Nick Williams, Post tributes and photos here

[earthlight]

Dear all,

We'd like to let you all know that Nick Williams passed away last night. He will be sorely missed by all who has ever known him.

I was just thinking about the years I have known Nick. I met him when I joined Brisbane Astronomical Society, back in 1991, and have worked with him through the years on various committees for conferences and club and he has helped me a lot with the Astrofest on-line forms. Many a night we've spent winding the hours away debating how to get a bigger newsletter or a speaker for a meeting or how to deal with forms. Nick was nearly always the last to leave meetings as the chatting usually ended up in solving a computer problem at someone's house. He was always there when our computers broke down and always ready to chat about any problem we had and some times into the very early hours. He was like myself and Tony always willing to lend a hand if he knew how to get it done, even if he didn't really have the time. I believe he was very lucky to find the love he found in Caroline. I know how much she loved him, the wedding this year in June was beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen Nick so happy. So different to when John Dobson said he had a bad mirror at an Astrofest one year.

Nick worked hard at astrophotography over the years. I think he was the first person to let me use his mount to take a shot. I still remember the possums at Archookoora scaring us with their growling when Tony was trying his hand at guiding. I think at every camp I ever went to Nick arrived after dark. The one time he actually arrived during the day he didn't set up till dusk saying he probably couldn't do it in daylight as he was so used to doing it in the dark.


We will greatly miss his insight, generosity and friendship. We would like to extend our condolences to Caroline and his family.

Sincerely
Anne-Louise and Tony Surma-Hawes

31405

[Dennis]

This is sad and unwelcome news indeed.

Nick was a star; a stellar friend and a star bright, whose humanity shone forth and touched all those lucky enough to have come in contact with this giant of a person. At times quite shy and retiring, Nick was none the less always cheerful and forthcoming with his friendship and selfless help, buckets of which he extended to me at my first BAS meeting in 1993.

Nick was just one of the nicest, most modest and talented people I have had the good fortune to know, albeit for such a short while. Sadly for me, I lost contact with the BAS over the last 12 months, so only managed to see Nick twice in that period; once at the BAS Comet McNaught gathering at Whites Hill and most recently, at the 2007 Queensland Astrofest.

On these occasions, I met both Nick and Caroline. It immediately struck me how blessed Nick was to have such a devoted companion, to love, comfort, nurse and support him through the illness that finally raised this shining star from our Earth, to place him in the heavens above, which he so deeply loved through his passion for astronomy.

Dear Nick, you will be sorely missed and today, when Tony ‘phoned me, I shed many tears; tears of sadness for your premature passing, mixed with tears of gratitude for having known you and some tears of release knowing that you are now free from the illness that you so bravely coped with. Nick, it is your time, time to rest in peace, eternal peace whilst safe in God's grace and unbounded love.

Dear Caroline, I barely know you, yet I immediately felt a love and strength of spirit when I met you and Nick, which I trust will carry you through those difficult times encountered when losing a loved one. God bless you and thank you for being such a wonderful companion to Nick.

All our love

Dennis & Narelle

[astroron]

Nick and I have been friends for quite a few years ,attending the 1998 NAACA, and the 2005 SPSP together.
Nick was a quiet but very intellagent person, always willing to help people if he could.
I was glad to catch up with him at Duckadang, and even though he had a hard time speaking was able to hold a conversation.
I will miss him a great deal.
My condolances go out to Caroline.
Ron
Nick at Siding Spring Mountain March 2005

[firstlight]

Many here might know him as "Nicko".

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I knew Nick many years ago - we went to the same High School actually (Wavell High in Brisbane), and his younger brother Gary and I were in the same class (and members of the same "weekend band" - god how tragic we were!) with Nick being one(?) grade ahead of us. This was back around 1978-80. I'll always remember Nick with his hair black and long, and I'll remember his love of music during those years.

Sadly after we left high school I never managed to meet Nick again throughout the years, not even once - that is until 3 weeks ago, at Astrofest. It was a shock to see Nick at that time, even though Ron had been keeping me up to date with his progress. I'm afraid to say that I didn't make a point of re-introducing myself to him there, when I knew that so many others who had known him more recently wanted to share some precious time with him. I am VERY glad to know however that he did make it to Duckadang one more time to be with his friends before ascending to the stars himself.

Ron's call earlier tonight, letting me know that Nick had finally passed, came as a shock somehow. It also came less than 2 hours after a similar call advising that my favourite Uncle had also passed away, my brother and I had barely finished having "one last fourex" with Uncle Dale when Ron's call came. I find myself sittng here now wondering if the old superstition of a blood red moon being a harbinger of doom is not so much a fantasy after all.

I know that I am the poorer for not having known Nick over the last 25 years: I have no photos to post (unless I can find my old school yearbooks, and I will try), I have no tales to tell of road trips shared with him, or nights observing, etc. Those chances are now lost to me forever. For those who did know Nick and enjoy his friendship during these years then count your blessings.

To Caroline, and to Nick's other loved ones, I send my deepest sympathies. I hope that the emotions and memories expressed here reach you and lend you a measure of strength.

If anyone has any contact with Gary Williams please pass my sincerest regrets along to him, and let him know that Steve Devine would love to get back in touch again.

To anyone who has lost that personal connection with someone who was once a friend, a colleague, a lover - don't let time slip away, look them up again tomorrow and say Hi.

Live each and every day as if it is your last - because one day it will be!

[Argonavis]

Steve - it is a very small world.



I have known Nick for many years and shared a Venus and a Mercury transit with him. It is a sad and great loss. Nick was easy going, warm, and generous to a fault. You couldn't find a nicer bloke who was always willing to go out of his way for others. He was always happy and cheerful and looked on the brighter side of life. There are not enough Nicks in this world and it a damn shane we have lost one.

deepest sympathy to all family and friends

[astroron]

Nick was well known in the Queensland astronomical community, but only posted once on iceinspace

[Satchmo]

I used to know Nick in the late '80's to mid nineties when we both regularly attended NACCA conferences. I had a brief conversation with him at the 2005 SPSP ( ?) and found him unchanged in the intervening 15 years.

He was a lovely guy. very passionate about astronomy and amateur astronomy. Quietly spoken, and full of enthusiasm for his role with the local astronomy club, he was definately of the generation of the post Sputnik astronomy `nerds' ( and I mean that affectionately ) who got into astronomy very young and was obsessed for life. Those were the days when the average membership of the typical astronomy club was somewhat younger than it is today.

My condolences and deepest sympathy go out for his family and close friends.

[earthlight]

Dear All,

Nick Williams' funeral will be held at Pinnaroo Chapel (http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:STANDARD::pc=PC_908), Graham Rd, Bridgman Downs on Wednesday 5th September at 1 pm. (Brisbane UBD Map 109 A19)

The service will be about 1 hour with the internment happening at about 2:30 pm.
Food will be provided afterwards in one of the function rooms.
The chapel closes at 4 pm but your welcome to stay until the grounds close at 4:30 pm.
No flowers by request, donations to be made to the Cancer Fund please.
The notice will be in the paper on Tuesday.
31494
1960-2007

[CoombellKid]

I remember Nick from Astrofest 2005 he was set up next to me. If astroron
hadn't posted his picture I probably would not of recognised him. Sad news
and my condolences go out for his family and friends. He was a lovely chap
to chat to.

regards,CS

[Bobbie Elston]

We had a call from Ron the other night to tell us about Nick. We had not heard much from him lately and coming up to my 50th Birthday I had been thinking of Nick as he came down to Sydney for my 40th. Nick was such a helpful kind and friendly guy, nothing too much trouble. He taught Pete and I to surf the internet back when Magellan and Alta Vista were the in thing and how to do email which at the time was very limited as Nick was one of about three people we knew on email so we used to think it was great when he emailed us! He never complained about late night calls for help when our computer mucked up and always able to sort everything out. Nick was totally dedicated to Astronomy. Sad loss to to all who knew him. Our condolences to his wife and family. Bobbie and Pete Elston

[Dennis]

I would like to add to the tribute we posted above.

Although modest and unassuming, Nick managed to combine a broad and diverse range of talents, from astronomy, astrophotography, music, computing and electronics to name a few. He created and managed the BAS website which was a big hit with the BAS members and others who dropped by.

Not only was Nick a gentleman, but he was that truly rare gentle man and the world will surely be a poorer place with his passing.

May he rest in peace and we send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Caroline, Nick’s family, relatives, friends and colleagues.

Dennis & Narelle

[thunderchildobs]

The Brisbane Astronomical Society was doing a shopping centre display and event organiser gave Nick a ring to see if he could attend.

Organiser: Is Nick there?
Wife to be: No.
Organiser: Do you know it Nick is coming to the display on Saturday.
Wife to be: NO! He is getting married on Saturday afternoon.
Organiser: Could he attend just the morning session.
Wife to be: Click

(This was just before Nick's first marriage)


At a BAS astrocamp, Nick went for a drive in the countryside. Later in the afternoon a large summer thunderstorm was forming, everyone packup their scope, but noticed Nick's scope was still setup. Doing the right thing we disassembled Nick's scope. Everyone took bits off the scope, but placed the bits in different places. It took Nick about two hours find all the bits when he got back.

I to was there during the (in)famous John Dobson and the crappy mirror incident at the Qld Astrofest. I have a photo (but now misplaced) of Nick getting his scope back from Dobson, from my vantage point it look like Nick was going to strangle Dobson.

Brendan

[jjjnettie]

I've only just heard about Nicks passing. Thankyou Tony.

It's so very very sad.
My thoughts are with Caroline at this time. Her obvious love, compassion and support of Nick during his illness was an inspiration.

[Dennis]

For those that were unable to attend, I thought I would share a few impressions from the funeral of Nick Williams.

Today, Wednesday, 5th September 2007 we attended the funeral of Nick Williams, (1960-2007) at Pinnaroo Chapel, Bridgman Downs, Brisbane. Although there was a blustery wind that whipped up the fallen leaves around our feet, the Sun magically peeped out from behind the banks of grey clouds as Nick was finally laid to rest. It was a quiet but beautiful moment as his Wife, Mother, Brother, family, relatives, friends and colleagues gathered to remember one of their favourite sons.

Earlier, we had all gathered in the Chapel at 1:00pm. With more than 120 seated and standing inside, another 50 or so crowding the entrance, the Funeral Celebrant conducted a beautiful service and celebration dedicated to the life of our dear friend Nick. David Durham (BAS President) spoke from his heart, choking back tears as he took us on a journey describing their astronomical exploits, alongside Nick’s character, qualities and achievements. Next, one of Nick’s musical friends shared with us a similar story; this time describing Nick’s musical interests, at times providing much needed humour gleaned from some of the hilarious events of their shared past.

In the Chapel, we sat next to a friend of Nick’s from one of the computer clubs where he was also a very active member. He commented how they would all miss him, so terribly much. Astronomy, computing, music and electronics are all time consuming past times – how on earth did Nick manage not only to fit these into his life, but also excel in each of these pursuits?

A beautiful poem, penned by his Wife, Caroline, was read out and there wasn’t a dry eye in the Chapel. I truly hope that Caroline is able to find some comfort in the wonderful words of Nick’s closest friends; all who described Nick as being the happiest they had ever seen him, from the time he and Caroline met and were eventually wed in June this year.

Nick’s brother, Gary spoke of growing up with Nick and how lucky he had been to have had such a wonderful big brother to clear a path through life for him.

Another of Nick’s musical friends then spoke and it was quite astonishing how he too used the very same words used by others to describe Nick. A gentleman and a gentle man. Kind, helpful, humble, talented, sensitive, intelligent, passionate, loving and considerate, are but a few of the words that echoed throughout the celebration of Nick’s life on this day.

A haunting melody from Dusty Springfield filled the Chapel, as we remembered Nick. A bright and cheery photo of Nick adorned his coffin, made brighter and more cheerful by the beautiful flowers which adorned it. A beautiful piece of music sung and composed by one of Nick’s musical friends (Paul O’Grady) was played, helping ease our sorrows, as the chorus of “Carry me home on the wings of the Angels” echoed around the walls of the Chapel, filled by everyone’s love for Nick.

David Durham (BAS President), Tony Surma-Hawes (IIS) and some musical friends then carried the coffin to the waiting hearse, which then lead us slowly to Nick’s place of internment. It was then that the Sun broke all the way through, as if to let us know that it was okay to smile inside, to celebrate with joy, the life and times of Nick, even whilst feeling the sadness of his premature passing.

We then met in the reception of the Chapel for refreshments where we had the opportunity to speak with Caroline and Nick’s friends. We were deeply touched by Caroline’s love, strength, dignity and composure as we talked of Nick, sharing and swapping fond memories and funny stories. It was also lovely to catch up with Anne-Louise and Tony, Brendan, Jeanette, Ron and others from IIS, as well as members from all the SE Qld Astronomy Clubs, to remember this great man.

Nick, you were that rare and special person indeed, touching the lives of so many with your goodness, humanity and humility. I am fortunate to have met you, known you and shared time with you.

God bless you and may you rest in peace.

Dennis & Narelle

[jjjnettie]

Yes, it was a beautiful memorial service.
Very moving.

[h0ughy]

you describe everything with such clarity Dennis, it was like being there. Thank you. may his legacy live on

[Paul OGrady]

Just over one week ago I experienced one of the saddest days I’ve had to endure. My good friend Nick Williams passed away. Just 8 weeks earlier, as best man at his wedding to Caroline, I was writing a speech and last week I found myself having to write a eulogy for his funeral. In the days following his passing I came to realise that many of the people that knew Nick through his many other interests has no idea that he played a musical instrument let alone that he was a talented and gifted bass guitarist that had played in bands for well over 20 years. This is not surprising. Nick was a very humble man who would never boast about his own achievements although he excelled at everything that he attempted. The fact that the Chapel at Pinnaroo Lawns was overflowing with mourners is testament to the man that he was. He was admired, loved and respected by everyone that was ever fortunate enough to have met him.

The outpouring of emotions at his funeral moved me deeply. There is a void in so many people’s lives now. A void that can never be filled. The world is a sadder place for his passing and the world desperately needs more people like Nick Williams.

Just five days earlier Nick was up the coast recording some bass guitar for our CD and this weekend he was to record on the last two songs. One of those songs was ‘Wings Of An Angel’. Caroline chose a demo version of that song to play as we carried Nicks coffin out of the chapel. As a tribute to Nick we will not be re-recording that song for the CD. We have decided to put the demo version on instead. Complete with minor imperfections. Exactly as it was played at his funeral.

I would like to thank everyone associated with the astronomy society for their heartfelt thoughts and genuine expressions of grief. Wether they attended the funeral or just posted their feelings on this forum. Knowing that Nick had such an effect on so many people will make it easier to accept his passing as we all try to move on. We should all try and use Nick Williams as an example of what we can achieve as human beings and as a guide to the way we can live our lives. In this way part of Nick will always be with us. To honour his memory with a promise to live a little better for having known him, gives purpose to his life and some reason for his death.

I have posted a photo of Nick taken at the Recording Studio five days before he passed away. As sick as he was he was still able to smile as he enjoyed doing something that he loved.

Once again, thank you all for caring.

Paul O’Grady

[jjjnettie]

Top photo Paul.

[Dennis]

Thank you Paul, for stopping by and illuminating a part of Nick’s character I was only dimly aware of. It has added to my appreciation of Nick, further revealing the depth and diversity of talent he drew upon.

Cheers

Dennis

[aquarius]

This is my first post ever and possibly the saddest thing I have ever written.

I met Nick when I joined the Brisbane Astronomical Society in early 2006 and we fell in love through our mutual interest in astronomy. I am incredibly lucky to have known such a special person who very rarely complained or criticised anything and tried to put a positive spin on everything, even until the last. We both decided that we had a chance of happiness together for whatever time frame and that we would take it and run, and that's what we did. I was so very proud to have been chosen as his wife.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their beautiful comments on Nick and how he affected everyone in his own special way, and thank you all for being his friends over the years.

It is too hard for me at present to look up at night but I know Nick wanted me to keep going and one of the last things I promised him was that I would build an Observatory in the back yard just as we had planned.

Thank you all again and I say to you Nick, as you said to me in your Wedding speech, "I am looking forward to continuing our journey together
across the universe."


love Caroline Williams

[jjjnettie]

Caroline,
I'm so glad you joined us here.
What you are going through at the moment, I can't even imagine. Losing someone so dear and so close to you .
I hope it won't be too long before you find the strength within yourself to start looking up again.
Jeanette

[Rockhoundnz]

Although I have not been involved actively with astronomy for many years now, and have not spoken to Nick since the early 1990s, I was saddened to learn of his passing when I caught up with Glenn Burgess last night via Skype. Nick was probably the first person that I spoke to when Glenn and I had interest in joining BAS - it was 1988 and he was the president at that time. I remember him as always being enthusiastic and very accommodating to newbies, like I was at the time. I remember Nick offering Glenn and I the opportunity to piggy back our cameras for the first time on his scope at Hazeldean, and having lots of laughs with him at Coolmunda Dam while we roasted in the baking sun during the day.

He also generously gave up his time to help with a school project in which I interviewed him about the astronomical society. I think without Nick's enthusiasm and kind-hearted nature I would never have become as interested in astronomy as I did. My condolences to his wife and family.

Brett Black

[TrevorW]

I never knew Nick but from the sentiments expressed in these posts by his friends and peers I feel deeply saddened that I have lost the opportunity to do so, the community is worse off by his passing, it solely lacks people of his nature.

May he RIP and his soul soar the universe in eternity

:(