Obituary: Edwin Williams
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our much-loved friend and colleague, Edwin Williams. Edwin passed away at home on Monday 26th of June 2023 after being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer last autumn, surrounded by loved ones.
Edwin had worked at Ness Botanic Gardens in the role of Team Leader in the Visitor Centre for the last two years, bringing with him a wealth of experience from previous roles. In particular, his years working front of house in hotels gave Ed an exemplary focus on customer service and combined with his natural charm and genuine interest in people, this experience made Ed a firm favourite with staff, volunteers, visitors and Members alike. Ed was always ready with welcoming smile and a warm word for anyone who crossed his path.
More than a colleague, Ed fitted into the Ness team from his very first day, always ready with a witty comment or an astute observation. Colleagues may recall his good-natured grumpiness and neatness (We promise we’ll keep the mess room tidy, Ed!).
Outside of work, Edwin loved spending time with his husband Andrew, his daughter Holly and her husband Alex. A keen fundraiser, Edwin and Andrew raised over £180,000 for various charities during their time together.
A proud Welshman, English was Ed’s second language and some colleagues may remember with warmth Ed’s ability to move between the two languages and his pleasure at sharing his knowledge of Wales and its language.
Edwin enjoyed social occasions - especially if a vodka and coke was on offer - and would have friends and colleagues howling with laughter at a well-timed comment. We’ll all miss that sense of humour and perfect comic timing.
We’ll miss Ed so much and our thoughts are very much with Andrew, Holly and Alex at this time.
Edwin’s funeral was held on Wednesday 12 of July 2023 at Flintshire Memorial Park and Crematorium, followed by a celebration of Ed’s life at Ness Botanic Gardens. A testament to how many lives Ed had touched, it was standing room only at the funeral and many guests repaired to Ness to celebrate Ed’s life and reminisce about time spent with him.
The family asked that, instead of flowers, donations be made to MacMillan https://www.macmillan.org.uk/donate/how-to-donate and Marie Curie https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/donate who provide such support to Edwin and his family.