Memories of Pop:

Wilfred “Will” LeRoy Williams, Captain, Medical Corps, United States Navy

Will was better known by the NAS Whidbey hospital crew as “St. Willie of Whidbey.”

He was born and raised in Berkeley, Calif., received a bachelor’s of chemistry from Whitworth College in Spokane, Wash., and his MD from George Washington University School of Medicine.

At a young age, Will was walking across the street while shooting his toy “spark gun.”

He stepped on a manhole cover which was over a gas leak, and an explosion occurred which shot Will into the air. He landed with one leg in the hole and suffered burns requiring hospitalization and surgery.

That’s when Will decided to become a doctor when he grew up.

Will married Pauline Hilbert in 1958 and they raised six children, Jennifer Upchurch (Bernie), Jeannie Lupien (Omer), Timothy (Renee), Becky Congdon (David), Cameron and Tamara. Will and Pauline now have seven grandchildren, Thomas, Mandy, Nathaniel, Teal, Naomi, Guinivere and Gracie.

Will served his lifetime as a surgeon in the U.S. Navy.

Following his 30-year mandatory retirement, the U.S. Surgeon General personally requested that Will be retained on active duty for four additional years.

From 1960 through 1994, his duty stations included USS Breckinridge, Naval Air Station Lemoore, Naval Hospital San Diego, USS Oriskany, Naval Hospital Oakland, Office of Naval Disability Evaluation, Naval Hospital Newport Rhode Island, Naval Regional Medical Center Pearl Harbor, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Kuwait during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Dr. Williams was the only surgeon aboard USS Oriskany in the Tonkin Gulf during the devastating 1966 fire that claimed 42 combat-experienced aviators and two other shipboard physicians.

In 1967, he enhanced the surgical response during the tragic USS Forestal fire when his vessel pulled alongside to render aid.

For 10 years following his retirement, Will continued to serve part-time at NAS Whidbey Island as the only American Red Cross surgeon in the U.S. Navy.

An extraordinary man with a gentle soul, Will was truly humble and had a kind word for everybody.

As a career surgeon, he had the best bedside manner; he was compassionate and very caring. He was also well known for his terrific sense of humor.

Will was also extremely handy as a carpenter, gardener and electrician. He engaged in many projects around the house and yard, passing his myriad skills to his kids.

A man of strong faith, at each duty station Will was actively involved in churches and church camps, singing, serving and building; with his wife, he donated his time and many talents.

Pop was a family man who loved his wife and children with all his heart. He enjoyed camping and skiing with his family. We loved him greatly, and he always made us feel important.

Pop, we will miss you every day….we all feel extremely lucky and blessed to be your family. Thank you, Pop!

We welcome you to join the celebration of Will’s life, at 2 p.m. Friday, March 31, at Whidbey Presbyterian Church, located at 1148 SE Eighth Ave., Oak Harbor, WA, 98277.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Will’s name may be given to Whidbey Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com

Williams