OBITUARY.

Thames Star, Volume LIX, Issue 16787, 14 May 1926, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MR. ERNEST WILLIAMS. TRIBUTE IN SAN FRANCISCO. The San Francisco Musical and Theatrical News has the following regarding the death of Ernest Williams, brother of Messrs. A. and H. Williams, of Hamilton, and Arthur Williams, of Thames:— The Passing of “Birdie” Williams. The death of Ernest Williams (popularly known to his many friends as “Birdie” anl “Ernie”), which took place last- week, was generally regretted. Although he had been ill for some time, the end was rather sudden. His funeral took place from tlie_ Schofield undertaking rooms on Divisadero Street, and was attended by a large assemblage, who, during the funeral rites, presided over by a clergyman, listened to a very able and eloquent eulogy given by Secretary Albert A. Greenbaum, who spoke many truths about the great esteem and regard in which Ernest Williams had been held by his brother musicians and by others. Effective and appropriate music was rendered by a trombone quartette, consisting of Tom Ingram, John Klock, W. S. Pringle and R. F. Shoemaker, which added greatly to the solemnity of the occasion. An evidence of the warm friendship felt for Mr. Williams was the large band, under the leadership of Mr. Phil Sapiro, who willingly volunteered their services and took part in the ceremonies, playing “Nearer My God to Thee” as the body was borne to the hearse, and then, , for quite a long distance, alternated the Chopin and Beethoven funeral marches as the cortege made its way along the streets. The Firemen’s Band and the League of the Cross Cadets Band, both of which organisations Ernie Williams had been leader and teacher of in the past, were present to pay their respects, and marched in the funeral procession. Postmaster James E. Power, former Supervisor, and at one time Colonel of the League of the Cross, and a very warm friend of Ernie Williams, was present, and officiated as one of the pall-bearers. An incident worthy of special notice was the action of Police Captain Coulter, who attended the funeral in citizen’s clothes, and directed the police in clearing the streets for the large band to march and play without interruption. His kinlness. and co-operation were duly appreciated.