Heartfelt tributes for Mark Williams as friends and family gather for funeral

Close friends and colleagues gathered at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral on Saturday to bid farewell to Mark Williams.

Lauded for his sterling contribution in both the entertainment and political arena, Williams, who passed away on December 27, was credited as being a cornerstone of the development of the local entertainment scene.

During the funeral service, heartfelt tributes were delivered by some of the key figures with whom his life story was intertwined. 

Desmond Weekes, his best friend and Drayton’s Two lead singer, described him as a man with ability, strength and sincerity who would always achieve any tasks he set for himself.  He paid homage rendering Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven. 

Also offering musical tributes were Tony Grazette with You Will Never Walk Alone and Wayne Jackman singing It is Not Easy to Say Goodbye.

Praising Williams’ marketing prowess, fellow promoter Al Gilkes reminisced about their early ventures. He remembered, “When we started The Nation (Newspaper) we brought in Mark and Mark took the Nation to a different level as far as advertising was concerned.” 

He said, “Mark’s name should be written down as one of the people who helped build The Nation.

Visual artist David McLean, whose life was significantly influenced by Williams, was among those who spoke. He recalled, “As busy as he was, and everywhere he went, he found time to come to me.” He noted, “These things are important in the human spirit, and I have come this far because of men like Mark Williams.”

Williams’ nephew testified to his uncle’s perseverance, particularly in his successful bid for the St Michael North West seat. 

Speaking on behalf of his siblings was Williams’ son Tennyson Hinds. 

Overcome with emotions, Damian Marvay sang one of his own compositions for his father. The refrain, “You won’t go alone, I will be with you all the time right here,” resonated.

In delivering the sermon Father Clement Paul assured the mourners, “Jesus, he is sorry for you, Jesus is with you in your sorrow.” He described Williams as a resilient cultural son of the soil.  

Despite Mark’s short stature, the service highlighted his towering contributions. A nostalgic moment was created with the playing of Bring Back the Ole Time Days, the theme of Williams’ popular radio program, Looking Back.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw and other members of the Cabinet were among the congregation.

The interment took place at the Westbury Cemetery. As the coffin was lowered into the grave a lone instrumentalist from the Barbados Defence Force played the haunting strains of Taps on horn.

(ST)