A Tribute to the Late Bob Thomas - "Rusty" Penrith's 8th Life Member

Penrith Cricket Club | July 27, 2025

Bob Thomas between the Waugh brothers, Steve and Mark.

Bob Rusty Thomas came to Penrith in 1959 as an employee of the Commonwealth Bank, his only full-time employer in his lifetime. As a young man, he was on the relieving Staff with the bank and had many of his appointments in the country. Penrith was his first permanent position in a specific Branch with the bank. Bob fell in love with Penrith and resided here for the rest of his life.

A very keen sportsman, Bob played cricket with the Rovers Cricket Club, bowling his left-arm orthodox spinners with a great deal of success. He had previously played cricket in his hometown of Temora, firstly representing Riverina in the Country Championships, culminating in his selection in the countryside, which played Metropolitan on the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Bob was married in the early sixties and retired from cricket to raise a family: realising the only way to progress financially and to pay off his house mortgage, he decided to take a second job. Bob was employed by the Nepean Rowing Club as a casual barman where he worked for eighteen years. All this time, he worked both Saturday and Sunday and on most occasions worked twelve-hour shifts. Bob was recognised at the time as a very good employee, reliable and very popular with the club members. On most nights during this time, he was responsible for managing the Club and closing up at the end of the day's trading. Joe Barton, who was the Secretary-Manager at the time, held Bob in high regard.

Bob was a keen sportsman all his life. After he retired from cricket, he coached Junior Cricket teams when his two sons, Michael and Paul, played. St Dominic's College won numerous competitions whilst he was coaching.

Bob, during the winter months, was involved with Junior Rugby League. When Paul graduated from local cricket to become a member of the Penrith Cricket Club, Bob's interest in the game continued. Being a great supporter of the club, Bob became Treasurer in 1983, and retired in 1996 when he didn't nominate for re-election. Not only was he the longest-serving Treasurer of the Club, Bob also held the Treasurer's position in a longer sequence than any other executive position. During his term as Treasurer, the Penrith Cricket Club was recognised throughout the Cricket Fraternity as a very strong Club financially. This was largely due to his expertise in finance. For his efforts, he was elected as a Life Member of the Penrith Cricket Club in 1995.

Away from cricket and rugby league, his passion was "the sport of kings", horse racing. At one stage, he raced nine horses with reasonable success, winning races in both Sydney and Melbourne. At the same time, he also raced pacers; Melissa Maid, named after his daughter, was possibly his best pacer, winning at Harold Park. After her racing career was over, she was sent to stud; however, her progeny failed to show the ability of Melissa Maid.

Bob to me was a person of integrity, honesty, very loyal and respected by all who knew him. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he was completely shattered. During this time, he showed his great fighting qualities and continued to try to live his normal active life. However, as time passed, despite the best medical treatment possible, he deteriorated to the stage where he was confined to his home. Despite his health and realising he was not going to survive this health problem, he remained as cheerful as ever and maintained his lifelong interests until he passed away on 2nd July, 2000. The very large attendance at his funeral was a great tribute to him, recognising the great respect he had in the community of Penrith, from those in all walks of life.

Bob Thomas was a very close friend of mine for over forty years, sharing many great times together: cricket, rugby league, horses, and table tennis. He was one of the characters of the world, always had a story to tell you, or a winner to share. On many occasions, we shared a beer or two together, and we were always able to have a laugh and joke about many things.

Bob's passing was largely a tragedy; however, he will always be remembered for what he stood for and will always be remembered, especially by the Members of Penrith Cricket Club and the community of the City of Penrith. For anyone who knew him, our lives are poorer for his passing. 

Written by his great mate, Trevor Wholohan.

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