Mr. Harry Arthur Thomas

1914 to 2001

Harry Thomas, a past Rotarian, former Chairman of New Milton Town Council (1981-1983) and Independent Member of the New Forest District Council has died at the age of 87.

Born in Portsmouth on 30^th April 1914 he spent all his working life in the teaching profession.

He became Headmaster of Western Primary School in Winchester and ultimately Headmaster of St Edwards Comprehensive School in the London Borough of Havering.

He was instrumental in dramatically improving the schools fortunes and by the time he retired in 1977 it was one of the most successful schools in the borough.

He served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War as an instructor at Cranwell College. It was here he met Nancy Caple a young member of the WRAF.

They married in Wimbledon in October 1943 and produced four children.

Their first born Colin died shortly after birth but they are survived by their three other children Alison, Jane, Kevin and six grandchildren.

He had a keen interest in young people and as a young man was actively involved in the Boys Club Organization and would take his pupils on annual camps to his beloved New Forest.

His retirement allowed him to find an interest in Bowls, Golf and Sea Fishing but involvement in the local community was always his first love including regularly assisting his wife with meals on wheels delivery.

He joined New Milton Community Association and was Chairman for a number of years whilst his wife, Nancy, kept the rooms bright with splendid flower arrangements.

He fought against ill health for the latter part of his life and survived his wife Nancy, who died on Good Friday, by only nine weeks.