02/07/2024
Mark ‘Munro’ Williams | 1956-2024
It is with the heaviest of hearts and profound sadness that we mourn the passing of club legend, Mark Williams, who died on Sunday, 30th June 2024, after a fiercely brave battle against Myeloma.
The love, thoughts, and prayers of everyone at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club go to Mark’s partner, Lorna, his sister, Deb and his children, Ruaraidh, Megan, and Calum – whom he loved so dearly.
The Bury Rugby Family stands with you today and forever more.
Mark joined Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club in 1994 as our 1st XV forwards coach, arriving from our friends and neighbours at Thurston RFC. Over the course of the next few years, Mark had a profound effect in his role and earned immense respect from many. As a result, he was invited to be the Men’s Suffolk Seniors coach – a role he reportedly did not believe he was perhaps deserving of at the time.
As it was, his doubt proved unfounded, as he assembled an all-conquering Suffolk side against what were largely considered stronger opponents in Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex. As was often the case, his humility and self-deprecation were no match for his tenacity, commitment, and passion. Munro always found a way to get the job done.
Given his coaching success and prowess, it might have seemed a shame that Mark moved into a more administrative and managerial role at the club thereafter. However, as the 1st XV advanced through the leagues, the demands and support they required increased significantly – and in typical Munro style, the club came first, always.
Over the years, he did so much to help out in countless aspects of club life, but the Men’s 1st XV in particular owe him a tremendous debt.
The breadth and depth of the work Mark did behind the scenes for his beloved Wolfpack, will perhaps never be fully comprehensible. But without this work, it is certain they simply would not be where they are today.
Travel, kit, procedures, policies, regulations, accommodation, governing body directives, player registrations, overseas player registrations, pitches, opponent communications and most importantly… match day sweeties, were all part of Mark’s weekly thoughts and workflow. Jobs that certainly weren’t always glamorous, that very few were willing to do – but those that must be done. And, of course, it goes without saying that they were always done – and done better than anywhere else too.
He even became very well versed in dealing with disciplinary matters, with his contacts and knowledge often diffusing or reducing situations favourably for various ne'er-do-wells across the club. It may well be said that he accrued much practice in this area… largely with thanks to the regular Saturday escapades of his beloved son, Ruaraidh!
In short, whatever tasks or challenges Mark faced in his various roles, he did so with tenacity, efficiency, an unparalleled knowledge of the game and above all, a wholehearted commitment to Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club.
These traits, combined with his approachable persona, made him an immensely popular figure across the National Leagues. Mark took immense pride in the reputation our club held among our peers. Through our conduct, hospitality towards visitors, and respectful dealings with officials, we earned significant respect from other clubs. Mark played a pivotal role in this, building strong relationships with many clubs and referees. So much so, newcomers to the league, often sought his advice – first and foremost.
His influence extended far beyond Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club; he had friends everywhere.
Visitors to The Haberden knew they would be greeted with a warm smile, a generous spirit, and, if they were particularly unlucky… one of his famous jokes – but the less said about those the better.
It brings great comfort to know that our heartbreak will be shared by so many across the wider rugby community – a true mark of the man and his profound effect on our great game.
He was the epitome of a clubman and the very best example of a volunteer our club has ever seen.
Beyond rugby, Mark ran Springfield Garage – often helping players and club members with pesky vehicle issues in the cold winter months.
His second love was climbing and indeed, this is where his better-known nickname of ‘Munro’ derived – as he had proudly scaled all 282 Munros (+3000ft) in Scotland. He was regularly away walking, climbing and exploring with Lorna – although, never on a match day!
His two loves combined when he famously led a team of naïve players to do the 3 Peaks Challenge as part of a fundraising campaign for Andrew Gaskell – who broke his neck playing at our club. Another legacy he leaves behind.
Above all, his truest love was his family - who now become our family.
We shall miss Mark so dearly and our club will be poorer without him – but we will ensure that his memory will always live on at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club. We shall forever be inspired by the bravery with which he fought this disease and everything that he stood for.
Come September, there is no doubt that he will be with us – smiling down at the club he loved so much, as Ruaraidh embarks on one of the barnstorming runs that made his Dad so proud.
There will never be another Mark Williams, the ultimate clubman.
May he rest in peace.
