Bernard Orion Williams
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Bernard “Berney” Orion Williams, 75, Lawrence, KS passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Tanglewood Health and Rehab in Topeka, KS.
Bernard was born on February 4, 1948, in Topeka, KS, the son of Orion “Bud” and Beth Eileen (Housh) Williams. He married Carla (Denny) Young on October 22, 2011in McClouth, KS. She resides in their home. Other survivors include his mother, Beth Williams, children, Maia Williams, Gwethalyn Williams, Sarah Schmidt, Nikol Young, brothers, Bill Williams, Brad Williams, Bruce Williams, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Orion “Bud” Williams.
Berney was a lifelong student of the universe, always interested in exploring new ideas and discoveries. He was happiest when learning and teaching. He graduated from Kansas State University ROTC commissioned to serve as first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force as a (Strategic Air Command) Titan II missile control officer. After earning his Ph.D. in the History of Science at the University of Kansas he spent several years working in technology publishing. Later he returned to his calling to be an educator and taught courses at the University of Kansas, Kansas City Art Institute, and Osher Institute in addition to fostering many graduate students through the Holos University Graduate Seminary, where he also served as president of the International Society for the Study of Subtle Energy and Energy Medicine. In addition to acquiring an encyclopedic knowledge of the world around us, Berney loved spending time with his family, especially engaging in spirited debates with his brothers and cousins. He also took a fierce and joyous pride in supporting the many accomplishments of his daughters.
Memorial services will be held at a later date, as well as burial at Hoyt Cemetery in Hoyt, KS.
The family suggests memorials in Bernard’s name to Prairie Wind Hospice of Baldwin, KS, or Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center of Lawrence, KS, and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man
Bernie was a great conversationalist in that you never knew where the conversation was going to go but you knew it would be interesting and sometimes outrageous (in a good way).He was a gentle soul and I miss him.
Carla, my heart is with you as you move forward through the loss of Bernie. He was so fortunate to have you in his life. Love and blessings to you and your family. Sheri Taylor
Bernie was a fabulous scholar And an outstanding presenter of
every interesting and engaging lecture topics such as the one
regarding “Enhancements and Improvements to aura photography technology”
It was at that presentation nearly 2 decades back where I first met Bernie.
Blessings of Peace to Carla, and to all the vast number of Bernie’s friends and family
I was saddened to learn of Bernie’s passing. I worked with Bernie for about six years when we were employed at R&D Publications here in Lawrence Kansas in the early 1990s… He was a wonderful soul… So happy… So interesting… So much fun to be around.
My sincere condolences to his family … may happy memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Cynthia Peters Sullivan
Carla,
I am so sorry to hear this. I know how much you both suffered. I hope you have peace now.
Love this man,
Taught me
Much
Sending you much love Dearest Carla. Take your grief to the dance floor ♥️🫂♥️
So sorry for your loss. In your heart, in those memories, he will be with you forever.
Carla,
Bernie inspired and guided myself and so many others on their earthly journeys. Am saddened to Hear of his passing. Please know that requests are being made for grace, comfort and ease to surround, support and Uplift You and
Bernie’s entire family💜
My message is late. Your father was one of my favorite people. He was a very interesting person and very thoughtful. He will be missed.
Dear Carla, I just learned of your loss. I am so sorry.
I didn’t know that Berney had passed but was doing a Google search to see what he was up to now and found this page. I’m so sorry that I didn’t do this sooner, as he’s been such a wonderful man and I wanted to catch up with him. He endorsed my first book and also participated in an experiment with Dr. Don Watson and me back in 2007. An account of that experiment will be included in my forthcoming book, The Persistence of the Soul, to be published by Inner Traditions in October 2023. I wish Berney joy in the next realm and peace to his loved ones here on Earth.
Philip Andrews, UK. I met Bernie at the Language of Spirituality Conferences in ABQ NM, in the years either side of 9/11. We got on well. He was a wonderfully intelligent, kind and generous man. He put me up (and put up with me!) at his home in Lawrence while he was teaching at the Uni. We had many interesting conversations. I loved and respected him for his learning, his compassion and his integrity. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He will be greatly missed. I wish his family all the best. Blessings on you, Berney 🙏☯😔