Ian Williams - Welsh cornet legend
It is with great sadness that BBW reports the news of the death on 1 March of the former Cory Band principal cornet player for 20 years, Ian Williams, aged 52.
Ian, who had been in intensive care in hospital following a heart attack two weeks ago, was regarded across the World as one of the finest cornet players to come out of Wales, as well as being an extremely popular and much loved character.
A formal statement on the Cory Band Facebook page read as follows: ‘We are absolutely devastated to announce the tragic news that our member and ex-principal Cornet player, Ian Williams, has passed away today after suffering a heart attack two weeks ago.
Ian retired from the Cory principal cornet seat in 2010 and the band’s MD, Philip Harper, also stated: "Everyone at Cory Band is utterly devastated by this tragic news, and it seems incomprehensible that I am even writing these words - we're all just numb about this. Ian has been part of the fabric of Cory Band for decades - one of the most talented cornet players ever to come out of Wales, an inspirational leader, and with a hugely warm and generous personality. Although he hasn't played with the band for a year or two, so many of our members were still in regular contact with him and we all considered him to be a continuing part of our team.
"His cornet playing will never be forgotten and was inspirational to so many, winning plaudit after plaudit for his musical skills. He led by example, he was the model bandsman and team member, and his positivity influenced every situation with which he was involved.
"When I was new to Cory, he taught me so much about the 'Cory way' and was always unfailingly encouraging. I regularly spoke to him for advice, if I had any difficult decisions to make, the last time being just a few weeks ago. He was a loyal friend to so many of us, with a real streak of boyish mischief in him too! He was loved and deeply respected by everyone at Cory.
"We are all finding it very difficult to come to terms with what has happened. There is no doubt that we have lost one of our organisation's leading lights."
Former Cory Conductor, Robert Childs, under whom Ian enjoyed so many geat successes, told BBW, "My initial thoughts are with Ian's family - please accept my sincere condolences. My next thoughts are of the amazing performances Cory Band played, led by the dynamic, intutitive and most talented cornetist, Ian Williams. What a sad loss to the banding world. He was a phenomenal player, a great bandsman and most importantly a fantastic guy. I considered Ian a real friend and I wouldn't have achieved what I did at Cory without him. RIP Ian Williams."
Further details about the funeral service for Ian Williams will be released when available.
