Terrance Williams Obituary (1948 – 2022) – Marysville, WA

April 23, 1948 –

Terrance Rollo Williams left this world at age 74 on July 19th, 2022, to join his ancestors. He died peacefully in his sleep with loving family members nearby, soon after he and his wife Suzanne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Terry was born April 23, 1948, the second child of Reverends Adam and Marjory Williams. Daryl Williams and Sandra Tracy are his surviving siblings. His parents’ community-service ministry in the Tulalip Church of God defined Terry’s spiritual and cultural foundations. Terry absorbed their unconditional generosity and indefatigable work ethic. Salish tradition and Christian faith formed the pillars of his lifelong values.

Before enlisting in the army, Terry studied nursing; returning from Vietnam as a decorated US Army Veteran, he earned degrees in Mechanics and Law and Justice over a 13-year period while at the Burlington Northern Railroad. Tulalip leaders Bernie Gobin and Stan Jones recruited Terry to the tribal Police Department, where enforcement issues soon led him to Fisheries and eventually to Natural Resources and Treaty Rights. In Washington DC, he “worked the Hill” for 25 years alongside the revered Nisqually activist Billy Frank, Jr. to advance the Treaty Rights cause. Terry was appointed to a series of influential leadership positions by Washington State Governors Booth Gardner and Chris Gregoire and by Presidents Clinton and Obama.

As the Tulalip Tribes’ climate spokesperson for almost four decades, this tireless warrior fought to bring together traditional knowledge and western science on the battleground of climate action. He spread the message of indigenous leadership and created numerous tribal, governmental, business and non-profit coalitions. Terry opened doors for indigenous peoples to enter the halls of power as experts. For his reputation as a thought leader and change agent, Terry received countless honors and lifetime achievement awards.

Above all, Terry embodied agape, love and kindness. He wished no one ill, spoke gently and looked into people’s eyes with a penetrating warmth. His grandchildren recognized and loved his quiet, gentle spirit and always approached him with joy and delight. His brilliant mind reached back thousands of years to the moment the people first welcomed the salmon to the watersheds of his beloved Puget Sound. He looked centuries ahead to a time when indigenous peoples lead future generations to reap again the abundance the ancients once knew. Terry’s mission, far from done, is now enhanced by broader scope and sharper vision.

Terry is survived by the love of his life Suzanne Claire Tabacco Williams, sons Joshua, Jesse, and Jamie Williams, and grandkids Alysa, Camila, Isla, and Noah Williams.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 10 am at the Tulalip Gathering Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Terry’s memory may be sent to:
Global Ocean Health, NFCC, PO Box 30615, Seattle WA 98103.

July 19, 2022

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Jul. 28 to Jul. 29, 2022.

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