Edward Williams, who has been a key member of the Simon Elvin group for almost 30 years, heading up its social stationery and party division, sadly passed away last week, aged 71 years, following a long battle with cancer.
Edward will leave an indelible mark on the industry, both through the products he created and the relationships he forged.
Drawing on his own talents as an fine art illustrator, having previously set up his own social stationery business, Edward joined the Simon Elvin team in 1991 and was a perfect addition to the company, establishing and developing its social stationery division, which he expanded over the years to include partyware, giftware and gift bags.
Edward formed a formidable team with his wife Tricia, who took over all administrative responsiblity, leaving Edward to concentrate on product design.
“I had the great pleasure of working with Edward since the 1970s – and together with so many others will miss him greatly. He was a very special man,” Simon Elvin said of his friend and colleague.
Edward’s Buddhist beliefs provided him with an inner strength to keep working almost right to the end, far exceeding the life expectancy predicted by the medical experts. His family, friends and work colleagues will hold special memories of this wonderful man and all he achieved in his life.
