Obituaries

David Williams

 World rallying’s foremost journalist died unexpectedly in August just days short of his 44th birthday.

Having gained a first-class history degree at Oxford University, David joined the Rallies Desk at Motoring News  in 1983. With an in-depth knowledge of the sport, a keen eye for accuracy and detail, and an engaging writing style, he became Rallies Editor in 1987, a position he held with distinction until going freelance in ’95. He was also editor of the renowned Rallycourse  annual from 1990, a former contributor to Motor Sport, The Guardian’s WRC reporter and a driving force behind the World Rally News  website.

Yep, he was a workaholic — but he’d always find time for you, try to help if he could. Funny (as in British eccentric and ha, ha) and knowledgeable on any number of topics, he was great company too.

Sensible shoes with leather laces, an intake-of-breath snorty chuckle, Bushmills whiskey, cars without power steering, OS Maps, proper Minis… so many things will remind me of David Kirk Williams. Our condolences to his friends and family. — PF

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Keith Douglas  

The death of Keith Douglas at the age of 82 has taken away one of the most dedicated and tireless supporters of British motorsport.

Though best known as a race commentator, which included commentating at 20 British Grands Prix, Keith worked extensively across the sport for more than 40 years.

His list of voluntary achievements is impressive: he was central to the creation of the British Motor Racing Marshals’ Club; he was the founding director of the RACMSA; he was the instigator of the Association of Racing Drivers’ Schools: and he chaired the SMMT Motor Sports Committee for 17 years.

Above all, he was a true gentleman who touched the lives of many.–  PL