Alexander Wickliffe Williams obituary: A well-known investigator, teacher and Mid West veterinary officer

The first regional veterinary officer to be appointed to the Mid West, who left his mark in the agricultural field during his 32 years in the post, has died at the age of 88.

Dr Alex Williams was fondly remembered and known by many in the region, where he spent the bulk of his career managing and treating livestock, tackling soil diseases to improve agricultural performance and developed preventative measures such as disease outbreak management.

Mr Williams became the first vet for the Department of Agriculture in the district in 1957. He investigated livestock diseases throughout farms and stations, inspected soil conditions, toxic plants and soil deficiencies. He managed cadet vets and stock inspectors and conducted tests to eradicate diseases.

His research included the cause of lupinosis, coastal wasting disease, selenium deficiency and Barber’s pole worm, and he introduced preventative disease management including mulesing for flystrike in sheep.

Dr Williams arranged farmer consultation days and eradicated Brucellosis and TB in the Kimberley and Gascoyne pastoral areas. He also introduced the use of ear tag colours as age indicators in sheep and participated in rewriting the Brands Act.

Further on, he controlled live animal shipping exports from the Geraldton and North West Ports, surveyed species and incidence of poison plants and supervised the control of American foul brood disease in the bee industry.

Daughter-in-law Odette Williams said she enjoyed learning the rich history and storytelling while caring for Dr Williams.

“My sister and I were looking after him over the last few years. I’ve really enjoyed his company over the years and I’ve learnt a lot from him,” she said.

Ms Williams said he would always explain how his life was a wonderful one.

“I spent time next to him writing notes about his history, he talked for hours,” she said.

Dr Williams conducted Royal Show inspections and used his own farm as an experimental and demonstration site, offering a venue for veterinarians and agricultural advisors for the future of Mid West farming and agriculture.

Dr Williams died in Geraldton on July 11 and leaves behind a big family, including 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was farewelled at a funeral service in Geraldton on Friday.