Rex Paki Williamson

Rex Paki Williamson, age 76, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Poudre Valley Hospital in Colorado at 3:20 AM on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. He was born on February 13, 1943, in Queens Hospital, Hawai‘i, to Elmer Williamson and Eleanor (Horswill) Williamson. Rex attended Kamehameha Schools, Kapālama Campus, class of 1961. Rex went on to graduate from the University Idaho with a degree in Forestry, and later the New York Institute of Technology with a Master of Business Administration. Rex served as an Army Major in the United States Army for 24 years, and bravely served two tours in the Vietnam War. Under his leadership, he was proud to say that not a single man from his battalion was lost. Later, Rex went on to work in Colorado for the Boeing Company for 16 years. After retiring from Boeing, Rex moved to Maui and worked as Park Ranger “Paki” at the Haleakalā National Park. In his retirement, Rex proudly sold his grapefruit at local farmers’ markets, relished fishing with his family, raised dairy goats with his wife, enjoyed traveling, and skillfully nurtured his garden, where he could grow almost anything. Rex served as the Troop Leader for Waipuna Chapel’s Boy Scout Troop 100 and was an active Kamehameha Schools Alumni board member. Rex is preceded in death by his eldest son, Todd Williamson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Teresa. He is also survived by sister Gay George of Honoka’a; sons Brandon and John Williamson; daughters Nicole Barsamian, Annie Williamson, Joani Parrish, and Riley Relfe; nephews Jeff and Rex Peters, niece Elizabeth George, and their nine children collectively; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Rex will be remembered for his love, loyalty and leadership expressed in tireless service to his family and community. He will especially be remembered for his unforgettable George Clooney lookalike smile. Rex’s memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 13th, at Waipuna Chapel, 17 Omaopio Rd, Kula, HI. Greeting time 5:00 PM, Memorial Service 6:00 PM, followed by a Hawaiian dinner with fellowship to follow. Burial will follow on Friday, March 15th, at 9:00 AM at the Makawao Veterans Cemetery. His family asks that any monetary donation be made in his honor to the Dementia Society of America at www.dementiasociety.org

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Rex Paki Williamson

February 13, 1943 - February 27, 2019