06/08/2025
We were saddened to hear of the passing of our long-time collaborator and friend, John Williams.
Cameron's and John, via Oscus Media, have been working together for over 30 years and he remained a personal friend of Chris Cameron Snr throughout, having travelled together to exhibitions in Amsterdam & Las Vegas (honestly, we're assured it was all business!)
John was a lovely man and had such infectious enthusiasm for new technology and problem solving. He will be greatly missed.
Tributes have been paid to a "remarkable" man with an "indomitable spirit" who faithfully served the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for more 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 family.
He was 71 and lived with terminal cancer, undergoing dialysis treatment for seven years.
Described as a "legend", Mr Williams of Oscus Media used his skills and expertise to ensure that the audio and visual capability at the General Assembly Hall in Edinburgh was of the highest possible standard every year since 1974.
He was honoured for his service at the 2024 General Assembly and in May this year spoke passionately about his terminal illness during a debate on Assisted Dying.
Mr Williams called for massive investment to be made in palliative care provision across Scotland because it is a "limited resource and there are not enough beds, not enough staff and not enough funding".
"As far as I'm concerned the way palliative care is funded here is a national disgrace and the government really should do something much more about it to help all those who need it," he told the General Assembly."
Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the General Assembly, paid a warm tribute to Mr Williams.
"This is a very sad day for all of us who knew John," she said.
"He was a remarkable person with an indomitable spirit who endured his long illness with tremendous faith, courage, cheerfulness and good humour.
"During over 50 years of service to the Church, his expertise in filmmaking and his meticulous planning became an essential part of our General Assemblies, making it possible for people to watch the discussions no matter where they were.
"At our last General Assembly, John knew his life was drawing closer to the end but as he had always done he still gave his all to the Assembly – but now he had another gift to give – this time to the wider world.
"His powerful speech advocating for better, more thoughtful palliative care was heard – every person listening in the hall and outside it was moved and changed by his heartfelt, compelling words.
"John was so loved by so many people.
"He quite simply was a legend who inspired and enriched our lives hugely and he will be sorely missed.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his widow, Diane, son, Nick, grandson, Owen and the wider family at this time."
Read the full story on the CofS website, where you can watch Mr Williams inspiring speech to the General Assembly in full. Link in the comments section below. ⬇️
