Kenny Williams' death leaves Sydney Swans heartbroken: 'Lost a legend'
Sydney Swans players past and present are paying tribute to iconic supporter Kenny Williams after his death at age 93.
Williams, who became the most recognisable Swans supporter in the land and frequently sang the team song with the players after games, died on Tuesday.
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"A man who brought so much cheer to all who knew him," the Swans wrote on social media.
βWe are incredibly saddened by the passing of Kenny Williams, an amazing man who dedicated his life to the red and white.
βWe send our condolences to Yvonne, Dianne, his family & friends during this time.β
Swans legend Jude Bolton tweeted: "Saddened by the loss of a legend yesterday. 93 years filled to the brim loving his family, his sports and a good time.
"Always cherished Kenny Williamsβ passionate post-game singing, his support for us as chief Sydney Swans hydrationist and advice over a home-cooked meal."
Born in South Melbourne, Williams was a life-long supporter of the Swans, who originated in Victoria before moving to Sydney 33 years ago.
He was at the MCG as a four-year-old when South Melbourne won the premiership in 1933.
He was invited by coach Ron Barassi to run water for the team at training in the early 1990s, and was on hand to celebrate some of their most famous victories - including at the grand final in 2005 when the club broke a 72-year premiership drought.
AFL world pays tribute to Kenny Williams
Williams and wife Yvonne regularly opened their doors to young players at the club.
βEveryoneβs always been very kind to me. The club has been enormous. Iβve been in the thick of things all the time,β Williams said on his 90th birthday in 2019.
βIβve always gone to training and Iβll never forget all the people Iβve met along the way.β
In a heartbreaking twist, the Swans have also been rocked by the death of long-time team manager John Payne.
βQuite simply, we will miss him terribly,β the club said after Payne's death on Sunday just a week before his 77th birthday.
The Swans paid tribute to Payne's βfierce loyalty, his absolute love of everyone involved with the Swans, and his steadfast friendshipβ.
Tributes have been flowing in on social media for both men.
We are mourning the loss of our dear friend, longtime team manager and life member John Payne, who died on Sunday just one week shy of his 77th birthday.
Value John Payne: https://t.co/GCRAYrhuMN pic.twitter.com/Tlvt9JWuuIβ Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) November 1, 2022
A man who brought so much cheer to all who knew him β€οΈ
We are incredibly saddened by the passing of Kenny Williams,an amazing man who dedicated his life to the red & white.
We send our condolences to Yvonne, Dianne,his family & friends during this time. A full tribute to come. pic.twitter.com/P0x5DpheJpβ Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) November 1, 2022
Saddened by the loss of a legend yesterday.
93 years filled to the brim loving his family, his sports & a good time.
Always cherished Kenny Williamsβ passionate post-game singing, his support for us as chief @Sydneyswans hydrationist & advice over a home-cooked meal.#RIPKenny pic.twitter.com/y9sfeAyL4Lβ Jude Bolton (@Jude_Bolton) November 1, 2022
Rest in peace, Kenny Williams β€οΈ
The legendary Sydney Swans clubman passed away this morning. pic.twitter.com/GxmTLa8zXOβ 7AFL (@7AFL) November 1, 2022
Absolutely devastated and saddened by the news that Kenny Williams has passed away. My dad knew him quite well and I met him multiple times throughout the years and he's one of the most nicest and sweetest men I've ever met. The Swans family will miss you dearly. β€οΈπ€ππ’ #Bloods pic.twitter.com/408NHyvs9e
β Tyler Villagra β€οΈπ€ (RIP BLACK MAMBA 26/1/20ππ) (@TylerVillagra24) November 1, 2022
Shattered to learn of the passing of the legendary Kenny Williams, aged 93.
A special figure in our sport. He made the Swans so much more likeable. pic.twitter.com/uAsLc5TGfEβ Nic Caruso-Wishart (@ncarusowishart) November 1, 2022
For Kenny.
And those that knew him & loved him.
A giant of the β¦@sydneyswansβ©
Heart felt condolences to Yvonne, β¦@diharaβ© β¦@paulharapinβ© and family. pic.twitter.com/TJd1jVu8Csβ Joe Moore (@joedmoore1979) November 1, 2022
Terribly saddened to learn of the passing of Kenny Williams. No-one personified commitment to the Sydney Swans more than Kenny. Through good times and bad he was a constant. He will be missed. π’ https://t.co/xUoWxf6XzY
β Laurence Pratt (@laurence_pratt) November 1, 2022
Heart breaking news this morning. Number 1 swans supporter Kenny Williams has passed away. He was a valued and respected part of the Swans community and team. Rest in peace Kenny β€οΈπ€ποΈ pic.twitter.com/4Qe7K0kYHo
β Emmettππ΄ (@EmStA07) November 1, 2022
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