Williams, Harold (Bob) Robert

Born 27 September 1925 at Durban, South Africa. Died 10 July 2008 at Wellington, New Zealand.

Husband of Jeanette and father of Paula and Hugh.

Bob was a man of love, integrity and courage.

Love

His childhood was difficult, having been orphaned at a young age, and living with foster parents that were often cruel to him. Then as a very young man (16), he signed up with the South African division of the allied armed forces and served in North Africa and Italy during the Second World War. During the war Bob lost both his thumbs, one by sniper fire intended for his head (he was a radio operator) and the other by mortar shrapnel when he lost a friend to the same blast. Subsequent to the war Bob had to recover his ability to speak as a result of shell shock.

In spite of these great tribulations as a younger man, Bob married Jeanette at 30 years of age and they went on to have two children; Paula at age 36 and Hugh at age 38. Bob was always kind and very loving to his wife and children. He gave them all that he could at all times. Nothing was ever too much trouble. This in stark contrast to the difficult beginnings to his life.

Integrity

Bob made his own decisions about what he believed to be morally correct, but unlike many he was able to live by those standards. He always stood as the best possible example to his family. In the wider family he was well known, liked and respected. Many people speak of standards but do not live by them. Bob was a man of impeccable integrity and it showed at all times.

Courage

A man of tremendous courage, Bob had the courage to offer love when he had not received it, to stand up and live by what he believed in, and has enormous courage in the face of adversity. Even when the end was near and he knew this he was able to smile for us, and never did he complain about the situation. His most adverse comment was that he did not feel too well.

Our tribute to Bob the husband, friend, father, role model and our icon is to honour him beyond the ability of words to express. Rest in peace our loving husband, friend, father and role model.

With love and care and devotion, your loving Jeanette, Paula and Hugh

Tributes may be left in the tribute book below.

A Service for Bob will be held at the Johnsonville Uniting Church, Dr Taylor Terrace, Johnsonville, Wellington on Wednesday 16 July 2008 at 11:00am thereafter cremation at the Harbour City Crematorium, Kilbirnie, Wellington.

Guardian Funeral Home (Johnsonville)
Members of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand

Johnsonville - Tawa - Ngaio
Members of the Funeral Directors Association of NZ

Service Information: Date: Time: Location: 16/07/2008 11:00 a.m. Johnsonville Uniting Church Dr Taylor Terrace Johnsonville Wellington View Map of Location