A “charming” and much-loved Marlow Free Press columnist has died, aged 77. 

Mike Williams lived in Marlow Bottom for more than 40 years and contributed a weekly column of news from the valley in the Marlow Free Press.

He wrote his final column for the paper on January 29, 2016 after more than 22 years due to ill health and following a battle with cancer, sadly passed away at his home in Goodwood Rise.

He was discovered by his long-term friend, Peter Kemp, on January 5 this year.  

Mike became a well-known figure throughout Marlow and Marlow Bottom for his weekly column in the Marlow Free Press, which discussed important issues for residents and highlighted key events and the important work of organisations in the area.

His popular column also regularly focused on a “character of the valley” – residents whose “talents or endeavours contributed to the character of valley life and community” and included the likes of former Burford School head teacher, Karol Whittington.

Before moving to Marlow Bottom, Mike and his beloved wife Gill lived in Bedford following their marriage in 1966 and then relocated to Greenford with his company, IBM.

The couple lived in Marlow Bottom since the early 1970s.

Mike’s wife passed away in 2011, leaving behind her husband and their two grown up children.

Mr Kemp said Marlow Bottom has lost “one of its most popular and respected figures.”

Paying tribute, he said: “His long years as Marlow Bottom columnist for the Marlow Free Press brought him into contact with huge numbers of people in the Valley and the wider community. Mike wrote in an easy and engaging journalistic style that charmed his readers.

“Eclectic in his interests, he was, moreover, a most entertaining and erudite conversationalist, a gregarious man who dreaded solitary home life after the death of his beloved wife Gill in 2011.

“He will be very sorely missed: a good friend and a ‘constant’ has gone from the Valley. R.I.P. Mike.”

Michael Eagleton, Marlow Free Press nostalgia expert and friend of Mike said his death was “very sad.”

He said: “One of Marlow Bottom’s best known faces. He was a charming and helpful personality, and a pleasure to have a conversation with.

"I was aware his health recently has been very poor. I don’t think he ever properly got over the death of his wife several years ago.”