Vale J Barrey Williams
J Barrey Williams, one of the great characters of Perth advertising and media, died yesterday.
Williams was at TVW 7 for twenty years finishing as general manager before joining national advertising agency Monahan Dayman Adams as its Perth managing director in 1983. He was MD through the halcyon years to 1990, during which the agency merged with Mojo to become Mojo MDA then Chiat/Day/Mojo.
Mojo had a strong connection with Bond Corporation at the time and locally the agency produced memorable campaigns for the Bond Corp owned Swan Brewery and Observation City Hotel, as well as national campaigns for Red Rooster.
With a warm, gregarious personality and innate sense of showmanship, Williams was one of the best presenters the local industry has ever had – traits that he later parlayed into a career as a facilitator and MC.
A consummate networker and raconteur, he lent his considerable support to many, many causes.
He was Chairman of the Variety Club in WA 1988-1989, served on the Board of Directors from 1984-1996 and was an inaugural Life Member 2007. He was responsible for the launch of the now infamous Variety Car Bash, raising millions of dollars for underprivileged sick and handicapped children.
Director of Western Australian Tourism Commission, Eventscorp Board 1989-1993 involved in the successful bidding for events, including The Hopman Cup, World Rally Championships and the Margaret River Suring Masters.
President of the Naval, Military and Air Forces Club of Western Australia 1990-1991 – the only non-serving military President to be elected.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Edge Employment and Training Solutions, Australia’s largest organisation which facilitates the employment of intellectually and physically handicapped persons into the open workforce, 1993-2005.
Chairman of the Australian-American Catalina Memorial Museum Foundation 2000-2014, which raised over $1m to restore a WWII Catalina now on display at the Bull Creek Air Force Museum.
Director of the West Australian Opera Company 2000-2005 – Director of Marketing.
Member of the Executive Board, The 500 Club, which represents over 750 of Western Australia’s leading business figures.
And he was the Oasis Ball’s Major Auctioneer for its first seven years, playing a key role in establishing the success of the advertising industry’s major annual event.
Williams will be fondly remembered and much-missed for his love of life, unstinting good humour, booming laugh and generosity.
14 Comments
So sad to hear this news – my very first boss when I started in the advertising industry – an absolute character and great mentor. Thoughts with his family, may there be multiple crates of Moet and dancing on the tables for you up there! (a la winning the Cable Beach account back in 1989). RIP JBW x
R.I.P. J Barrey Williams, A Great Man!! I will never forget the big cigars and his big booming laugh.
Rest In Peace, Barrey. One of the iconic figures from my early years in Perth and one of the friendliest blokes in the industry. A nicely written tribute too, CB.
So sad to hear, he was one of the good ones. Hopefully he was in bed smoking a cigar, drinking a bucket of red wine watching the Olympics – the WA Olympic Committee was another one of his passions that raised a lot of money to support WA Olympic and Commonwealth athletes. RIP JBW
We’ll miss you J Barrey Williams! You were an amazing mentor and friend. Rest in peace…
See you on the other side Barney. Get those cohibas ready!
What a Legend. He helped so many people, personally and professionally – including me. I am proud to have known him. RIP Barrey.
I worked with Barrey at the WA Club, he was a great boss and very good to me. You could hear that booming voice and laugh a mile away. Thanks for all those cigars and cognac. RIP JBW
R I P Barrey ….your heart was as big as they come ……life’s going to be interesting up there now …!!!!! ..lots of fun !!!!! ….Cigars and Red Wine ..!!!!! And lots of laughs …!!
J Barrey Williams. Larger than life and a legend. I was glad to have known him for some of the best years of my life. RIP Mate.
A true gentleman, larger than life and a real contributor to everything he touched. RIP J. Barrey
Don’t make characters like him anymore RIP
J Barrey a legend in his own lifetime. Met at Channel 9 Adelaide in the late 60’s and remained friends ever since. A great character in TV, Advertising, Business and a passionate contributor to charities & sport in WA. Will never forget the bow ties, red wine, cigars and laughter. RIP JBW.
I have been away and so I only heard recently that this wonderful man who I have known for most of my professional life – had died.. The world has lost someone really special who had a razor sharp intellect, a marvelous turn of phrase that could have you laughing or crying at his whim and a warm and caring heart. Goodbye friend – I will miss you!