Brian Williams' zest for life celebrated

Williams died in Athens on 7 February after a long battle with cancer. It was just one month short of his 70th birthday.

At Monday’s thanksgiving service at St Bride’s, the journalists’ church in Fleet Street, London, readings were given by his sister Robin Robinson, his first wife Jenny Williams, daughter-in-law Rosemary Nuamah Williams, and colleagues Bill Saltmarsh and Paul Smurthwaite who said it would be “a sad day for the Baron when people like the Digger are not given a chance”.

Addresses were given by his son Joe Williams and daughter Lily Collyer, and by colleagues James Pringle and Jose “Lito” Katigbak who said “he inspired us to challenge the system”.

There were prayers, hymns and songs including That’s Amore and Waltzing Matilda, both sung by the church choir.

Afterwards, the family, friends and colleagues of the Digger walked to the Bride Lane dive bar formerly known to Reuters people as the City Golf Club, now The City of London Distillery, where celebration of his life and loves continued. ■