Category: Obituary: W

The Rev. Robert Sumner Wolley, 82, died Dec 25, 2009. As a student at Tufts he suffered a paralyzing back injury. He was told he might never walk again. He not only walked but had brief baseball and hockey careers and sailed on the Great Lakes. He went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees at St. Lawrence University. In addition to his years in the UU ministry he was a high school English teacher. He enjoyed golfing and won several tournaments as a member of the Woods Hole Golf Club Throughout his life he had a passion for writing. He published several books and poems. He recently worked to help people publish books devoted to helping seniors find love again. Marilyn J. Wolley, his wife of 46 years, died in 1995. He is survived by their children Cheryl, Andrea and Charles, two grandchildren and a brother.

The Rev. Dr. Prescott B. Wintersteen, 92, died June 9, 2005. He was the son of Unitarian minister Roy Brown Wintersteen. He served congregations in Marblehead, Milton, Salem, and Stoughton, MA. The First Parish in Milton named him Minister Emeritus in 1976. He served as a Navy chaplain from 1941 to 1961. At one time, he was on the bridge of the USS Augusta with General George Patton at the invasion of North Africa. His articles appeared in Journal of Liberal Religion, the Christian Register, and Navy publications. He was the author of Christology in American Unitarianism. Surviving are his children, Prescott Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA; Wendy Wintersteen Girdosky of Tucson, AZ; Jeremy of Boston; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wives Dorothy (Down) Wintersteen and Sheila (Mills-Storey) Wintersteen.

The Rev. Arthur D. Wilmot, parish minister, opponent of the nuclear arms race, and lifelong advocate for peace and justice, died at his home in Corvallis, Oregon on August 6, 2013, aged 75, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Devoted to the worth and equality of all people and the right of each person to seek his/her own truth, Art strove to make these principles realities in everyone’s life. Actively supporting equal rights for women, he worked against sexism and racism as well as anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred. He was active in the civil rights movement, involved with the march in Selma, Alabama, and with promotion of voter registration in Mississippi, and looked back on this time feeling greatly honored to have met Martin Luther King, Jr., and C.T. Vivian.

Arthur Dean Wilmot, the only child of Dean Arthur Wilmot and Evelyn Cecil (Getty) Wilmot, was born on August 17, 1937, in Port Angeles, Washington, where his love of golf began while caddying for his father. Later, when the family moved to a home on the Cedar River southeast of Seattle, Art developed a passion for fly fishing. After graduation from Seattle’s Franklin High School and while a student at the University of Washington, he was attending a local Presbyterian church whose conservative minister preached one morning about the theological failings of the nearby Unitarian church. Art decided to hear for himself and found that he agreed with the Unitarians more than with the Presbyterians. Meanwhile, in 1956 and still in college, Art married Jean Kroenlein, with whom he had three children. After taking a B.A. in 1959, he went off to Tufts University, earning his B.D. (later M.Div.) there in 1962.

Beginning professional ministry in 1962 with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chico, California, and ordained there on February 17, 1963, Mr. Wilmot served that congregation until 1968, followed by a three-year ministry at the First Unitarian Church of Victoria, B.C. Art and Jean divorced in 1971, and over the next eight years he turned to a counseling ministry, first in the addiction field, then with families, and finally as a crisis counselor with the Police Department in London, Ontario, whither he had moved with his three children. It was there in 1975 that he met and married Heather Stevens. Mr. Wilmot returned to parish ministry in 1979 with one-year terms of service successively at the UU Fellowship of Corvallis, Oregon, and the UU Congregation of Binghamton, New York, and then a permanent call back to the Corvallis Fellowship in 1981.

Soon after Art’s return to Corvallis, he began a deep and lasting friendship with Art Morgan, a Disciples minister, who recalled a Corvallis clergy meeting at which a Presbyterian colleague referred to the two of them as “the liberal Arts.” The label stuck, and they would occasionally use it to sign joint letters to the editor of the local paper. This “other Art” recalled Art Wilmot’s laughter and humor, the giant picture of Michael Jordan on his wall, and his one-time passion in earlier years for cigars and Cadillacs.

The Rev. Mr. Wilmot served in Corvallis for fifteen years until retirement in 1996 and was then named Minister Emeritus. With a keen sense of how congregations shape ministers, told his Corvallis parishioners in a farewell sermon (May, 1996) that “because of you, I shall never be the same.” His nearby colleague in Salem, Rick Davis, recalled Art’s exemplary service as a Good Officer for the PNWD-UUMA chapter and his “sly sense of humor.” In retirement he said, “Now I know why they call these the ‘golden years’—it takes a lot of gold to retire.”

Art Morgan remembered their last meeting at a service at the Corvallis Fellowship: “When I saw Heather wheeling him in, I came from the podium to share a warm greeting. He couldn’t speak, due to advanced Parkinson’s, but there was joy and friendship in our meeting. I heard someone whisper, ‘There are the liberal Arts.’” By way of blessing on Art’s death, the “other Art’ wrote: “May the Great Spirit of honest heretics and infamous liberals be with us all.”

Art Wilmot is survived by his wife of 38 years, Heather Stevens, three children, Pamela Condick, Deana McNee (both of Kitchener, Ontario) and Jon A. Wilmot (of Corvallis), 15 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. His life was remembered and celebrated in a memorial service on September 15, 2013, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Heather Wilmot, c/o Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, 2945 Northwest Circle Boulevard, Corvallis, Oregon, 97330.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph C. Williamson, 75, husband of the Rev. Donna DiSciullo, died of heart failure on June 7, 2008, after a prolonged battle against Alzheimer’s disease. He served as Princeton University’s dean of religious life and dean of the chapel from 1989 to 2001, He earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Nazarene College, his bachelor of divinity degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary, his master’s degree from Andover Newton Theological School, and his Ph.D. from Harvard. He served as pastor and co-pastor of the federated Presbyterian and Congregationalist Church of the Covenant in Boston. He also was a member of the faculty at Boston University from 1973 to 1983. He was active in the Seattle community — particularly on issues of the day including AIDS and anti-Contra support — and served as senior minister of the Plymouth Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, two grandchildren, a brother and a sister. His middle son, Clayton, preceded him in death.

The Rev. John “Jack” Wilkinson, III, 84, died on October 22, 2012. Rev. Wilkinson was born in Syracuse, NY on July 24, 1928 to Mary Leavenworth (Van Duyn) Wilkinson and John Wilkinson, Jr. He attained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Miami in 1951. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. Later, in 1964, he received a Bachelor of Divinity from St. Lawrence University Theological School.

Rev. Wilkinson was called to the Second Universalist Church of Weymouth, MA in 1964 (where he was also ordained on October 11, 1964) and served as the minister there until 1968. He was then called to the Unitarian Universalist Church in Chattanooga, TN from 1968-1976. Lastly, he served as interim minister at St. Paul’s Universalist Church in Little Falls, NY from 1989-1990. He retired from the ministry in 1990.

Rev. Wilkinson’s denominational activities included his work in 1965 on the Family Summer Institute Planning Committee in Ferry Beach, NH; his position as Chairman of the Religious Arts Committee for the Ballou-Channing District; his work as an advisor to the Liberal Religious Youth Spring Conference in Lynn, MA; the position of Chairman of the Arts Committee for the Thomas Jefferson District; and as Treasurer of the Southeast Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association. He also participated in the historic civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, AL.

Rev. Wilkinson was a social activist who made a sincere investment in his communities by serving as President of the Chattanooga chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union; as a board member of the Executive Committee, and Treasurer of the Tennessee Civil Liberties Union; and as a member of the Religious Committee of the Chattanooga Bicentennial Commission.

Many people knew that Rev. Wilkinson was also an artist. He was actively involved in theatre throughout his life as an actor and playwright. He played roles in Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, The Diary of Anne Frank, Death of a Salesman, and Blithe Spirit, to name just a few. He also conceived and developed a few one-man pieces containing the works of Jorge Luis Borges, Robert Frost, and Rudyard Kipling.

Known as a “guy with a heart of gold,” an acquaintance described Rev. Wilkinson as “direct, but sensitive in drawing individuals out…He could be a bit crusty in style, but it was apparent that he had a caring heart, an open mind, and a profound concern for justice.”

Rev. Wilkinson is survived by daughter, Heather Hope Wilkinson; son, John Wilkinson, IV; son, Wells Gilliam Wilkinson; sister, Hope Wilkinson Cushman; brother Edward Van Duyn Wilkinson; and grandchildren, Maretta Hope Dewitt and John Wilkinson, V.

A memorial service took place on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Fellowship of Huntington, 619 Sixth Ave., Huntington, WV 25701.

Notes of condolence may be sent to John Wilkinson, IV at 1046 Monroe Ave., Huntington, WV 25704.

Gertrude “Trudi” Burtless Widrick, 86, wife of the Rev. Dr. Eugene (Woody) R. Widrick, died May 18, 2013. As a young woman she attended the Universalist Church in Cortland, NY, then served by Jim and Jane Hunt. Jane introduced Trudi to Woody, a young catalog librarian from Cortland State University, while Jim urged Woody to join the ministry. When the couple married, Woody began studies at Crane Theological School at Tufts. Trudi worked at Beacon Press and later in Tufts Accounting Department. The couple served four congregations and then settled in Carlisle, MA, where she worked for 16 years as payroll supervisor and managed the bosses’ mail at Assurance Technology, a high tech company in town. The Widricks served First Religious Society of Carlisle (MA) for 24 years. Trudi was a good listener, a caring presence and a lay minister as needed.

Despite her long hours, Trudi took pride in perfecting her lemon meringue pie recipe. She enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, and dining monthly with the Beautiful Ladies Lunch Bunch. She loved Agatha Christie mysteries, liked to knit and do crosswords. A skilled origami practitioner, she loved cats and was devoted to her dachshund, Hexenhammer. She also liked to collect autumn leaves. Her family says she detested chickens because of having to collect eggs as a child on a farm.

She was predeceased her foster daughter, Pam Harrington. She is survived by her son, Nathan; daughter-in-law Allison; and daughter, Nancie Salguero; by four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Notes may go to Eugene Widrick, 11 Porter St., Billerica, MA 01821.

The Rev. Donovan E. White, 83, passed away peacefully Dec. 30, 2011 at home in Gloversville, NY. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force. He later re-enlisted and served as an Air Force chaplain in Biloxi, MS. He was a member of the Gloversville VFW. He was a graduate of the University of Delaware, the University of Rochester, Colgate-Rochester, and Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He taught college at Lake Erie-Ohio. Donovan served our churches in Erie, PA; Templeton, MA; and Ft. Plain, NY. After retiring from his ministry to the Ft. Plain Universalist congregation, he started Donovan’s Upholstery, in Mayfield, NY. He was a disciplined man, loving new ideas and never hesitating to challenge himself and others. He was a great conversationalist and an avid reader, walker and swimmer. He enjoyed classical music and baking bread. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Donna McWain White; their son, Samuel White; and his brother, Harold W. White. Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Millett, her husband Fred, seven grandchildren, two great-grandsons, a brother, Ernest D. White; a sister, Medora Venneman, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donna McWain White, 80, wife of the Rev. Donovan White, died May 15, 2010 in Albany, NY. A native of Greensburg, PA, she was a graduate of Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Ohio. She also attended the Rochester School of Commerce, St Lawrence University and Kings College. Donna taught English in Erie, PA, and Montville, OH. She later worked as the assistant librarian for Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA. In 1949, she married Donovan E. White. In their 60 years together, Donna served as a minister’s wife for 31 years. She was a great reader, seamstress and friend to all. She also was an accomplished oil painter. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Samuel D. White and her brother, James McWain.

Virginia Wheelwright, 91, wife of the Rev. Farley Wheelwright, December 3, 2011 at home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her first husband was a geophysicist. When he died suddenly, she moved their three young children from the Canary Islands to Europe and then back to the U.S., ending up in Cleveland. There she met and married Farley Wheelwright. They enjoyed four decades of a remarkable and productive partnership. At age 80 she helped to found Jóvenes Adelante, to encourage and pay for bright high school students to go on to universities. The program now has more than 90 students involved in some 30 universities all over Mexico. And 30 graduates now work in the careers of their choosing. Virginia’s work has made a lasting difference in many lives. She will be long remembered for her inquisitive mind and sense of humor. Virginia is survived by her husband, Farley, her children Barbara Kafka, Delia Moon and Cindy Harnichar, and John and Tom Kafka, ten grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

The Rev. Dr. Horace Frederick Westwood, 93, died August 28, 2004, of complications from a hip injury. He served in West Bridgewater, Somerville. Fairhaven and Brewster, MA; Houston, TX (emeritus); Woodstock and Hartland Four Corners, VT; Summit, NJ; St. Paul, MN; Victoria, BC; Annapolis, MD; and Schenectady, NY. He was a chaplain with the US Marine Corps in World War II, a Lieutenant Commander, in the South Pacific. He served on the UUA Board of Trustees, Ministerial Fellowship Committee, and New Hampshire-Vermont District. Survivors include a brother, Rev. Arnold F. Westwood of Cummington, MA; a daughter-in-law, Teresa Westwood-Smith of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Virginia Wallis Boyd Westwood in 2002.