Octon Crematorium was full and overflowing when local people and people from abroad gathered together to pay tribute to Thomas Henry Wyles (Tom) on Friday, February 19. A fitting accolade and acknowledgement to a man who had touched the lives of so many people. Tom was born in Hartlepool attending a primary school there before going on to Henry Smiths Grammar School where he gained his love for science and history. Tom loved most sports and played rugby for more than 30 years. He ran numerous half marathons, walked up mountains, sailed, cycled and spent many happy hours in the forest on his trials bike. In 1972 he joined the Civil Service, then the Post Office and after that British Telecom where he became a union rep. In 1973 he met Theresa and they married two years later. They had four children, Laura, Hannah, Tom and the late David. The family moved to Stamford Bridge in 1990 and almost single-handedly set about rebuilding and extending their home. He was a very tolerant, open-minded person who accepted people without prejudice, always eager to help in any way he could and rarely said no to anything. He had great enthusiasm and could generally be relied upon to get things done. His mantra was - You discuss it, I'll just do it. Tom was a regular player at the badminton club and was also on the quiz team. He also acted as quiz master at numerous fundraising functions. He was the leading light at the Battle of Stamford Bridge Society, staging annual re-enactment battles. This is the 950th anniversary of the battle and he was deeply involved with making this a year to remember. Tom was involved in the York branch of the Volsung Vikings and members of that group in their costumes were there to pay their respects. He started the Stamford Bridge tapestry project inspired by the Bayeux and Fulford Tapestries and the tapestry ladies are working hard to complete this in his name. A keen artist he was greatly involved with the local art group. Three years ago he started The Hub where anyone can go along and enjoy fellowship and activities at the village hall. It was at The Hub on February 3, Tom suffered a massive heart attack. After battling for five days in Intensive Care at Leeds General Infirmary, Tom died on Monday, February 8.
Tom was registered as an organ donor so his thoughts for others continued even after death to improve the lives of countless others who have been the beneficiaries. Tom was indeed a very special person, he was intelligent, resourceful, dependable and a very caring and loving husband and dad. His niece Jennifer Litherland read a special and moving poem written by his daughter Laura entitled These Hands. Tom was the inspiration for the Viking Boat which was made in York and stands near the bridge as part of the village's entry into Britain in Bloom. Tom touched the lives of so many people and will be remembered always as a wonderful and reliable man who got things done and made such a difference to all who knew him.
Source: Gazette & Herald 2 March 2016