Vic Williams' 90th birthday bash!

Sheila Suttner

There was a grand turn-out of family, friends and fellow-
activists, thinkers, poets and writers to celebrate the 90th 
birthday party to honour Comrade Victor Williams.

The occasion was rich with music, poetry, oratory — and good 
food and drink.

It took place in the premises of the Maritime Union of Australia, 
an appropriate venue in the light of Vic's 23 years on the wharf 
and as a member of the Waterside Workers' Federation.

Tributes were paid to him in that capacity by long-time comrade 
on the waterfront, Tom Orgles, and current Secretary of the MUA, 
Chris Cain.

The occasion opened with an acknowledgement of Aboriginal 
ownership of the land on which the celebration was taking place, 
in both word and song, the latter provided, magnificently, by the 
Working Voices Choir.

Not inappropriately, this was followed by a stirring rendition of 
"The People's Flag" which brought all present to their feet, 
joining in the chorus.

Messages of good wishes were read from Dr Carmen Lawrence, 
(Member for Fremantle), Jo Vallentine (People for Nuclear 
Disarmament {WA}), (Hannah Middleton (President of the Communist 
Party of Australia), and Peter Symon (General Secretary of the 
CPA).

Joan Williams spoke of more than half-a-century of loving and 
creative partnership with Vic, "Soldier from the War Returning", 
as he described himself in a poem on their first encounter.

Her tribute to Vic as husband, father, comrade in many struggles, 
fellow-writer, left no-one present unmoved.

Tributes followed from those who have known and admired Vic in 
the Peace Movement, the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society (Diana 
McTiernan), The Fellowship of Australian Writers (Pattie Watts), 
the Greens (Kathy Anketell), and the Communist Party of 
Australia {WA} (Sheila Suttner).

The speeches were interspersed with songs — to Vic's poems — by 
old comrades, Donno Wignall, and Ian and Brenda Conochie.

Michael Williams, the youngest of the Williams' offspring, spoke 
on behalf of the family, recalling amusing and moving anecdotes 
of growing up in an unusual but very loving environment.

As the birthday cake was cut and the champagne glasses were 
filled, Vic spoke of his life, his love, his family, his friends, 
the interests and challenges of his 90 years.

The formal party ended with the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good 
Fellow", "Happy Birthday to You", several Hip, Hip Hoorays and a 
stirring rendition of "The Internationale".

Everybody hung around for at least half-an-hour, sharing 
memories, enjoying comradeship and nostalgia. Great occasion in 
every way, honouring a great comrade, in every way.