We rEMEMBER George Williams. A long time member and board member of STNM, George brought passion, humor and joy to all he touched through story and theater. Below are some of our memories of George. Thank you for helping us remember and honor his life.

To add your memory, email us here

 Phyllis Bergman:

In his 70’s, after a career in theater and broadcasting, George decided to do a podcast—at a time when people his age didn’t even know what that was!

It was called The Old Father Williams Storytelling Podcast. The center of the podcast was usually around one of his created stories, often about the characters that lived in a small town he called Busted Flush, Oklahoma. The characters became so alive in his rich and expressive voice.

He often also asked a local storyteller to come and tell a tale as well. It was the real deal: sound studio, big earphones, lots of knobs and dials. It was a bit intimidating. What I so clearly remember about the experience was how quickly he put me at ease by asking questions and then, best of all, he really listened to what I was saying. We did the whole thing in one take, and we were both pleased with how well it went.

It could have been an altogether different experience but George made me feel welcomed and appreciated, so the story just poured out from my heart.

He knew how to do that.

My life has been richer because I knew George….and really, isn’t that the best you can say about anyone?

Go in peace, George.

Bob Kanegis and Liz Mangual:

Through the roll of the dice, some of us have it easier, some not so easy and some really hard as we age. These last years for George, and for George and Meta together while she was till alive were not easy physically. They both struggled with a variety of debilitating medical conditions. Through it all, we can't now remember a time when George complained, or railed against his fate. Some how he found a way to keep on going. To keep on showing up for life, difficult as it was. When surely he was feeling weak and worn… he showed up and contributed to STNM events. He was a genuine story lover as well as teller. He really enjoyed a good story and it showed. Right up close to the end… I (Bob) read a version of Jack the Giant Killer to him in his hospital bed, and there was no question… he relished it, and expressed his appreciation.

Here's something else that bears saying. He was truly interested in other people. He listened. He was curious. He asked questions.

We think that his association with STNM was one of the things that kept him going….probably helped him beat the odds a bit and hold out longer than he might have otherwise… especially after Meta's passing.

We heard pieces of his life story from time to time at various gatherings. I think we all know that the theater was another big part of his life. We gather that earlier…perhaps when he was still in his native Oklahoma the church was very important to him as well. George had a spiritual side that he didn't wear on his sleeve. But it would be hard to miss that he had a foundation of kindness and an ethical compass. When you were with him you knew you were with a good and decent man.

We'll miss his company, his voice, his stories, and simply his presence as a friend in the company of other friends… somebody who was not shy about expressing his appreciation for friendship.

It mattered deeply to him to have us all as friends and colleagues.

George… we won't forget you.

Bob and Liz

Liz and Bob

Kimberly Gotches:

One of my favorites of his outside of Busted Flush is a story he wrote called, “You Never Can Tell About Dragons.” It’s about a little girl named Alice who doesn’t give up when a situation looks dire, so she inspires a dragon to save her home. George had a way of looking at the world that made you look at everything in a new way. This story is one example of that. (It’s on his podcast.)

When I last saw him in the hospital, he brushed past talking about his pain; and, instead, talked about stories and how they impact people. He was talking about how he wanted to do a storytelling event in the hospital.

Maybe one way we can help keep his memory alive is by continuing to tell stories that challenge the way we look at the world. To turn to stories when times in our lives get difficult. And to listen to and share his wonderful stories.

I’m really going to miss him.

Elaine Muray:

Most of us met and came to know George and his wife, Meta, through his attendance at the monthly STNM Storycrafting get togethers, and George and I ended up hosting these events at our mutual houses. George's background in theater and scriptwriting shone as he provided attendees with on point insight on both construction and delivery of their stories.

Over the years, my husband, Mauny, and I got to know George and Meta as we shared many meals, especially breakfasts, both individually and as couples. On a couple of occasions, and because I valued his opinion, he met with me personally to help me with a story I was working on. I will always appreciate his generosity.

It is truly sad that such a talent left us too soon. George had mentioned that given his health issues, he would be the first to leave us. Meta said that she would make sure that his treasures of writing and telling that he left behind would get better known to the world. Unfortunately, Meta passed in December, 2020. It is my hope that somebody steps up to carry this torch forward.

Regina Ress:

Ah, George! Such a sweet guy and fine performer. And what a wonderful community member. Last November he asked me to sit with him at Tellebration. We had a good time chatting before, commenting between tellers, and a great hug at the end of the show. We all will miss him.