Tom worked as an electrician in Yass from the 1950s, initially with the Burrinjuck County Council, then with contractor Ev Waters, returning to the Southern Tablelands County Council and then establishing his own electrical contracting business.

Tom was the grandson of T.P. Williamson, a founding businessman in Yass who established a local cordial factory, a bakery, a Ford dealership and eventually the 83 Garage in Comur Street.

T.P. Williamson was the first man to drive from Yass to Sydney, a feat he achieved in a car he designed and built himself around a Winston gearbox back in 1908.

Tom was very proud of his grandfather and the family contribution to the development of the town.

Tom’s father, Cecil Williamson owned a radio shop next to the 83 Garage.

Following Cecil’s passing, Tom helped his mother, Zara, to keep the business going, repairing radios and working in the shop at night and on weekends.

Tom’s own electrical business was highly regarded, with his standard of professionalism, neatness and meticulous eye for detail renowned throughout the district.  

Tom always made sure his customers were looked after, whether they were able to pay for the service or not.

His work was regarded as the standard to meet among local tradesmen.  

Such was the respect for Tom and his work that when he retired, local tradesmen and builders chipped in and threw him a surprise retirement party.

He was deeply humbled by their gesture.

In his youth, Tom represented NSW Country at tennis at White City in Sydney, and enjoyed all sports including golf, swimming and fishing.

He was keenly aware of history, and chronicled many major family and Yass region events through his love of both movie and still photography, splicing his own films and developing his own photographs.

Tom was father-in-law to Wayne Swan, Australia’s Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister between 2007 and 2013.

Tom was an unassuming man, a quiet achiever who lived for his family.

Tom passed away at Calvary Hospital with his loving wife Shirley by his side.

He is survived by Shirley; son Tom Williamson; daughter Kim and her husband Wayne Swan; grandchildren Erinn, Libbi and Matthew Swan, and eight-month-old great-granddaughter, Eala Shirley Naughton.