Hashbituary

It is with sadness that we report that

William "Billy Boy" Deamer Deamer passed away in Phuket on April 18th, 2016

 

Billy Boy came to Phuket many years ago in the wake of his Brother, 'Dog Balls' after he joined him to work offshore as a Doodlebugger Gunner (Seismic source technician). Billy Boy climbed quickly to be chief in his department but always refused to go any further and climb the management ladder. "Happy where I am, thank you" was his attitude and showed no interest in Recording Room politics. Bill bristled at the constant query of "You're Dog Balls' brother" though and would often retort "No, He's MY brother!"

 

It wasn't long though before Billy Boy got his own identity and Hash name. With a name of Billy the Hash name was obvious as in his native Australia the term is used to refer to men of questionable gender and sexual preference. This never bothered Billy Boy in the slightest, even when a song for him was converted to fit, and he often demonstrated little sympathy with those who would cry that their Hash name wasn't fair. This showed very much Billy Boy's attitude to life and Hashing; Straight and forthright. Once asked where the trail was going he replied "I don't know, I just follow paper.", and he always did. Fit and fast though he had nothing but disdain for racers or those who would shortcut to gain 'glory'. Billy Boy would enjoy finding the buttons of those runners and keep pressing them! but he would always do so with that impish smile which would totally disarm any offence. Billy Boy would hand it out and was quite happy to get it back with a grin. We will all remember his 'Irish' jig at the Hash ball. Looking like the veritable lad in his waistcoat he said "I don't dance much, I can only do it when I'm drunk". Yet, with all his humour Billy Boy was a staunch traditionalist on the Hash. He would always wear a Maraud shirt on the Pooying run, simply because that's what was decreed on their first run, though most of us had forgotten it.

 

Billy Boy was several times Joint Grand Master and we all hoped he would be GM as soon as he retired. With his keen sense of fairness he would have made a good one, if not great. Don't you dare jump that food queue! Alas it wasn't to be. Billy Boy was taken ill on what was probably to be his last trip offshore. With his family's history he new well what to expect, but as always approached it with dignity and stoicism; "That's the deal I got" He said, then added "At least I don't have to pass any more offshore medicals!".

 

We all join Billy's wife, "Bum Scraper" in her grief today. We've lost so much in Billy Boy, not least a Giant Grand Master that we never had.

 

Billy Boy. Our Billy.
There's a 'fairly flat' paper trail and a cold beer where you're going Billy.
On - On old mate.
Bollox
April 19th, 2016

Bill's body arrives at the temple at 2 PM on Thursday and can be visited at any time of day. However, there will be a monks' prayer session at 8 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Food and soft drinks will be available at these sessions every day from around 6 PM. Saturday evening is set aside for us Hashers following our run, but please be there before 8 PM.

Directions to Wat Ghetto: From the Little Expat Bar in Kathu, continue on towards Phuket Town to the second set of lights with the police box opposite. Turn right and keep in the right hand lane. Continue 50 metres and turn right into the temple opposite The Scene condominium. There is parking available inside the temple grounds and on the roadside outside.