Dennis Brad Williamson, 88
Whitefish Pilot | UPDATED 2 weeks, 5 days AGO
Dennis Brad Williamson, 88, who always preferred to be called Brad, passed peacefully in the afternoon of Feb. 9, 2026, after a long life well lived.
He was born on Nov. 1, 1937, to Norval Williamson and Leoan Loftus Williamson on the family homestead in Malta. The family relocated to Great Falls for work and Dad grew up there, telling many tales of his favorite pranks and escapades with his parents, uncles and cousins.
He joined the Navy in January of 1955, at the tail end of the Korean War. After his discharge in January of 1963, he returned to Great Falls to live life out loud. He rode his motorcycle, raced around in his Corvair, and earned a pilot license so he could fly all over Montana to hunt and fish. Dad worked as a mechanic then a parts manager, and met then married the love of his life, Mary "Bunny" Dugan Williamson on Dec. 7, 1963.
Mom and Dad settled in Whitefish and raised the five of us girls together.
Dad was a great husband, father and artist; his fourth-grade school project, a clay cowboy, was once displayed in the Charlie Russel Museum.
He worked as a salesman for many years, but sculpting and later painting were his passions. He spent long hours in the basement of the family home on Blanchard Lake Road carving his latest masterpiece.
His primary medium was wood and his work ranged from wildlife to portraits, to display cases, with the American West holding top spot as his favorite subject.
Dad leaves behind his daughters, Windy (Craig) Petersen of Missoula, Dena Voshell of Buckley, Washington, Denise Davidson of Columbia Falls, Jennifer Williamson of Missoula and Kathleen (Robb) Howell of Medford, Oregon. Dad is survived by grandchildren, Nicole, Jessica and Cody (Windy and Craig), Heather, Tonja and Tad (Dena), Derik and Jonah (Denise), Emma (Jennifer), and Blake, Ian, Nick and Bruner (Kathleen and Robb). There are nine surviving great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and our mom, Bunny, his parents, Norval and Leoan Williamson, his grandchildren, Kole Swartz and Ann Petersen, his great-grandchildren, Khloe Petersen, Levi Pimm and Max Petersen.
More than 40 years ago, Dad was commissioned to carve a life-sized statue of the blessed Mary for a Risen Christ Catholic Church in Evergreen, and his funeral service will be held at that church.
A Rosary will be held in Missoula at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church located at 1475 Eaton St. in Missoula on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. Dad's memorial Mass will be held at Risen Christ Catholic Church Evergreen located at 65 W. Evergreen Drive in Evergreen at noon on Friday, Feb. 20 with a reception following the service. The family burial will occur after the reception at Glacier Memorial Cemetery located at 2659 U.S. 93 in Kalispell. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at whitesittfuneralhome.com.