The Essendon District Football League sadly acknowledges the passing of Life Member Peter Williams.
Peter's history with the EDFL is long and storied, first becoming involved as a committee member and later President of Essendon Doutta Stars, before joining the EDFL and serving as Vice President from 1987 to 1999.
Peter and wife Maris raised their family in Niddrie with sons Paul and Bernard joining Douttas. At that time, the Under 9 and Under 11 competitions were organised by the Oak Park Social League. In a short period of time Peter joined the league organisers and took on his first role as President of the OPSL competition.
Back at Douttas, Peter put his hand up to coach junior teams and sit on the committee. He applied his same level of passion to his various roles at the club. These included helping with fund raising, recruiting players, liaising with the EDFL, and ultimately as a most successful President and Life Member.
Paul and Bernard had successful careers at Douttas playing and coaching premierships, and representing the EDFL in interleague with Peter their number one supporter.
Given Peter's ability to mobilise his followers, his next move was to join the EDFL and help to organise the whole competition. In particular he was in charge of the tribunal hearings for a number of years. Peter made a significant contribution to the EDFL as Vice President and was recognised with Life Membership.
Another moment of pride presented itself when his son Paul was the Douttas A-grade premiership coach in 1991, and Peter presented the premiership cup and medallions to the team led by his son.
Rest in peace, Peter 'Gravel' Williams.
