David Williams (1) (1926–2003)

Stuart David Williams, advertising executive and crime writer: born Bridgend, Glamorgan 8 June 1926; managing director, David Williams and Partners 1958-68; chairman, David Williams and Ketchum 1968-78; vice-chairman, Ketchum Group Holdings 1978-82; married 1951 Brenda Holmes (one son, one daughter); died Virginia Water, Surrey 26 September 2003.

David Williams, the crime writer, was an extraordinary example of bloody-minded guts and determination concealed under a carapace of laconic and self-deprecating charm and amiability. After fighting his way to the top of one profession he found himself thwarted at the pinnacle of his success only to re-invent himself and rise to the heights in a quite different occupation.

Williams had published three "Mark Treasure" novels when, in 1978, he was struck down by a serious stroke and had to withdraw from advertising, the profession to which he took after deciding he had no vocation for the Anglican Church.

Born in Bridgend, Glamorgan, in 1926, the son of a journalist on the Western Mail, after wartime service in the RNVR and a history degree from St John's College, Oxford, he was a medical copywriter and then joined Gordon and Gotch. (obituary in "The Independent" written by Tim Heald.)