A founding member of the Liverpool sub branch of the RSL and the J E VC Memorial Clubs passed away on October 20th 2009 at 2330 hours [0930 Labrador time].

A. E. [Pat] Williams, oldest member of the aforementioned clubs at the time of passing, was interned with full Retuned Services League Honors [demobilized Warrant officer 1] at the Liverpool Cemetery on Friday October 23rd 2009.

My dad was 95 years and 8 days old when he finely succumbed, not without a good battle though, he was in it right to the end I am told.

Known as Ernie to some and Pat to most my dad was a real anomaly in my younger years. A real gentleman with lots of decorum and manners, but like a firecracker with a short fuse when it came to people he thought were in the wrong.

I remember more than the odd time the fuse was lit when young blokes full of piss and vinegar received a quick left right combo after a brief argument with dad. No man was too big, nor position in life deterring.

Dad did calm down in later years, I think the last bloke that hit the deck was a football playing officer of the law, and dad had to pull a few strings with that one.
Little difference of opinion at the side of our house of ‘did dads car wheels come to a full halt at the stop sign up the road’.
I had a ringside seat at the dinning room window; end result was never in doubt and no charges were pending from either side.

Dad worked hard, sometimes at two jobs, to make sure we were comfortable. No luxuries, but a comfortable home and well fed and clothed.
He finished his working life with a good civilian position with the Australian Army, so Mom is well taken care of.

Most of my thoughts the last several days have centered around my younger years, around 5 to late teens, some good times and some hard times, I/we worked hard too creating and maintaining gardens and lawns.
A well rounded life’s education I would think.