Colorado – Roger Williamson passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Roger Clyde Williamson was born to George Williamson and Frances Omang Williamson on May 20, 1934 in Thief River Falls. He spent his early years in northern Minnesota, braving the cold weather like a true Norwegian. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1952 as a three-sport letterman and president of his class. Roger was later inducted into the Prowler Hall of Fame for his sports accomplishments. His love of basketball and his achievements in the sport permitted him to attend the University of North Dakota on a basketball scholarship. After a year at UND, he decided what he really needed/wanted was a true-blue education at a United States military academy. He began attendance at the United States Naval Academy in 1953 as a plebe. The next four years were filled with ceremony and academics. He graduated in 1957 with the (thirsty) Thirteenth Company of which he kept lifelong friends. He could still recite The Little Book of Knowledge Reef Points word for word in his last days. Roger was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force, and attended pilot training in Florida where he met his true love, Elaine Grieser.
Roger married Elaine in October of 1962. His honeymoon was cut short as he was called to duty due to the Cuban Missile Crisis. They welcomed their first daughter, Wendy, in March of 1964 and their second daughter, Lynne, in April of 1966.
Roger furthered his education with a Masters in Engineering degree from Stanford University. He continued his career in the military and was stationed in Washington DC, Sweden, Norway, Illinois and Texas. He retired as a full Colonel from the military with 24 years of service and proceeded directly to his second career as a stock broker for PaineWebber/UBS.
Roger spent his free time with family and friends. He was an avid golfer and had weekly golf dates with his friends when Colorado weather permitted. He was also an ardent reader, and enjoyed reading historical novels and about world politics. Roger was a passionate sports enthusiast. He attended Air Force Academy football games and Colorado College hockey games to name just a few. He also followed a variety of other sports and could easily become emotional watching these sporting activities. He and Elaine were also lovers of dogs and always owned a furry friend which they walked religiously and enjoyed spoiling.
If one had to pick a few words to describe Roger, they would surely include loyal, patriotic and sentimental. His love of and loyalty to his country could not be surpassed. Roger’s outgoing personality allowed him to make friends easily. He enjoyed gathering for weekly lunch or coffee meetings with friends to discuss sports, politics, his grandkids or life in general.
Roger/Dad lived a long, rich and full life. He loved his family, his country, his dogs and Elaine’s homemade pies!
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elaine; his daughters, Wendy (Ron), Lynne (Jim); three grandchildren, Lee (Lyndsey), Laney, and Harris (Camden); and his dog, Lexi.
To honor Roger’s memory, donations may be made to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region or Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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