Keith Williams

Dearest Dad – I don’t know where to start. It is impossible to think of you without smiling. You were funny, fun, and I shall miss your bear hugs and your little sideways glances with a raised eyebrow! But most importantly, you taught me about unconditional love. Ours was an uncomplicated relationship because it was just love. You will stay with me forever. Thank you for everything Lisa xxxxxxxxxx

Keith, you welcomed me into the family with open arms and I became one of your people. It has been a great joy being part of your life. So many wonderful memories of family gatherings with you at the heart just revelling in your family and looking upon every single one of us with such pride. You were funny, kind and generous and I will miss you greatly. Jane xxx

Grandpa to nine, but Papa to us three – thank you for the time and the love that you invested in us. The most precious childhood memories: the hours of Little Man stories and reading, the singing (especially the annual Happy Birthday harmonisation), the funny stories making us laugh until we cried (the accidental crunch of the hearing aid is a priceless example), the trips to the deli with Orangina and umbrella shaped lollies. Us ‘people’ were so blessed to have such a solid fierce force of love from you Papa. I know that will stay with all of us and be passed down. You are, and will be, sorely missed. Love you bigger than big steps, Becky x

Dearest Keith, thank you for your lovely friendship with my family – as far back as when Lisa & I started Sydenham High together. Lots of happy memories. I will remember you for your love of music, utter love of your family and being such a true gentleman. It was an honour to have known you. Thank you. Shona.

To our wonderful Grandpa, with the sparkliest eyes, most loving nature, sweetest tooth (my love of double cream comes from you!) and the cheekiest sense of humour.  Listening to your many wonderful stories, I got hear about everything from your childhood, to your singing days, your shop and of course your life with our beautiful Nana. I feel so lucky to have those stories to pass on.  You were so incredibly proud of all your people, and I loved how you loved everyone so fiercely. That love is something that will continue to pass through generation to generation, always. I will miss you so very much Gramps. Love you millions. Ame x

Dear Papa, Thank you for showing us the world through your stories.  Becky, Megan and I will always treasure our memories from Wednesday evenings coming home from school, so excited to see you and Nana and share some homemade cake.  You were always making us laugh, giving us the biggest, tightest hugs and showing us how to love unconditionally.  Chocolate covered raisins will forever make me smile and think of you and your hearing aid ‘mis-haps’  Seeing you at Christmases at the other end of the table, looking down at all ‘your people’ with such pride and a huge smile on your face is a memory I will always look back upon and smile hugely also.  You loved ‘your people’ with all your heart, and you were the heart of our family.  You will be missed beyond measure. All my love and more Emma xx 

Dear Dad, It’s been a month since you passed away, and I’m realising that it’s the most special, lovely people in our lives who leave the biggest holes when they go. This week I’m away hillwalking (which you would never have liked!) but when the fresh air makes my nose run, I’m reaching for one of your hankies (which I stole) because you were never without at least one hankie. So in a small way, you’re doing this walk with me. xxxx

Dearest Papa, Thank you for giving us your time and devotion; from sharing and reading story after story (whether you created them, read them, or recalled them from your childhood); to sleepovers when we were learning to tell the time, and would wait till the hands reached the stickers and know that we could ‘wake’ you and Nana up; to weekly Wednesday visits in Hunton where we could watch some tennis if it was on, play some music, and share some tea and cake. Thank you for sharing your love of music; from Mairzy Doats at a young age, to Bernstein and Sondheim. Thank you for listening to us sing and play, whether it was in music lessons, concerts or just in the kitchen. Thank you for your patience and kindness – I particularly remember that time when Mum and Dad went away, and I, aged ~15, thought it would be a good idea to jump on my new bed. After admitting to you that I had broken a few of the slats, ingeniously fixed it with zip ties and rope – it lasted like that for years! Thank you for demonstrating how to love ardently and fiercly, both in your marriage to our wonderful Nana, your three children, and us nine grandchildren. Christmases, Easters, Birthdays – any occasion to get your people together was cherished – good food, smiles, and laughter. Our family is a truly unique one that is filled with love – with you and Nana at the helm. I feel so blessed to have those fond memories across so many years. Being far away from you all has been really hard over the past two years. I loved our regular video calls (mostly so I could show you Chipper), though I do wish I could have given you one last hug in person. I adore you, Papa, and I am missing you dearly. I will forever treasure the many years of happy memories and will be thankful to be one of your ‘people’. Love you always, Meg xx

Hi Dad – just wanted to say I’m thinking of you even more today on Father’s Day. Feeling so lucky to have had you for so many Father’s Days in the past xxxxx

Happy Birthday Papa. Thinking of you more today than usual and sending you masses of love. May you have a day full of song and happy memories of being with your people xxxx

Happy Birthday Dad! Thinking of you today. Love you so much xxxxx