The logo which has for so many years been a true Australian symbol of all that is good about the vast expansive continent called Australia is that of one of the most
The following Press Release comes from the Chairman of RM Williams Holdings Limited, Mr Ken Cowley, AO and was issued in Australia on November 4th, 2003. Mr Cowley is not only Chairman of the company but was also a life long friend to RM Williams.
This father of 9 lived a life many could not even begin to imagine going from "the land" to the city and back to the land again - he went from being in debt to being a millionaire - went from the mansion and the trimmings which go with being a millionaire back to being a "man of the bush" and he died in his distinctly Australian weatherboard house on the Darling Downes in Queensland, Australia - on the land he so loved.
There is nothing much that anyone can add to this press release other than to say that, once many years ago, I had the honour of meeting this very special man and the memory of his piercing eyes combined with a gentleness that seemed at odds is one which has never left me - Australia is a better country for having been privileged to call RM their own true "Australian Bushman".
MEDIA RELEASE
"The Cowley family, Executives and staff of R.M.Williams were incredibly saddened at the passing of Reginald Murray Williams, a great Australian legend. R.M.’s remarkable achievements in the bush and outback Australia has created an eternal flame that will burn forever.
The authenticity
and quality that he stamped on the bushman’s outfitting company he founded
in 1932 has the respect of not only rural Australia, but has become one of
Australia’s truly world renowned brands.
R.M.’s unique vision of Australia allowed him to make major and lasting
contribution to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, rodeo, endurance
riding and the establishment of the National Horse Trail.
Apart from his world famous elastic sided boots, RM also created a large and
unique range of leather crafted products and accessories that are still in
fashion today.
Every century there are a few special people who have the vision, creativity and the courage to do something different …RM was such a person.
He was
able to bring together dawn, dust and sunset to the image of Australia that
we all as Australians aspire to and respect. And deep in his heart, he was
a romantic and a great lover of poetry.
Despite his tough exterior, there was softness toward people, flora and the
fauna of Australia. Behind the steely stare challenging the truth were his
views of the world and there was always the mind to absorb the other opinion.
R.M. was as comfortable with Prime Ministers as he was under a Gidgee tree
with a ringer. A saddle for a throne is apt for this great Australian legend.”
RM remained very interested and active in the company throughout his long
association with
his friends, the Cowley family.
For more on this extraordinary man and his wonderful life and vision click here
