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Nick Williams
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
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