Walter William Williamson, 92, President of Tacoma ILWU Local 23 in 1961, passed away March 28, 2011. He was one of the “voices in the wilderness” during his early years in Tacoma ILA Local 38-97. He was famous for his prodigious strength and work ethic on the job and his charismatic speaking at union meetings. Believing in social, political and economic equality, Walt led the pro-Harry Bridges union faction in the 1940s and 1950s. He was involved in the violent episodes on the docks and at union meetings between the pro- Bridges forces and the ILA faction.
It came down to a crisis in the 1948 ILWU strike against the Pacific Maritime Association. Along with 15 other 38-97 members Walt refused to cross the Seattle ILWU picket line on Tacoma docks. He endured vilification and the threat of deregistration.
In a famous debate with the anti-Bridges leader “Paddy” Morris, Walt said, “I will not prostitute my principles.” Though Tacoma did not join the ILWU until 1958, Walt Williamson earned the respect of even the diehard ILA faction. Once a year Harry Bridges came to Tacoma and stayed with both the Williamsons and the Tanners—usually with a gun under his pillow. Walt and Ernie Tanner accompanied Harry to a lecture hall to meet longshoremen interested in hearing the ILWU story. Gradually, they won over the oldtime ILA men.
Of Norwegian ancestry, Walt wanted a Viking funeral and his daughters Karen and Kay obliged.His ashes and those of his wife Lucille will be placed aboard a special boat designed by Walt and spread upon the waters of Henderson Bay.
Peace to their Ashes.
– Ron Magden