Vale – Eric ‘Benny’ Williams as written by his son

Vale – Eric ‘Benny’ Williams as written by his son

 

He was born on the 4th of July 1932 at the Lady Bowen Hospital, Brisbane. Our Dad arrived into the world, his proud parents Flo & Eric.

1936 signified the beginning of Dad’s school life at St Brigid’s Convent. Here he earned the dubious honour of being expelled within the first week – aged 4 and a half.

In Brisbane in 1946, Dad’s love of Rugby League had ignited. In this year he was selected to play for Queensland in the 7 stone, 7 pound Schoolboy Rugby League side. 

1948 saw the return of his much loved father, who was captured and made POW during WW2.

At the age of 16, Dad played Rugby League for West Ithaca and won Grand Premiers and the Presidents Cup. In 1951 he played and won Under20’s Premiership for Western Suburbs. The following year dad played and won a 1st Grade Premiership with Wests Rugby League.  

On Labour Day, 1953 while playing Rugby League for his beloved Wests, Dad sustained a spinal injury. This event ended his football playing days and would set the course of the rest of his life. Newly married and left paralysed & in hospital, Dad was informed by doctors that he may not live, would never walk and never be able to conceive children. Later that same year, the young couple were expecting their 1st child.  

Dad passed away on the 10th July 2014 after watching the Maroons smash the Blues.

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