Tribute to Marilyn Williams

WILLIAMS – Marilyn Joy
Born on November 9, 1951. Passed away January 11, 2025.
Passed away peacefully at the Leongatha Hospital.
Beloved wife of Russell.
Daughter-in-law of Gwen.
Loved sister of Christine, and brother-in-law to Don (dec.). Sister-in-law to Donna and Richard.
Aunt of Jade and Scott, great aunt of Sebastian and Grace.
Beloved daughter of Donald and Florence (both dec.)
A tribute to Marilyn Williams whose funeral was at Springvale Cemetery on the Monday 20th January 2025.
She was a very loverly lady who led a very busy and successful life outside of golf. Kidney cancer spread quickly after 2020 until it returned last year. This time the diagnosis was not good. She was supported by all walks of life, many golfers, etc.
The following poem was penned by Noel Hayes from Snake Valley, Victoria , a friend and fellow veteran golfer.

The gift of waking up each morning, and being healthy and free.
Is many times taken for granted, certainly a wakeup call for you and me.
Marilyn had a heart of gold, many times it sat on her shoulder.
A very caring lady who should have been allowed to grow much older.

Born in Calton Women’s Hospital, to parents Don and Flo.
And it didn’t take her long to learn, that fishing, racing and golf was the go.
After she hooked Russ, her biggest catch, they married at Frankston in 1995.
And together they enjoyed 30 years of marriage, gees isn’t great to be alive.

Maz spent over 30 years at DB and 3UZ, many legends she worked beside.
Bill Collins, Bryan Martin, Keith Hillier and Steve Moran, was one enjoyable ride.
The trainers and jockeys  would give her tips, all over the radio of course.
And after Maz came off air, they’d hang around and give her the right horse.

Maz always supported Russell, ever since their friendship begun.
But you should have seen the look on her face at Leeton, when the wanka holed in one.
Playing with Russell and Maz was always a pleasure, so serious Russ but Maz was all fun.
What a great time we had at Barham last year, we left Russell looking for a gun.

I dunno whether you folks have tea or dinner, but with Maz it was always gourmet dinner.
Especially after all those good tips, when her and Russ kept backing winners.
Maz really loved her fishing, and later spent time on Rex Hunt’s show.
But she kept returning to caravanning and playing golf, a game she loved so.

The late Ian Vidler was a great leader of the Vets, always family they should be.
And the quick response by the vets to Maz”s passing, is there for all to see.
Russ should have bought a pro shop, with the latest gear Maz always liked to play.
And she thrived on introducing unladylike language, on any given day.

There is one thing I learned quickly about Maz, she called a spade a spade.
If you were smart you’d bite the bullet, cause choice words were never delayed.
Many years spent on the together, of course caravan was always on tow.
Pack the golf gear , bugger the rest, bring on the next cooking show.

The curtain has now been sadly drawn, as yet another lovely vet passes on.
Joining many previous friendships, many that have now long gone.
Never write your name in the sand, cause the waves will wash it away.
Marilyn wrote her name in people’s hearts, then it was there to stay

 

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