Can comedians make their parents laugh? The Wireless' awkward new series TOUGH CROWD asks the 2017 Billy T Nominees to do the impossible. Watch Paul Williams and his parents Gary and Roseanne in episode 02.
Guy Williams has paid tribute to his father following his death, calling him “a beautiful, incredibly kind and friendly man”.
The comedian’s father, Gary Williams, died following a water incident on Kohimarama Beach on Saturday after he was removed from the water unconscious.
He was the former president of TableTennis New Zealand and is survived by his wife, Roseanne Williams, and two other children, Maria and Paul Williams.
Williams said his father’s main goal in life was to have fun with anyone and everyone.
“I think it’s high praise to say he always was friendly and happy and seemed to live to just want to make everyone around him feel good,” he said.
“He gave his kids every opportunity to do whatever we wanted in life. I think he wanted us to be athletes but we didn’t have the talent for that so he ended up with three comedians!”
Guy Williams described his father Gary Williams as "a beautiful, incredibly kind and friendly man".
Williams said he got his sense of humour from his father.
“Sometimes his comedy was so meta some would argue it was anti-comedy, but hey, he taught us that a laugh was a laugh.
“He was always a highlight on Jono and Ben or whatever random project he’d cameo on. Whenever I asked for audience suggestions for bits, they would always mainly just want ‘more Gazza’."
He told the Herald Gary Williams was passionate about all sports, playing rugby, cricket and table tennis, followed by coaching spells.
“I learned a lot from my Dad as a coach, he was a patient and thoughtful leader who didn’t have time for dickheads,” he said.
“Dad will be sorely missed and [was] an incredibly patient and gentle father who gave life his all and was kind and generous to everyone around him.
Gary Williams is survived by his daughter Maria Williams, his wife Roseanne Williams and his two sons Guy and Paul Williams.
“He taught us how to appreciate life and celebrate the small things, and not worry too much about the stuff we can’t change.
“He was always there for every awards ceremony or party, win, lose or draw, and I have cried a lot thinking happy thoughts about how lucky I was to have him as my father,” Williams said.
Tributes have come from all over for Gary Williams, including several from Canada.
“Great memories working with Gary in Dunedin at Arthur Young, and then later shared some great times in Bermuda when I was working there,” one man wrote.
“Table Tennis Canada sends its condolences to Gary’s family. May his soul rest in peace,” another said.
One tribute spoke of Williams’ passion for life and the utmost respect they had for him.
