“Don” Henry Lewis Williams 1928-2018
Don the adventurer!
Don was born in 1928 and acquired a great interest in engineering and motorsport inspired by his father Eric Williams. Eric was one of 7 children, living in Herefordshire, who pioneered the first use of steam-powered cultivation and threshing machines. His interest in transport lead to being a keen motor cyclist and racer and to the development of a racing team. Eric won the Isle of Man TT race in 1914 and team members came in 3rd, 4th and 5th. He was to win the TT twice riding for AJS. Eric later established a motor and cycle sales company in Worcester. Don, who was always an explorer an adventurer and some would say a daredevil, was born in Worcester in 1928 and attended the King’s School. He inherited this passion for engines and undertook an apprenticeship with Standard Motor Company. After completing service in the Royal Navy on HMS Arthur, Gosling, Jamaica and Drake he became a professional competitive rider for Norton, competing in the Isle of Man Grand Prix, winning three times, and on the international motor racing circuit across Europe. In the 50s he was a gold medallist in the international six days event in Austria and undertook long distance races (typically 500 miles) riding for Triumph and Royal Enfield. Don recounts some of his experiences driving from Worcester to Coventry where he worked at Norton, a journey that he completed in as little as 30 minutes it is alleged! He also started racing cars, with some success driving for Cooper and Emerson Formula 3 vehicles at Brands Hatch. He then took over the family business focussed on selling “anything on wheels” – these were the days when you could order a car of choice from a garage and Eric Williams Ltd in Worcester sold Jaguars alongside Reliant 3-wheelers – how the world has changed! Don and Eric entered the TT Hall of fame as a father and son TT racers and featured in several magazines and books. With a wide network of friends in the motor industry he represented the sector as Vice President of The Motor Agents Association for a number of years and ran his retail business.
Don married Hazel in 1955. Hazel patiently supported Don in his racing ambitions along with friends Geoff, a fellow rider, and Gloria. After marrying Hazel and with arrival of children Elizabeth and Richard he focused on the more sedate sports of motor cross and then later trials riding. Initially the family lived close to Hill Top in Bevere, Worcester, the home of his mother and father and housekeeper Fanny and close to Hazel’s brother Roy. Elizabeth was born in 1958 and Richard in 1960. Don and Hazel soon moved into Badgers Bend in about 1963, with its own farm buildings next door and fields grazed by cows milked by Fanny adjoining the River Severn. The house was equipped with various motor bikes and vehicles for use in the fields. Don and Hazel had a wide network of friends some represented here today, especially Hazel’s close family Roy and Mary Lewis, Mary and Neville Gwillam and, sadly no longer here, Gwyneth and Cyril Bottomley. Don was also very proud of his brother Eric and wife Kathleen’s family, Philip, Christine and John. His farming heritage was important to him and he often spoke of their achievements. Don sometimes recounted tales of his high speed endeavours and took pleasure in announcing when a piece of deeply embedded Isle of Man road gravel worked its way out of his arm or leg to pop out - astonishingly this happened over several decades!
Following retirement he has been a regular returner to TT reunions and Goodwood. Amazingly identifying his old racing car now in American ownership by the CEO of Chrysler. Away from work and bikes Don enjoyed travels with family to Cornwall, Wales and Scotland and the pleasures of the garden, seaside and countryside. He introduced Hazel, Elizabeth and me to family holidaying in out of the way places, be it in a caravan in West Wales, on the West Coast of Scotland, or on remote islands in the Scilly Isles. The latter location sparked a tradition that has continued for 45 years.
Don was known for his gracious nature and generous spirit and concern for the welfare of those around him. Don was happy if those around him were happy. I am sure everyone here has their own precious memory or encounter with Don, let’s reflect on that now. He was proud of being associated with Freemasons working for social good of others receiving a lifelong award for 50 years membership. Along with Hazel, as a couple they were renowned for their hospitality and willingness to support family and friends wherever they could. Don loved spending time with his grandchildren Sam, Hannah-Rose and Tim supporting their development. He was proud of Nick and felt a strong resonance with him as a fellow motorsports adventurer.
Don would be so pleased to see you his family and friends all here today and on behalf of the family we thank you for joining us. We also wanted to acknowledge the wonderful support of friends, neighbours and the staff from R&L Healthcare to Don in recent years.
Alongside our sadness at our loss there is an overwhelming acknowledgement that this is a celebration of a life well lived. Don the adventurer.
Richard A Williams on behalf of all the family
13th August 2018