Mr. J. B. Williams, Well-Known Bay Launchman

Northern Advocate, 2 June 1939, Page 4

Mr. J. B. Williams, WellKnown Bay Launchman

OBITUARY

A wide circle of friends throughout the Bay of Islands and from further afield are mourning the loss of one of Russell’s best-loved citizens, the late Mr John Bernard Williams, whose de'ath ocurred this week, Mr Williams, who had been ill for several weeks, was on the road to recovery when a relapse took place. Boi’n in Russell, 57 years ago, the late Mr Williams, the fourth member and the eldest son of the family of Mr and Mrs J. B. Williams, early settlers of Paroa Bay, spent all his life in the Bay of Islands.

Integrity Stood High.

After leaving school he joined the Government survey party which was then operating in the Bay, and later was associated with Mr Otto Neumann’s launch transport service. Mr Williams’ congenial nature, outstanding honesty and high ideals stood him in good stead when he purchased that service in 1921, and his circle of friends, through his connection with the travelling public over a number of years, has become Dominion-wide.

Interest in Sport,

In sport, as in business, the n'ame of Jack Williams was held in high esteem and when Russell cricket and football was in its hey-day he was a popular and active player (and administrator.

He was considered in his younger days as one of the Northland’s fastest Rugby three-quarters, and, on the cricket field, he was a useful allrounder.

“Jack Williams was the finest of sports,” remarked a veteran recently, “and it was just as much a pleasure to play against him as with him.” At the time of his death Mr Williams was an executive member of the Bay of Islands Swordfish and

Mako Shark Club and his interest in that sport was keen. , Mr Williams married, in the year 1904, Miss Mabel Kelly, of Auckland.

The Last Tribute

His funeral was one of the largest ever seen at Russell—a tribute to an outstanding personality. - A service was held in the Methodist Church by the Rev. J. W. Baylis, following which Masonic honours were accorded, a very impressive service being conducted in the Longbe'ach Cemetery. The late Mr Williams is survived by his widow, two sons —Messrs Bernard and Sydney Williams —two daughters—Mrs G. Anderson and Miss Kathleen Williams—and three grandchildren.