OBITUARY: Charles William Thomas

In the words of Charles William Thomas, it was a real bugger he had to go.
The Tauranga husband, father and grandfather, affectionately known as "Charlie Boy" passed away, aged 60, on March 28 - leaving behind a good crew of first mates.
The charismatic sailor was so dismayed at illness cutting his life short he asked a sign-writer pal to paint the word "bugger" on the side of his black coffin.
"He said 'I just think it's a bugger that this is happening to me'," said wife of 15-years Bet.
She said Charles found humour in anything.
Mrs Thomas had a call from one of Charles' doctors in Auckland last week, passing on her condolences and saying:"Some people just touch our lives and we never forget them."
The doctor said no matter how ill Mr Thomas was, he always managed to crack a funny.
Mrs Thomas said her husband often jokingly hassled his children to produce more grandchildren. "He would be saying to the kids 'this is not just a leisure activity you know'," she laughed.
The kids would retort with wise cracks about his receding hairline and big ears.
"And some of the boys are going bald and it was always the big thing - who was going to take after him," Mrs Thomas said.
The Wellington-born former electrician, health inspector, builder and real estate agent developed a passion for sailing, having always been a water fan. "He loves the water, that's the main reason we came to Tauranga."
As a youth he did a lot of diving but turned to sailing later on.
The Thomas' boat - Reveries - was the couple's pride and joy, as they built it themselves.
It was the perfect name, meaning "daydreams", as a good escape from reality. And although Mr Thomas did like to get away, he could put his mind to anything when needed.
When he took over the Tauranga branch of First National it was the second worst performer in the country and Mr Thomas took it to the top 10.
"He had tremendous people skills and was just able to get along with lots of people," Mrs Thomas said.
Her husband planned his own funeral down to the last detail, with one particular request.
"He said 'don't be stingy with the booze'," she laughed.
Mrs Thomas said it was crucial mention was made of Charlie Boy's faithful companion - Moet, or Mr Mo, the cocker spaniel.
"He (Moet) is just so sad without him. When Charlie died we were sitting around and Moet jumped up on the bed, snuffled around and gave him a big lick on his face."
Mr Thomas' funeral took place at Tauranga Park last Thursday. Rachel Tiffen