Tom Deary - In Memoriam

Published 07:36 on 17 Sep 2013

It was with deep regret that the Club learned of the passing of one of its most senior members, Tom Deary. Long-term sailing partner of Jack Golby on Folkboat FB4 ÄúKatrina of CowesÄù and passage maker across the Bay of Biscay with Tommy Spiers and others, Tom was probably better known for his role as the honorary ÄúpresidentÄù of the Coffee Club. Initially a very select group comprising Tom and his great friend Phil Lethby but of late a much larger group, the Coffee Club consists of Club members who like to meet to share views on many diverse subjects ranging from politics through engineering efforts to the war-time bordellos of Northern France. TomÄôs mode of travel to reach the Club to attend that debating forum changed radically in the last few years from use of a little green car with no straight panels through a 50cc scooter to his beloved electric ÄúFerrariÄù scooter and his daily arrival in the yard was generally met with sighs of relief if the trip had been incident free. His demise at the age of 94 has meant that he will not be able to reach his target of being the eldest member of the Club, that honour still belonging to Denis Holliday. The adventures of a twenty year-old conscripted militia member transferring to regular Army status called up to deal with a small incident in Europe in late 1939, where a forced march across Northern France gave him the chance to hone his skills at dealing with ÄúJohnny ForeignerÄù at the AEA, have now come to an end. TomÄôs dry wit and sense of humour will be sadly missed by all here at WSC. So passes one of lifeÄôs true gentlemen who will remain in our memory forever.Goodbye Tom! RIP and no speeding around that new set of gates.

Last updated 15:13 on 28 July 2025