How lucky we were to know David, and to consider him as one of your closest friends was, and is, a privilege.

          We have all had time now to remind ourselves of the times spent with him over the last 39 years and how unique they were. Whether at school, the sailing club, university or socialising, David added that extra dimension. His sense of humour was legendary.

          Without doubt, David was unique and enriched our lives because of it. He was extraordinarily thoughtful and considerate, and always found time to help fix that computer, DIY disaster or boat. He continued to remind you of your duty to others, whether family or friends and never failed to remember birthdays with a jovial card or present.

          From the very early years of school when our paths first crossed, it was clear that David was smarter than your average pupil. His desire for knowledge was somewhat advanced of his contemporaries though he never flaunted it. Friends have reminded me that before they could spell "universe" he new more about it than we would ever know. Unlike many with such a gift, David was very popular as his modesty and generosity would quell the expected intimidation. This quest for information would not desert him and would inevitably lead him to great things.

          So it was on to Greenhill School where he would be fortunate enough to be taught, or probably more accurately, tutored, by his mentors in Physics, Maths and Chemistry. How he excelled, captivating his classmates, and for that matter the school. Being accepted into Oxford seemed a formality, underlying his exceptional intelligence and analytical ability. However, his classmates here today will not forget flailing 1 metre rulers in the Physics lab, large explosions in the Chemistry lab and swinging his legs from the third floor windowsill. Oh how messrs Shaw, Wathen, Martin and Bevan must have loved him as a student. Rest assured Gentlemen, I know he really appreciated your enthusiasm and patience.

          But It wasn't all academia. Sailing and the Tenby Sailing Club were to become a major part of his life, as it was with Owen and Ethelon. Never one to shy from the limelight, David would always be leading the charge, with his crowning glory at the '93 Redwing Nationals where he led the last race. Always wonderfully unpredictable the Club and the National Redwing Association will miss a character of his stature (he was always tallist) though memories of his antics will be impossible to forget.

          Sadly at this point David began to suffer from epilepsy. As often happens, while faced with such adversity, one's true nature is revealed. David was no exception and, in the 20 or so years since his diagnosis, I never once heard him complain or wallow in self-pity, even when we whinged about our trivial ailments. Sometimes the medication would cause him to be irritable, occasionally aggressive, but few mistook that for his real character. David learned to live with the restrictions without too much change to that lifestyle. He was not going to let epilepsy, which, of course, he had by now researched thoroughly, change him. He remained philosophical about it and we all benefited greatly from his continued character.

          Another important chapter beckoned at Oxford and once again he's in his element. Meeting like minded soles and good friends as Richard, John, Sue and most importantly Julie bought a long period of success and happiness. However, not all was well as David began to experiment in the culinary field. His fondness for curries will not be forgotten, and I particularly remember a 2001 vintage Rotherhithe Mackerel Madras. David, as always had been thoughtful enough to remember that Alex was a vegetarian, something Alex unfortunately denied later that evening.

          Other culinary highlights:

• Mixing Skol lager with St Ivel Five pints powdered milk to put on his Alpen.
• Eating curries with his cash point card.
• The use of Hoi-Sin sauce in his tea.

          By now David had achieved great success working with such companies as Goldman Sachs, Cantor Fitzgerald, Thompson Industries and Amersham International, developing software for stock trading systems, communication applications and pharmaceuticals. He remained a prolific reader and never knowingly passed a book shop without a multiple purchase, with subjects as diverse as history, genetics and philosophy. Consequently, he was excellent company in any environment and, though never short of an opinion on politics and people, would graciously and respectfully appreciate another point of view.

          So many other memories:

          Cycling in the snow, syphoning petrol from Mike Beetle, getting the Renault 5 stuck round Culver Park, black bin bag coats, firework night in Clapham with Julie, Vaughan, Alex and Ruth. Even putting his foot up on a step to use a cashpoint.

          Most recently though, Mike and I were fortunate enough to spend two vintage weekends with David walking in Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. I shall remember David shooting off like a mountain goat whilst extolling the virtues of his "low gear" frame. I shall also remember the breakfast he cooked the following morning!

          My memory or vocabulary will never do David justice but I'm sure you all have similar memories of a wonderful, dependable and outstanding friend, and of course that exceptional sense of humour.

          He once caught me whinging about "life being a fight" and replied "Sure beats the alternative". He appreciated and new the value of life and lived it fully. I am sure that we will all remember that because of David.

          Ben Jones.

          Last week a man's body was found floating in the water 30 yards off Tenby's North Beach.

          The crew of the Tenby inshore lifeboat pulled 39-year-old Tenby resident David Thomas - son of well known retired teacher Owen 'Tot' Thomas - out of the sea and transferred him to the Mayor's Slip, where ambulance service staff attempted to resuscitate him.

          A Royal Navy Sea King helicopter took Mr Thomas to Withybush Hospital but he was pronounced dead.

          The incident is being investigated, although foul play is not suspected.

          A man who suffered from epilepsy, who drowned off Tenby's North Beach in August, had not been taking his medication, the Pembrokeshire Coroner heard last week.

          David Gwion Thomas, aged 39, who lived in the town, was described as an active man and a strong swimmer. He experienced small fits about once a month and occasionally suffered a full fit.

          A post mortem examination revealed Mr. Thomas had water in his lungs and other signs consistent with drowning.

          Blood tests showed Mr. Thomas had not been taking his medication and it was therefore possible an epileptic fit had caused him to drown.

          A verdict of accidental death was recorded.