Wally THOMAS Obituary

My sincere condolences to the family.
Wally was always the level headed person in the meetings and seemed as though he had unlimited patience dealing with difficult situations. I will remember Wally fondly as one keen for a good old chinwag, having a few laughs and one helluva of a great guy.

Well Wally what can we say apart from our bosses building a wall around you to keep your colourful language in check ! But .... That was back in the 80´s & what a privilege to work with you at the Western Leader. You & Fluff what a team . RIP Wal & Fluff xx

Thank you Wally for the laughs and the guidance you gave me. We were from different places and cultures - you were a true Westie and a helluva lot of fun to work with. Rest in peace.

Very sad to read if Wallys passing. He had a remarkable wit, his smile and pragmatic approach at work always made difficult situations somehow manageable. He was taken from this Earth far too soon. Thoughts and prayers with you, his family.
S M
Former Waitakere City colleague

To Wally's family a truely nice person to work with and great communicator. He loved the walkways and cycles we built and enjoyed his time out in nature.
Rest in peace

I am sorry to hear of Wally´s passing he was a kind awesome person with a massive amount of passion and humility

Rip

Ivan

I was deeply saddened to hear about Wally's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Wally was a remarkable person, and his presence will be greatly missed. May you find comfort and strength in the love and memories you shared with him.

With deepest sympathy,

So sorry to hear such sad news. RIP Wally. A great work mate and friend. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

Simone, Jackson and Tyler, I am do sorry to hear of your loss, there are no words. Wally was an all round good guy and loved by many. I will will remember him fondly and with memories of a night involving Tequilla laybacks and lots of laughter and mischief. All our love Rikki, Caitlin and Bella Noonan xxx

You fought a brave battle Wal. The world will be a sadder place without you in it. You always welcomed us into your home like we were part of the family, and always kept our glasses full, not just with alcohol but with fun, stories and laughter.
We are sending our love and thoughts to Simmy and family.
Sorry we can´t be with you to share the celebration of a bloody top bloke.
We will miss him dearly.
Love Muzz and Sal xx

Wal - what a larger than life character you were! Always held a room. A tremendous storyteller, with a wicked sense of humour. Always ready with a yarn or a tale about someone or something. And that laugh! You were an incredible leader at the Western Leader for so many years and mentored so many young journalists. What a legacy to leave. You loved your family above and beyond and always spoke about them with such heart. Arohanui to all who loved you.

Wal - what a larger than life character you were. Always held a room. An incredible story teller with a wicked sense of humour. You were a tough but fair boss and mentored so many young journalists through the Western Leader. A Westie through and through. So sad for your beloved family, who you always spoke of with so much heart. Arohanui to all who loved you.

Fellow local body manager, colleague and client over 30 years. Clever, generous, witty, full of heart and a wonderful storyteller. Thanks for everything Wal. You won´t be forgotten. Condolences to Simone and family xxx

So very sorry to hear of this sad news and remembering the special times we all spent on the sidelines of the Glenora Rugby League games together. Our love goes out to Tyler and family from the Trapski clan Dave, Sandy & Logan

So sad to hear this news. Wally was my first ever boss and he set the bar so high.... not only as a mentor, but as a wicked storyteller, a loyal friend and an all round bloody good guy. Sending big love to his family & many, many friends. Maaaate... the world is a better place because we knew you. XX

Wally, Handsome older cousin with
Eyes that gleamed with a cheeky smile.Quick witted a scholar who worked hard from school and at work he achieved excellence. Fond memories of his musical laugh telling stories about his adventures with Andy or Uncle Barry hound. Always a sporting event been discussed or played. Wal Loved his family he adored Simone. To call him cousin is an honor. Thinking about your family and friends who will miss you so sad Wal so young. Prayers and Love
Jennie

Sorry to hear the news, Wally I will remember you as a great communicator, bubbly personality and a great advocate for Waitakere City Council. Rest in peace and condolences to family.

A great shock to hear that Wally passed away so young. Will always treasure the time spent playing together as kids at the Drag's Orchard in Oratia. Rest in Peace.

Loyalty was one of Wals many strongpoints. He was a great boss and friend, if he had your back, you knew your back was covered. So many classic stories, so many great memories. Much aroha to his precious family.

So very sad and sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you all.
xxxxxxx

So sad for you all in the loss of such a beautiful man! He was truly one of the best and we enjoyed every moment we spent with Wal.
Much love and hugs to you all at this time.
Paul and gayle

My first editor.. you took a punt on me, straight from journalism school, three decades ago. A wild, witty and wise character. You and Fluff toughened me up. Truly, one of a kind. Love to all who loved you xx

For over 50 years you have been my "big brother". Thank you for the moments and the memories. You will continue to be part of my journey and forever be in my heart

It´s hard to believe that 40 years have passed since we first met Wally. We feel incredibly fortunate to carry with us the memories of our time at Sub News-those moments filled with laughter, the antics, and the deep connections we formed. The Central Leader, the local paper that we poured our hearts into, with Wal as editor, was more than just a job; it was a shared experience that shaped us all. Wal was the heart of those special times, and it was so evident how deeply he was loved, especially by Simone the team member who became his soulmate.

Our thoughts and love are with you Simone, your boys, and all the whanau during this difficult time.

Kei te pouri matou mo to ngakau. Ko nga whakaaro me te aroha kei a koe.

My friend. So many stories, so many laughs. I am going to miss you forever.

My friend. So many stories, so many laughs. I am going to miss you forever. So much love and hugs to Simone, Jackson and Tyler and extended loved ones.

So sad to lose my awesome cousin, I have such fond memories of our growing up years. Gone way too soon Wally, thanks for the laughs and the memories. Much love to Simone, Jackson and Tyler and all the family, thinking of you all at this difficult time xxxx love from Sue and Carl -Ben and Daniel.

We were so blessed to have Wal as part of our Kara family. Forever in our hearts and memories. Our thoughts are with Andy, Sim and the boys. X

A great friend to my daughter son in law and grand daughters. You will be so missed Wally. RIP. Lynne Leaming.

Class mate from Kelston Boys High, and later a work colleague at Waitakere City Council followed by AT. You excelled in all that you worked hard to achieve. Always a friendly smile and a great conversation to be had. Rest now, from your brave battle.

Rest peacefully Wal, a great bloke to play footy with and enjoy the after game beers with. #PK

Alex and Rachel Schanzer plus the K9 lads Bryn and Tama sending much Aroha to Simi and family. Wally was a wonderfully positive and fun man to be around, grateful we got to know him a little.

Wally may have passed over, but his legacy (particularly west of Avondale) will live on. "Deeds, not stones, are the monuments of truly great people".

A special son-in-law we will always remember our happy times spent together....R.I.P Sandra and Bruce

Tim Shadbolt, Assid Corban, Bob Harvey. Those were the days old mate. Fond memories. Roger Wakefield.

Moe mai ra our dear mate. Loyal, funny, and so very loved by us all. All our love and support to Simmy, Jacko, Twa, Ash, Jess and Mickey . The Iti whanau xx

"Mate!" Our funny, loyal, quick-witted, whacky friend. No story too tall! You will be sorely missed but live on forever in our hearts. Much love to Simo and the boys.
Ruthie & Rich et al

Great memories of working with Wally at Waitakere City Council. He was an instrumental part in furthering the council's Eco-city/Agenda 21 vision and strategy in getting the message out to the community. Have to say that he and Bob Harvey (then Mayor) were a remarkable team. My thoughts are with Wally's whanau during this time. Time to rest now Wally xx

A trusted friend to many who will be missed greatly,
John Drag(JD)

THOMAS, Wally. Minder, mentor, mate. Waitakere City legend. Sir Bob.