Published on 29 July 2025
4 minutes read
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.
John Williams.
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.”
Legendary figure
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.”
In an unusual move for the Assembly, Mr Williams was invited to address commissioners after approaching Rev Dr John Ferguson, the convener of a working group set up to examine the Church’s position on assisted dying.
Dr Ferguson, clerk to the Presbytery of Perth said: “When John Williams asked if he could speak during the Assisted Dying debate at the General Assembly, there was initially some uncertainty whether that would be possible as he wasn’t a commissioner.
“Thankfully, it was made to happen and John spoke powerfully and with great courage about his illness and all that he had gone through.
“It was a moment which left its mark on the Assembly.
“It was wonderful that after serving the Assembly for 50 years in the audio-visual area that John was able to address it in such a profound and moving way.
“He was a truly remarkable, courageous and deeply compassionate human being”.
Opposition
The General Assembly voted to reaffirm the Church’s opposition to Assisted Dying, while acknowledging the diversity of views among members.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, introduced in the Scottish Parliament by Liam McArthur MSP, passed the first stage of parliamentary scrutiny in May.
Despite his terminal illness, Mr Williams continued to help his son Nick facilitate the audio-visual requirements of the General Assembly over the years.
Paying tribute to his service at the 2024 General Assembly, Rev Michael Mair, convener of the Assembly Business Committee, said: “Some of those who facilitate the General Assembly do so as paid contractors.
“I would not usually highlight their contribution, enormously grateful though we are to receive their expertise, wisdom and services.
“However, I must make an exception this year to pay tribute to one person who has been a fixed feature at the General Assembly for the last 50 years.
“John Williams first Assembly was in 1974, he has not missed a single Assembly over this period.
“John facilitates all of the audio-visual components of our gathering, from ensuring that the cameras and microphones are working, to running cables to communicate to the top table and technical corridor, to ensuring the right information is displayed on the screens in the hall.
“John’s advice was invaluable when the pandemic came and forced the church to move to a purely online General Assembly, and we had to rely on his technical knowledge as to what was possible for us to do.
“John now manages our hybrid style Assembly, ensuring that those who are participating remotely have the same information available to them as those who are in the Hall.”
Mr Williams was called to the front of the Assembly and thanked for his service by the then Moderator, Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, who described his 50 years of service as a “huge achievement”.