Lyman O'Dell Williams, PhD died this morning at approximately 8:00 am.
I believe I first met Lyman Williams when I was a very young boy. He was a museum instructor at Interlochen Arts Camp and almost assuredly taught me to tie knots, build campfires, and make sassafras tea during my formative summers in Northern Michigan. The details of that time are shrouded in the dimness of my early childhood memories, but, those that do appear when I look back on those times are very pleasant.
Lyman re-entered my life when I was in high school. My parents had divorced a few years before (vague, I know, but most of my memories of being a teenager are light pencil sketches as a matter of self preservation) and I was living in Ludington, Michigan. My Mom had met Lyman and was ready to re-marry and enter a new phase in her life. Walking into the Pizza Hut on Ludington Avenue that afternoon to the introduction of her new companion, I didn't know what to think. To be fair, I didn't have much on my mind in those adolescent years other than myself (some would say not much has changed), so it was going to be tough to win me over. Lyman did instantly though, responding to my self-serving and grasping quip, "You know your name is a soda flavor?" He just looked at me with the kindest pair of eyes I'd ever seen and softly smiled. This, I do remember.
Even though he was my step-father, I never lived with him as a child. Even though it would not be entirely accurate to describe his relationship to me as a father figure, it's also completely wide of the mark to say that I learned nothing from him. In fact, I learned a great deal from Lyman and will miss him dearly.
I will miss his intelligence. A former college professor, he was always exceedingly patient and ready to impart some of his long gathered geological knowledge upon any who would listen. He also read the newspaper every day. An actual paper newspaper. A trait deserving of respect, to be sure.
I will remember his love of pancakes. Lord Williams (an affectionate nickname) loved his pancakes and would eat them at any time for any meal. I concur and can totally relate!
I will miss his companionship with my Mom. They found each other at the right time and he helped them both navigate through some tricky life territory.
I will miss his bagpiping. Even though he was not a trained musician, Lyman was a bagpiper. I can remember him practicing at the house when I came home for visits as well as his many performances with the Grand Traverse Pipe and Drums.
I will miss his character. Lyman is one of the most beautiful people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I know people misuse the following italicized word all the time, but, I literally never heard him speak harshly to or about anyone. Ever. His sweet disposition, gentle temperament, and honest presence are incredibly valuable traits and ones that I truly admire. Without a doubt, one of the most considerate and genuine people I have ever met. As the colloquialism goes, Lyman was "good people."
Lyman is a role model not only for me, but, for others as well. He lived a long, healthy, and active life. His death was peaceful and he was comfortable during the last part of the process. During his last days he was surrounded by many family and friends who came to pay their respects. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity of knowing Lyman. You will be missed, sir. I love you.
Lyman at his retirement party from Interlochen.
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