Revealed on 29 July 2025
4 minutes learn
Tributes have been paid to a “outstanding” man with an “indomitable spirit” who faithfully served the Basic Meeting of the Church of Scotland for greater than 50 years.
John Williams, an audio-visual technician, died peacefully at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh on Sunday, 27 July surrounded by his devoted household.
He was 71 and lived with terminal most cancers, present process dialysis remedy for seven years.
Described as a “legend”, Mr Williams of Oscus Media used his expertise and experience to make sure that the audio and visible functionality on the Basic Meeting Corridor in Edinburgh was of the best doable commonplace yearly since 1974.
He was honoured for his service on the 2024 Basic Meeting and in Might this yr spoke passionately about his terminal sickness throughout a debate on Assisted Dying.
Mr Williams referred to as for enormous funding to be made in palliative care provision throughout Scotland as a result of it’s a “restricted useful resource and there usually are not sufficient beds, not sufficient employees and never sufficient funding”.
“So far as I am involved the best way palliative care is funded here’s a nationwide shame and the federal government actually ought to do one thing way more about it to assist all those that want it,” he instructed the Basic Meeting.”
Legendary determine
Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the Basic Meeting, paid a heat tribute to Mr Williams.
“It is a very unhappy day for all of us who knew John,” she mentioned.
“He was a outstanding particular person with an indomitable spirit who endured his lengthy sickness with great religion, braveness, cheerfulness and good humour.
“Throughout over 50 years of service to the Church, his experience in filmmaking and his meticulous planning turned a necessary a part of our Basic Assemblies, making it doable for individuals to look at the discussions regardless of the place they have been.
“At our final Basic Meeting, John knew his life was drawing nearer to the tip however as he had all the time performed he nonetheless gave his all to the Meeting – however now he had one other present to provide – this time to the broader world.
“His highly effective speech advocating for higher, extra considerate palliative care was heard – each particular person listening within the corridor and outdoors it was moved and altered by his heartfelt, compelling phrases.
“John was so cherished by so many individuals.
“He fairly merely was a legend who impressed and enriched our lives vastly and he might be sorely missed.
“Our ideas and prayers are together with his widow, Diane, son, Nick, grandson, Owen and the broader household right now.”
In an uncommon transfer for the Meeting, Mr Williams was invited to deal with commissioners after approaching Rev Dr John Ferguson, the convener of a working group set as much as look at the Church’s place on assisted dying.
Dr Ferguson, clerk to the Presbytery of Perth mentioned: “When John Williams requested if he might converse in the course of the Assisted Dying debate on the Basic Meeting, there was initially some uncertainty whether or not that may be doable as he wasn’t a commissioner.
“Fortunately, it was made to occur and John spoke powerfully and with nice braveness about his sickness and all that he had gone via.
“It was a second which left its mark on the Meeting.
“It was great that after serving the Meeting for 50 years within the audio-visual space that John was capable of deal with it in such a profound and shifting method.
“He was a very outstanding, brave and deeply compassionate human being”.
Opposition
The Basic Meeting voted to reaffirm the Church’s opposition to Assisted Dying, whereas acknowledging the variety of views amongst members.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Sick Adults (Scotland) Invoice, launched within the Scottish Parliament by Liam McArthur MSP, handed the primary stage of parliamentary scrutiny in Might.
Regardless of his terminal sickness, Mr Williams continued to assist his son Nick facilitate the audio-visual necessities of the Basic Meeting through the years.
Paying tribute to his service on the 2024 Basic Meeting, Rev Michael Mair, convener of the Meeting Enterprise Committee, mentioned: “A few of those that facilitate the Basic Meeting achieve this as paid contractors.
“I might not normally spotlight their contribution, enormously grateful although we’re to obtain their experience, knowledge and providers.
“Nevertheless, I need to make an exception this yr to pay tribute to at least one one who has been a set characteristic on the Basic Meeting for the final 50 years.
“John Williams first Meeting was in 1974, he has not missed a single Meeting over this era.
“John facilitates the entire audio-visual elements of our gathering, from guaranteeing that the cameras and microphones are working, to operating cables to speak to the highest desk and technical hall, to making sure the best data is displayed on the screens within the corridor.
“John’s recommendation was invaluable when the pandemic got here and compelled the church to maneuver to a purely on-line Basic Meeting, and we needed to depend on his technical data as to what was doable for us to do.
“John now manages our hybrid fashion Meeting, guaranteeing that those that are taking part remotely have the identical data obtainable to them as those that are within the Corridor.”
Mr Williams was referred to as to the entrance of the Meeting and thanked for his service by the then Moderator, Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, who described his 50 years of service as a “large achievement”.
Revealed on 29 July 2025
4 minutes learn
Tributes have been paid to a “outstanding” man with an “indomitable spirit” who faithfully served the Basic Meeting of the Church of Scotland for greater than 50 years.
John Williams, an audio-visual technician, died peacefully at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh on Sunday, 27 July surrounded by his devoted household.
He was 71 and lived with terminal most cancers, present process dialysis remedy for seven years.
Described as a “legend”, Mr Williams of Oscus Media used his expertise and experience to make sure that the audio and visible functionality on the Basic Meeting Corridor in Edinburgh was of the best doable commonplace yearly since 1974.
He was honoured for his service on the 2024 Basic Meeting and in Might this yr spoke passionately about his terminal sickness throughout a debate on Assisted Dying.
Mr Williams referred to as for enormous funding to be made in palliative care provision throughout Scotland as a result of it’s a “restricted useful resource and there usually are not sufficient beds, not sufficient employees and never sufficient funding”.
“So far as I am involved the best way palliative care is funded here’s a nationwide shame and the federal government actually ought to do one thing way more about it to assist all those that want it,” he instructed the Basic Meeting.”
Legendary determine
Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the Basic Meeting, paid a heat tribute to Mr Williams.
“It is a very unhappy day for all of us who knew John,” she mentioned.
“He was a outstanding particular person with an indomitable spirit who endured his lengthy sickness with great religion, braveness, cheerfulness and good humour.
“Throughout over 50 years of service to the Church, his experience in filmmaking and his meticulous planning turned a necessary a part of our Basic Assemblies, making it doable for individuals to look at the discussions regardless of the place they have been.
“At our final Basic Meeting, John knew his life was drawing nearer to the tip however as he had all the time performed he nonetheless gave his all to the Meeting – however now he had one other present to provide – this time to the broader world.
“His highly effective speech advocating for higher, extra considerate palliative care was heard – each particular person listening within the corridor and outdoors it was moved and altered by his heartfelt, compelling phrases.
“John was so cherished by so many individuals.
“He fairly merely was a legend who impressed and enriched our lives vastly and he might be sorely missed.
“Our ideas and prayers are together with his widow, Diane, son, Nick, grandson, Owen and the broader household right now.”
In an uncommon transfer for the Meeting, Mr Williams was invited to deal with commissioners after approaching Rev Dr John Ferguson, the convener of a working group set as much as look at the Church’s place on assisted dying.
Dr Ferguson, clerk to the Presbytery of Perth mentioned: “When John Williams requested if he might converse in the course of the Assisted Dying debate on the Basic Meeting, there was initially some uncertainty whether or not that may be doable as he wasn’t a commissioner.
“Fortunately, it was made to occur and John spoke powerfully and with nice braveness about his sickness and all that he had gone via.
“It was a second which left its mark on the Meeting.
“It was great that after serving the Meeting for 50 years within the audio-visual space that John was capable of deal with it in such a profound and shifting method.
“He was a very outstanding, brave and deeply compassionate human being”.
Opposition
The Basic Meeting voted to reaffirm the Church’s opposition to Assisted Dying, whereas acknowledging the variety of views amongst members.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Sick Adults (Scotland) Invoice, launched within the Scottish Parliament by Liam McArthur MSP, handed the primary stage of parliamentary scrutiny in Might.
Regardless of his terminal sickness, Mr Williams continued to assist his son Nick facilitate the audio-visual necessities of the Basic Meeting through the years.
Paying tribute to his service on the 2024 Basic Meeting, Rev Michael Mair, convener of the Meeting Enterprise Committee, mentioned: “A few of those that facilitate the Basic Meeting achieve this as paid contractors.
“I might not normally spotlight their contribution, enormously grateful although we’re to obtain their experience, knowledge and providers.
“Nevertheless, I need to make an exception this yr to pay tribute to at least one one who has been a set characteristic on the Basic Meeting for the final 50 years.
“John Williams first Meeting was in 1974, he has not missed a single Meeting over this era.
“John facilitates the entire audio-visual elements of our gathering, from guaranteeing that the cameras and microphones are working, to operating cables to speak to the highest desk and technical hall, to making sure the best data is displayed on the screens within the corridor.
“John’s recommendation was invaluable when the pandemic got here and compelled the church to maneuver to a purely on-line Basic Meeting, and we needed to depend on his technical data as to what was doable for us to do.
“John now manages our hybrid fashion Meeting, guaranteeing that those that are taking part remotely have the identical data obtainable to them as those that are within the Corridor.”
Mr Williams was referred to as to the entrance of the Meeting and thanked for his service by the then Moderator, Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, who described his 50 years of service as a “large achievement”.
Revealed on 29 July 2025
4 minutes learn
Tributes have been paid to a “outstanding” man with an “indomitable spirit” who faithfully served the Basic Meeting of the Church of Scotland for greater than 50 years.
John Williams, an audio-visual technician, died peacefully at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh on Sunday, 27 July surrounded by his devoted household.
He was 71 and lived with terminal most cancers, present process dialysis remedy for seven years.
Described as a “legend”, Mr Williams of Oscus Media used his expertise and experience to make sure that the audio and visible functionality on the Basic Meeting Corridor in Edinburgh was of the best doable commonplace yearly since 1974.
He was honoured for his service on the 2024 Basic Meeting and in Might this yr spoke passionately about his terminal sickness throughout a debate on Assisted Dying.
Mr Williams referred to as for enormous funding to be made in palliative care provision throughout Scotland as a result of it’s a “restricted useful resource and there usually are not sufficient beds, not sufficient employees and never sufficient funding”.
“So far as I am involved the best way palliative care is funded here’s a nationwide shame and the federal government actually ought to do one thing way more about it to assist all those that want it,” he instructed the Basic Meeting.”
Legendary determine
Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the Basic Meeting, paid a heat tribute to Mr Williams.
“It is a very unhappy day for all of us who knew John,” she mentioned.
“He was a outstanding particular person with an indomitable spirit who endured his lengthy sickness with great religion, braveness, cheerfulness and good humour.
“Throughout over 50 years of service to the Church, his experience in filmmaking and his meticulous planning turned a necessary a part of our Basic Assemblies, making it doable for individuals to look at the discussions regardless of the place they have been.
“At our final Basic Meeting, John knew his life was drawing nearer to the tip however as he had all the time performed he nonetheless gave his all to the Meeting – however now he had one other present to provide – this time to the broader world.
“His highly effective speech advocating for higher, extra considerate palliative care was heard – each particular person listening within the corridor and outdoors it was moved and altered by his heartfelt, compelling phrases.
“John was so cherished by so many individuals.
“He fairly merely was a legend who impressed and enriched our lives vastly and he might be sorely missed.
“Our ideas and prayers are together with his widow, Diane, son, Nick, grandson, Owen and the broader household right now.”
In an uncommon transfer for the Meeting, Mr Williams was invited to deal with commissioners after approaching Rev Dr John Ferguson, the convener of a working group set as much as look at the Church’s place on assisted dying.
Dr Ferguson, clerk to the Presbytery of Perth mentioned: “When John Williams requested if he might converse in the course of the Assisted Dying debate on the Basic Meeting, there was initially some uncertainty whether or not that may be doable as he wasn’t a commissioner.
“Fortunately, it was made to occur and John spoke powerfully and with nice braveness about his sickness and all that he had gone via.
“It was a second which left its mark on the Meeting.
“It was great that after serving the Meeting for 50 years within the audio-visual space that John was capable of deal with it in such a profound and shifting method.
“He was a very outstanding, brave and deeply compassionate human being”.
Opposition
The Basic Meeting voted to reaffirm the Church’s opposition to Assisted Dying, whereas acknowledging the variety of views amongst members.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Sick Adults (Scotland) Invoice, launched within the Scottish Parliament by Liam McArthur MSP, handed the primary stage of parliamentary scrutiny in Might.
Regardless of his terminal sickness, Mr Williams continued to assist his son Nick facilitate the audio-visual necessities of the Basic Meeting through the years.
Paying tribute to his service on the 2024 Basic Meeting, Rev Michael Mair, convener of the Meeting Enterprise Committee, mentioned: “A few of those that facilitate the Basic Meeting achieve this as paid contractors.
“I might not normally spotlight their contribution, enormously grateful although we’re to obtain their experience, knowledge and providers.
“Nevertheless, I need to make an exception this yr to pay tribute to at least one one who has been a set characteristic on the Basic Meeting for the final 50 years.
“John Williams first Meeting was in 1974, he has not missed a single Meeting over this era.
“John facilitates the entire audio-visual elements of our gathering, from guaranteeing that the cameras and microphones are working, to operating cables to speak to the highest desk and technical hall, to making sure the best data is displayed on the screens within the corridor.
“John’s recommendation was invaluable when the pandemic got here and compelled the church to maneuver to a purely on-line Basic Meeting, and we needed to depend on his technical data as to what was doable for us to do.
“John now manages our hybrid fashion Meeting, guaranteeing that those that are taking part remotely have the identical data obtainable to them as those that are within the Corridor.”
Mr Williams was referred to as to the entrance of the Meeting and thanked for his service by the then Moderator, Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, who described his 50 years of service as a “large achievement”.
Revealed on 29 July 2025
4 minutes learn
Tributes have been paid to a “outstanding” man with an “indomitable spirit” who faithfully served the Basic Meeting of the Church of Scotland for greater than 50 years.
John Williams, an audio-visual technician, died peacefully at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh on Sunday, 27 July surrounded by his devoted household.
He was 71 and lived with terminal most cancers, present process dialysis remedy for seven years.
Described as a “legend”, Mr Williams of Oscus Media used his expertise and experience to make sure that the audio and visible functionality on the Basic Meeting Corridor in Edinburgh was of the best doable commonplace yearly since 1974.
He was honoured for his service on the 2024 Basic Meeting and in Might this yr spoke passionately about his terminal sickness throughout a debate on Assisted Dying.
Mr Williams referred to as for enormous funding to be made in palliative care provision throughout Scotland as a result of it’s a “restricted useful resource and there usually are not sufficient beds, not sufficient employees and never sufficient funding”.
“So far as I am involved the best way palliative care is funded here’s a nationwide shame and the federal government actually ought to do one thing way more about it to assist all those that want it,” he instructed the Basic Meeting.”
Legendary determine
Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the Basic Meeting, paid a heat tribute to Mr Williams.
“It is a very unhappy day for all of us who knew John,” she mentioned.
“He was a outstanding particular person with an indomitable spirit who endured his lengthy sickness with great religion, braveness, cheerfulness and good humour.
“Throughout over 50 years of service to the Church, his experience in filmmaking and his meticulous planning turned a necessary a part of our Basic Assemblies, making it doable for individuals to look at the discussions regardless of the place they have been.
“At our final Basic Meeting, John knew his life was drawing nearer to the tip however as he had all the time performed he nonetheless gave his all to the Meeting – however now he had one other present to provide – this time to the broader world.
“His highly effective speech advocating for higher, extra considerate palliative care was heard – each particular person listening within the corridor and outdoors it was moved and altered by his heartfelt, compelling phrases.
“John was so cherished by so many individuals.
“He fairly merely was a legend who impressed and enriched our lives vastly and he might be sorely missed.
“Our ideas and prayers are together with his widow, Diane, son, Nick, grandson, Owen and the broader household right now.”
In an uncommon transfer for the Meeting, Mr Williams was invited to deal with commissioners after approaching Rev Dr John Ferguson, the convener of a working group set as much as look at the Church’s place on assisted dying.
Dr Ferguson, clerk to the Presbytery of Perth mentioned: “When John Williams requested if he might converse in the course of the Assisted Dying debate on the Basic Meeting, there was initially some uncertainty whether or not that may be doable as he wasn’t a commissioner.
“Fortunately, it was made to occur and John spoke powerfully and with nice braveness about his sickness and all that he had gone via.
“It was a second which left its mark on the Meeting.
“It was great that after serving the Meeting for 50 years within the audio-visual space that John was capable of deal with it in such a profound and shifting method.
“He was a very outstanding, brave and deeply compassionate human being”.
Opposition
The Basic Meeting voted to reaffirm the Church’s opposition to Assisted Dying, whereas acknowledging the variety of views amongst members.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Sick Adults (Scotland) Invoice, launched within the Scottish Parliament by Liam McArthur MSP, handed the primary stage of parliamentary scrutiny in Might.
Regardless of his terminal sickness, Mr Williams continued to assist his son Nick facilitate the audio-visual necessities of the Basic Meeting through the years.
Paying tribute to his service on the 2024 Basic Meeting, Rev Michael Mair, convener of the Meeting Enterprise Committee, mentioned: “A few of those that facilitate the Basic Meeting achieve this as paid contractors.
“I might not normally spotlight their contribution, enormously grateful although we’re to obtain their experience, knowledge and providers.
“Nevertheless, I need to make an exception this yr to pay tribute to at least one one who has been a set characteristic on the Basic Meeting for the final 50 years.
“John Williams first Meeting was in 1974, he has not missed a single Meeting over this era.
“John facilitates the entire audio-visual elements of our gathering, from guaranteeing that the cameras and microphones are working, to operating cables to speak to the highest desk and technical hall, to making sure the best data is displayed on the screens within the corridor.
“John’s recommendation was invaluable when the pandemic got here and compelled the church to maneuver to a purely on-line Basic Meeting, and we needed to depend on his technical data as to what was doable for us to do.
“John now manages our hybrid fashion Meeting, guaranteeing that those that are taking part remotely have the identical data obtainable to them as those that are within the Corridor.”
Mr Williams was referred to as to the entrance of the Meeting and thanked for his service by the then Moderator, Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, who described his 50 years of service as a “large achievement”.
