Thread: Giles

Oh man, that sucks!. Brought my first decent scope from him many years ago, and a lot of stuff since. It was sad to hear he was selling up, even sadder to hear of his passing.
RIP Giles

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I don’t get to Taihape all that frequently but always stopped in for a gander when I did. It is far too often you hear about someone retiring and then passing away in short order. RIP.

Originally Posted by Rushy

I don’t get to Taihape all that frequently but always stopped in for a gander when I did. It is far too often you hear about someone retiring and then passing away in short order. RIP.

So what is the lesson

Retire early ?
Or don't retire at all ?

My old man is nearly 80 and still working he want retire


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Originally Posted by buzzman

My old man is nearly 80 and still working he want retire


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You won't let him
Cheap labor

I couldnt believe it when @buzzman messaged me.
As like other locals I've spent many hours in the shop talking with Giles and spent a couple hours chatting on his last day. He was a very astute businessman, often saying turnover is king - set realistic prices with 100% backup service and you'll have return customers for life.
It would be interesting to know how many members on here brought their Tikka, Sako or Leupold from Giles after being given a headsup that he had the cheapest price you'll find.
When I was still duck shooting I was lucky enough to be invited to shoot on his personal pond several times, a huge traditionalist they always started with a full breakfast and ended with drinks after. I remember when he would go on driven pheasant shoots and be all dressed in tweed n leather boots.
Giles was a wealth of information when it came to trout fishing, especially the Taupo/Tongariro region and the upper Rangitikei....if you needed advice on spots, techniques or fly patterns he was your man.
I know how much he was looking forward to getting back into his hobbies and his new boat, all the trips n adventures he was planning but sadly that wont happen now, I'm glad he atleast got to do a few outings on his boat.
A solem reminder to us all that nothing in this life is garanteed, you cant work yourself to the bone and expect to catch up later in life - make time to do the things you enjoy as you go.
Rest easy big fulla, I've been previlaged to have known you.

Originally Posted by buzzman

My old man is nearly 80 and still working he want retire


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He has no one to take over!

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Originally Posted by akaroa1

So what is the lesson

Retire early ?
Or don't retire at all ?

Make every day count, dont count the days

Originally Posted by Shootm

I would try and make a point of stopping and have a look around in his shop when going through gumboot town.
RIP Giles

Likewise, and always got a bargain of some sort with each visit.

A nice gentleman, well spoken and great sense of humour, RIP Giles.

Thanks for letting us know. Yes, sad news. As with many others from out of town it seems, Wife would go to Brown Sugar while I "will just pop next door for a few minutes" — but of course it never was, as Giles was a great conversationalist that made visiting the shop a pleasure. He always recalled the quip that he had the second best prices in town, since Buzzman was general acknowledged as the lowest prices on a wide range of virtually new items following a few days of ownership. That said significant new purchases were always put through Taihape Sports in preference to anywhere down here.

We too always popped in to buy his wares and to chat. He did me some very sharp deals, including free delivery to Hamurana when we lived there. Our two sons, when training at Waiouru, referred to Giles’ store as their ‘go to’ shop. RIP Giles.

RIP Giles.

I have been calling in there ever since I was little with my Brother and Dad on the way duckshooting at 'the Taihape farm' at Mataroa. My kids now call it 'the Taihape hunting shop' and we call in whenever we go past. Always loved chatting with Giles and would rarely leave with without something. I was sad that he was retiring, but delighted for him all the same. Such sad news that he hasn't got to enjoy it.

that just rocked my world . have bought a few rifles of giles over the years. always made a point of planning our away trips to be going thru taihape when he was open. will miss our chats and worldly discussions . rest in peace mate you will be sorely missed

RIP Giles. Sad news

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