Reginald Murray Williams was a legendary Australian who from humble beginnings launched a successful business that became a household name throughout the nation.
Driven by his love of our country, "R.M." was a passionate advocate for rural and regional Australia, with his pioneering efforts contributing to the settlement and growth of country areas.
He was a shining example of the spirit of the great Australian adventurer, rising from the adversity of the Great Depression to write his name into history as a bush craftsman and generous sponsor of outback ethic and culture.
In particular, one of his great ambitions was to establish the Stockman's Hall of Fame which he helped bring about at Longreach in 1988.
Born in 1908 at Belalie North, near the Flinders Ranges, his early childhood was spent in remote South Australia.
He took up a range of occupations, working as a lime burner in the Victorian Mallee, a prospector in the Western Australian goldfields and on a surveying team in remote areas of South Australia and Western Australia.
Like many in the bush, he struggled to make a living during the Great Depression.
It was during these early years that "R.M." began to design and make boots, saddlery, and other bush equipment for use on remote stations.
He quickly built a reputation for crafting high quality leather and bush products many of which, including the famous Drizabone, are sold as outdoor and fashion accessories throughout the world.
From these humble and industrious beginnings, his business grew into a successful global company acknowledged across Australia as a national icon.
"R.M." will be greatly missed. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and many friends.