WESLEY – Galan Eugene Williamson, 84, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at home with his family, and dog, Java, at his side.

Galan was born in Dexter on May 24, 1940, to Elizabeth (née Pratt) and Howard Williamson. He graduated from Dixfield High School in 1959, and then attended a year at Kents Hill Prep School. Galan enlisted in the Army on Dec. 7, 1961. After completing Advanced Infantry Training, Galan was assigned as a light weapons specialist to train South Vietnamese soldiers. He completed a tour in Vietnam before being honorably discharged from the service in November 1964.

After his military service, he married Nancy Hutchinson and they raised their five children up on Storer Hill in Carthage. For over 20 years, Galan, Nancy, and their children kept cattle, planted a large garden, and hayed many of the fields in Carthage, Weld, and Dixfield. Galan loved a hard day’s work logging, and made a living twitching wood with his workhorse King or the Franklin skidder in the Western Mountains.

During the spring and summer months, Galan could most likely be found fishing. He enjoyed trips to Dead River, Otter Pond, Cupsuptic stream, B-Pond and other honey holes where he could land a brook trout or salmon. In the fall, it’s safe to say cutting wood took a backseat to deer hunting. There’s probably nothing in the world Galan enjoyed more than bagging a big buck, except maybe seeing his boys bring one back to hunting camp instead.

After retiring from logging in 1998, Galan discovered Wesley, Maine. From Grand Lake Stream to Cranberry Ridge, Galan rabbit-hunted with his beagle Pup-Pup and trapped coyotes. He also fished many brooks, streams, and remote ponds in his canoe, trying to catch a little something to go along with a can of beans for supper. He loved all the dear friends he made in Wesley and cherished the gatherings they had over the years.

Thanksgiving was Galan’s favorite holiday as the entire Williamson family would gather to feast, joke, laugh, and share stories of the past and present. Galan poured his heart and soul into being a father and grandfather. He had a way of making each person who sat down and visited with him feel special and important. He will be much missed by his children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors.

Galan is survived by three sons, Galan Williamson, Jr and his wife Denise of Hermon, Howard Williamson and his wife Penny of Topsham, Aaron Williamson of Carthage, a daughter, Kelly Williamson of Portsmouth; his brother, Gary Williamson and wife Kathy, sister Joyce Matheson and husband Jim; 10 grandchildren; and three great grandsons. He was predeceased by his daughter Penny Hahn.

Private services will be held.