Tony's family would like donations to be directed to the benefit of Bembridge (IW) lifeboat station. To ensure this is recognised by the RNLI they have asked that you please put "Bembridge" in the additional information box that forms part of the donation page. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RETIRED engineer and well known Island angler, Anthony Hugh Williams, died aged 80, at The Elms nursing home, Bembridge, on December 30. Born in Ryde on July 8, 1935, he was educated at Sandown Grammar School. Best known as Tony, he served an apprenticeship at Saunders-Roe before he gained a degree in mechanical engineering at Kings College, Durham, in 1958. Before he embarked on a 26-year career as an engineer at Saunders-Roe, which became the British Hovercraft Corporation and Westlands Aerospace, he began work at the Mullard Transistor Factory, Southampton, in 1961. Before Mr Williams retired in 1993, he worked on various projects, ultimately specialising in wave makers and test equipment. He met his wife, Pamela, on the Island and they married in 1969. Together they had two daughters, Helen and Vivien. His love of angling started when he would enjoy fishing with his father and he joined the Vectis Boating and Fishing Club (VBFC) based in Ryde in 1952. He was associated with the running of the club more or less continuously since he joined. A meticulous record keeper, Mr Williams was the club’s treasurer for 23 years and held the position of chairman. He enjoyed fishing from his dinghy in the Eastern Solent. Following his retirement, he was instrumental in securing funds for the new VBFC clubhouse, near Ryde Marina. He oversaw the building and fitting out of the clubhouse. Mr Williams, of Binstead, Isle of Wight, was a member of various organisations centred around his passion for the sea and angling. They included the Angling Trust of which he was a member of their national Conservation & Access Group & was a representative for the Isle of Wight division. He represented angler’s interests in stakeholder discussions on Marine Conservation Zones and on bait-digging restrictions around Ryde. He also represented the UK in international angling administration & was awarded an honorary life membership of the European Anglers’ Alliance for his long standing services. His breadth & depth of historical knowledge about angling matters will be sorely missed. Mr Williams, with the help of his family, restored his Morris Minor, which was shown at many classic car shows in the South of England His other interests were walking, gardening and making jam. Mr Williams leaves his wife, daughters and four grandchildren The degree of regard in which Tony was held was demonstrated by the packed church for his funeral. Many of the attendees were from the sea angling community & included representatives from:- Vectis Boating & Fishing Club (Ryde, Isle of Wight) Isle of Wight sea division of the Angling Trust National Conservation & Access Group of the Angling Trust Board of Governors of the Angling Trust European Angler’s Alliance