Keith Williams was a remarkable man with a remarkable racing story.
A jockey before a tragic racing accident at Gatton Racecourse in 1960 left him with a permanent brain injury.
Many people in racing's extended family supported Keith's journey, especially those who contributed to his recovery, through events like the Keith Williams Benefit Raceday at Oakey Raceday which raised funds for his family.
He was a journeyman who rode winners on 25 different tracks, including Boomi, Clifton, Dalby, Doomben, Eagle Farm, Esk, Gatton, Laidley, Oakey, Goondiwindi, Ipswich, Mitchell, Moree, Morven, Oxenford, Roma, St George, Surat, Talwood, Tara, Taroom, Texas, Toowoomba, Warwick, Roma and Yuleba.
Records all kept by his late wife, Marie, the brother of Tom Doyle and daughter of Con Doyle, a Queensland Racing Hall of Fame Inductee.
A win in the 1956 Weetwood on the Tom Doyle-trained Chestnut King and a second in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks on Pre Eminent in 1952 trained by Con Doyle were stand out racing moments for Keith.
His son Clive has kept alive the rich racing heritage of his Dad and the Doyle family, as an owner of many horses including the flying Miss Mega Herz and at his property Toddlands, 30 minutes north west of Toowoomba, a boutique breeding and agistment farm, run with husband, Todd.
He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his friends.
He was inspirational, rebuilding his life with the support of his wife and children after the racing accident.
He was a great repetitive storyteller about his many victories on the track and great horses he was involved with like Mr Hush.
His life story, simply put, is remarkable.
The funeral of Keith Williams will be held this Friday at Holy Cross Church in Lutwyche, Brisbane. He was 95 years old. He was the loving husband of Marie and leaves his four children Peter, Marie’ Anne and Clive, who loved him dearly.
RQ extends its condolences to the Williams family.