prayto me, and I will
listen to you."} Know that God cares.

December 10, 2013

Dear family we are sorry for your loss.Draw close to God in the days ahead-James 4:8.

Bankston

December 10, 2013

Im am so sorry for your lost..but there will b a time when you will be a ble to see your loved ones again...Matthew 24:14

Destinee Stowers

December 10, 2013

My deepest condolences to Mr Williamson family. May God strengthen you at this difficult time.

Reed

December 10, 2013

Dear Williamson Family: I am truly sorry for your loss. May you draw comfort from knowing that Richard is indeed precious in God's eyes. (Psalm 72:14)

Eugene

December 10, 2013

"A good name is better than good oil" says Ecclesiastes 7:1. Richard Williamson left a good name and a good reputation behind. He will be remembered.

Pamela Strong

December 10, 2013

Jane,

My prayers and love are with you in this untimely and great loss. With all of his great accomplishments, you and the kids always remained the greatest love of his life! You were his inspiration. Much love to you, Jane.

Dan Cheely

December 10, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

DStallings

December 10, 2013

Psalm 147:3

December 10, 2013

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