OBITUARY
51
E.F. WILLIAMS 1901 - 1979
Fred Williams died on 21st 3uly, 1979, and the Club lost
a most valued member and elder statesman. He joined the
Club in 1948 and served as President from 1959 to 1961.
He was an outstanding President both in the Club generally
and as Chairman at Council Meetings. The policy of
forming specialist groups was implemented gradually at
this time and the appointment of recorders extended.
Fred was a fine amateur entomologist who specialised in
Lepidoptera. He was a great lover of Essex and its
countryside. Over the years he had assembled a fine
library extending over all his interests and this
facilitated the identification of specimens submitted
to him in his capacity of recorder for Lepidoptera.
When Skippers' Island, near Thorpe-le-Soken, came on to
the market, Fred and his brother Rowley bought it. They
generously made it available to the Club. Many enjoyable
Club meetings were held on it and individual members were
allowed to use it for research and for pleasure. Subseq-
uently, when increasing age and infirmity meant that it was
impossible for them to enjoy, look after and maintain the
Island, they gave it to the Essex Naturalists' Trust.
Skippers Island will thus be preserved in its wild state
for future generations.
Subsequent presidents have had cause to be grateful to
Fred for wise and kindly advice on the many and varied
problems which arose in the Club's affairs.
Appreciation of Fred's other activities will be recorded
elsewhere. He was a busy Underwriter at Lloyds, yet was
willing to devote time to many voluntary activities -
amongst others the Essex Field Club. He will be sadly
missed by many.
---oOo---