I opened the archives today and found this classic shot of Captain Joe Williamson that I took in the late 1980's when he was helping out as a mate aboard the classic 1922 steamer Virginia V at a Husky Football game. Joe was a renowned photographer AND boat captain and his "Joe Williamson Collection" of photographs is on permanent display at MOHAI in Seattle. I used to deckhand for Joe occasionally in the very early 80's and he was such a wonderful man. After we were safely docked and all the passengers were out of sight I would deliver to him his "Bourbon and water...no ice." Those were the days. Sadly, I found out through Facebook that his granddaughter Emily just passed away this very morning. I didn't know her very well at all but judging from the outpouring of emotion on her page you would be a very lucky person indeed if she had been in your life. It's very obvious that she was loved so much and led a very rich life. I'd like to think that Captain Joe is now helping steer his beloved granddaughter towards calmer waters, beyond.
Nice to see this photo. I have so many memories of, who I called, Uncle Joe. We often held the fort alone together if Dad was gone. My favorite silly thing is him on the flying bridge of the Wave tapping out his pipe with the door flap up and the ash flying in on the passengers.
ReplyDeleteYes, Emily, his granddaughter, left us today. She did it with grace and style.
Love you Paul, Charlotte