Hi ,
In memory of Harold George Henry Thomas
One of our Old Timers, Harold Thomas, left us on Sunday morning 24th August 2025 for the Heavenly Park in the sky.
Harold had quite a history of playing for Tawa. Although the writer is unsure of his early days, there is a heap of evidence on the pictorial walls of Harold playing for our club – a club that he invariably tried to always turn up at on Old Timers Day.
I always, along with many others,
made a point of talking with him and ensuring he had the best seat upstairs in the clubrooms. In fact, it did not matter who was seated in the southwest corner - as soon as Harold arrived the courtesy was extended without any words, except those of sincere thanks from Harold. Always with a smile, always with a ready laugh. Over the years I, as the club President, had hosted Harold many times and one day we made a massive discovery – I knew his son Steve very well and of course, his wife, Karen.
This in no way stopped Harold’s wish for Tawa to win on the day. I think we had Harold watching Tawa Premier Rugby on YouTube, but I am not entirely sure.
Some of Harold’s team history in our club:
1955 – Winners Blair Shield
1960 – Senior second division with Harold as Vice Captain. Won Carman Trophy, President Shield.
1961 – Runners-up second division championship with Harold as Vice Captain. Won Carman Trophy, Ron Holmes Cup, President Shield.
1962 – Runners-up second division championship with GG Mexted as Coach. Won
Carman Trophy, Ron Holmes Cup.
1963 – Runners-up second division championship. Won Carman Trophy, Ron Holmes Cup, Presidents Shield. Notable names: the Arthurs, Burgess, Steve Jackson (the man who introduced me to the Tawa RFC), and GG Mexted, Coach.
1964 – Winners second division championship. Won Carman Trophy, Ron Holmes Cup,
President Shield.
1965 – Senior second division championship. No further details.
1966 - Unfortunately, no photo to be found, but I can tell you a wee story.
Approximately three years ago, when I was privileged to be a Vice
President for Wellington Rugby Football Union, I was to present a trophy to our Tawa Premier 2 team for winning the Premier 2 Competition for the third year. Harold came into the clubrooms for our Old Timers Day. We chatted and then I pointed to the trophy from around four to five meters away. Without missing a beat, Harold saw the trophy and exclaimed “that is the Harper Lock Shield! We won it in 1966!” And history shows we did then and that day.
Harold’s name also features on our Senior Centurion Honours Board for playing over 100 Senior games for Tawa RFC.
On the west wall of our clubrooms is a place reserved for those players who scored over 100 points in a season. The photo of Harold with the inscription is proudly displayed along with a few others. I am told
Harold actually scored 111 points at a time when a try was three points and kicks were two points.
The last Old Timers Day Harold was at, only a few months ago, was precious. The ladies behind the bar made sure Harold was comfortable, had his pride of place, and had hot chips and a cuppa.
Harold was a QSM recipient and a JP.
Harold’s celebration of his life will be held at Cedarwood, 17 Parata Street, Waikanae, on Monday 1st September at 11.00am, followed by a burial at Waikanae Cemetery.
RIP
Harold.
