Harold Emanuel Williamson

Harold Emanuel Williamson

Iowa City

Dr. Harold E. “Harry” Williamson, born August 8, 1930, in Racine, Wis., passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity, dedication to science, and love for family.

Harry was the son of Harold E. Williamson Sr., a pharmacist, and Grace McIntyre Williamson, a multitalented woman who worked in various roles including pianist and office clerk. Raised in Milwaukee, he attended Fernwood Grade School and Bay View High School before earning a B.S. in Pharmacy in 1953 and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 1959 from the University of Wisconsin. He completed postdoctoral training from 1959 to 1960.

In 1960, Dr. Williamson began a distinguished 40-year career at the University of Iowa. Starting as an Instructor, he rose through the ranks to become a full Professor in 1970, serving until his retirement in 2000. He was honoured with the title of Professor Emeritus and continued to contribute as a volunteer lecturer for another nine years—serving the department longer than any other faculty member. During his tenure, he also stepped in as acting head of the department during a sabbatical taken by Dr. J.P. Long.

Dr. Williamson’s research focused on the mechanisms of the action of aldosterone, early studies on furosemide, comparative diuretic pharmacology, and factors influencing renal blood flow. His thoughtful approach and devotion to teaching made him a respected figure among colleagues and students alike. In addition to many academic publications, Dr. Williamson also authored a history of the University of Iowa Pharmacology department. Fittingly, it was while researching the history of the department that he discovered he was a fifth cousin, three times removed, to the department’s first head, Dr. Philo Farnsworth.

In 1957, Harry married Joan Chase, with whom he shared a loving partnership and raised three children: Tim (Judie Soper) of Houston, Texas, Julie (John Pritchard) of London, England, and Eric (DaLayne Qvern) of Iowa City. He was a devoted grandfather to Zach Williamson (Emily) of Marion, Iowa, Grace Williamson of Chapel Hill, N.C., Charlie Pritchard of London, England, and Kelsey Williamson of New York City.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Joan, his parents, his sister Ann, his brother Tom, and his son Eric.

Beyond his professional life, Harry had a wide range of interests. He was an avid genealogist with a particular interest in his Norwegian heritage. He was able to combine his academic interests with his love of Norway by taking a one-year sabbatical at the University of Bergen in 1988 where he collaborated with prominent physiologists Dr. Knut Aukland and Dr. Olav Tenstad and connected with many of his Norwegian relatives. He also arranged for his grandchildren Zach and Grace to attend Norwegian language camp in Northern Minnesota during their summer vacations, igniting their passion for the language and culture of Norway. In the end, they could speak Norwegian much better than him although he could never quite get them to appreciate the qualities of Lutefisk! He celebrated his 80th birthday in 2010 by taking the family to Norway to meet their Norwegian relatives.

Harry and Joan were both passionate international travelers, making trips to Australia, New Zealand, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Mexico and also travelling extensively throughout Europe. During his life he visited London so often that he knew the tube system like the back of his hand. After Joan’s death he took a summer school class at Cambridge University in England to study Shakespeare (something he always wanted to do) and his young classmates were delighted when he was cast as Juliet in the play Romeo and Juliet. He then continued to travel far and wide including trips to Panama, Costa Rica and Egypt and he accompanied Julie’s family to the Olympic Games in both Beijing and London.

He enjoyed skiing for his most of his life and was still skiing at the Grands Montets in Chamonix in the French Alps when he was 85, giving him serious bragging rights! He enjoyed golfing whether at Highpoint in Iowa City or at some of the grandest courses in Scotland. In his later life, his grandson Charlie was a favourite golfing partner and they enjoyed some fierce competitions where Harry made a point of teaching Charlie the meaning of “drive for show, putt for dough.” While Charlie excelled at the former, his grandfather usually got the better of Charlie with his tidy play on and around the green!

He was a massive Hawkeye fan and was a football season ticket holder for 63 years. He also followed basketball and wrestling, was a member of the I-Club and was a keen supporter of the women’s athletic programs, particularly its rowing program. He also followed the Hawkeyes to many of their bowl games around the country with Eric’s family, particularly when his grandson Zach was in the marching band. He also stayed true to his Wisconsin roots and remained a lifelong Packer fan and talked wistfully of the golden days of Vince Lombardi.

Harry was a true “spit and vinegar” force of nature, fiercely independent and served as a powerful role model to his extended family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Harry’s family extend their gratitude to the wonderful care team who looked after him which allowed him to stay in his home through the end of his life. A funeral service will be held at Lensing Funeral Home on August 12, 2025 at 11:00 am. Visitation will take place from 9:30 to 11:00 am prior to the Funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Iowa Foundation, Sons of Norway or to a charity of your choice in his memory.