SLADE Thomas’ wife has paid tribute to her ‘larger than life’ husband after the well-known window cleaner from Warminster died at the age of 45 from a sudden heart failure.

The dad-of-one died at his home on Luxfield Road on April 29, leaving his wife Deb and the community shocked.

Mr Thomas set up his own cleaning business in 2005 and provided services in both Warminster and Devizes, with many of his customers sending his 41-year-old widow messages of support and condolences.

Mrs Thomas, a teaching assistant at Kingdown School, said: “I’ve been getting text messages from his customers, I have about 60 cards and people have been sending me flowers and everyone has been saying how shocked they are and how much they’re going to miss him.

“All these messages is what has helped me get through, to know how many people loved him and how much they thought about him.

“Slade had the gift of the gab, he had such a charm with people and one of his old teachers said to him that he wouldn’t get through life using charm alone, but I think he did.

“He loved talking to people face-to-face and he was very much a people person, he wouldn’t just wash your windows and take the money he would stand and chat and he knew so much about his customers."

Mr Thomas leaves behind six-year-old son, Max, who has still yet to come to terms with what has happened.

“At the moment he still thinks daddy is at work but Sambourne School where he goes have been amazing and have really, really helped him," added Mrs Thomas.

“He’s quite an independent boy but it is the little things that are affecting him, like he always takes a water bottle to school but I forgot and he said ‘daddy never forgets’.

“Or when I pick him up from school or taekwondo as Slade always used to do that and he was so proud that he took up taekwondo.”

Shopkeepers and customers were shocked and saddened to hear of Mr Thomas’ death, with many only having spoken with him a few days before.

Carol Rendell, who works at Devizes Books, said: “He was just a laugh, very friendly and I actually saw him the night before he died which was quite a shock when we found out.

“Jo Bachelor sent his widow a card on behalf of the store and we will be going to his funeral next week, but it’s just a shame and far too young to go.”

Store manager at Clarks Shoes, Catherine Parker, said: “I’d known him for about 13 years, just as long as I’ve been working here and he was one of those familiar faces and just a really, really nice guy.

“When I found out I was just completely shocked and stunned, I still sort of am I guess and 45 is no age to go.”

Mr Thomas’ funeral will take place at St John’s Church, Warminster, on May 20 at 2pm.