Anthony John Waghorn

Also known as "Tony"

13 September 194123 August 2024

WAGHORN, Anthony John (Tony)

Died peacefully after a short illness on Friday, 23 August 2024 aged 82. A mighty Tōtara has fallen, surrounded by his family, immersed in love. Beloved husband of Therese. Cherished Dad and father-in-law of Louise & Grant (dec), Brenna & David, Kathy & Ross, and Dom & Kate. Loved grandfather of Oscar, Iris, Emily, Bruno, Bryn, and Elsie. Highly regarded dentist in New Plymouth and advocate for dental public health in Taranaki. Greatest respect and thanks to Te Rangimarie Hospice from the family.

In preference to flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Taranaki.

Messages to the Waghorn Family may be left on Tony’s tribute page at eagars.co.nz/tony.

A memorial service to celebrate Tony’s life will be held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel, 174 Lemon Street, New Plymouth on Thursday 29 August 2024 at 10:30am.

For those unable to attend, Tony’s funeral will be livestreamed via his tribute page.

Eagars Funerals

Notice by Eagars Funerals

Tributes

Tony and I were close freinds while attending Auckland University in the early 1960's. We spent quite a lot of our spare time at his families shop on Karangahapi road , Auckland. He had a very understanding mother , who ran their shop , working long hours and welcoming freinds of Tony's , which I think were mainly University Freinds. While we were only together in Auckland for a year , or maybe two , we really made the most of being together in our small group of 6 - 10. Tony was really keen on becoming a Doctor but ended up a Dentist as the spots availble to be a Doctor in those days were very limited . I think he was quite dissappointed at the time that he missed out. He was a good freind to many , as he had a very interesting personality. Paul Adlam 24 Mar 2026

Paul Adlam

Tony and I were close freinds while attending Auckland University in the early 1960's. We spent quite a lot of our spare time at his families shop on Karangahapi road , Auckland. He had a very understanding mother , who ran their shop , working long hours and welcoming freinds of Tony's , which I think were mainly University Freinds. While we were only together in Auckland for a year or maybe two we really made the most of being together in our small group of 6 - 8. Tony was really keen on becoming a Doctor but ended up a Dentist as the spots availble to be a Doctor in those days were very limited . He was a good freind to many , as he had a very interesting personality.

Paul Adlam

Therese, Dom, Kathy, Brenna &Louise. So sorry to hear of Tony's passing and being overseas at the time. Tony was a very special friend who i have known and loved for over 50 years. He was kind, intelligent, provocative, loyal with a great sense of humor and always good company. It has been a privilege to have known him and to have been part of the Waghorn family. Rest in peace my friend

John Wilson

We are sorry that we are unable to attend the Celebration of Tony`s life. Barry would like to acknowledge Tony`s passion for Public Health in Taranaki and his support during time at the DHB. Our condolences to you all. Valerie and Barry Archer

Valerie Archer

Laughter! It is 100% the thing I remember most from precious childhood memories at Rangitui. Thank you Tony Waghorn (and all wonderful Waghorns and outlaws) for those treasures I will keep forever. The example of your family’s values is a powerful one for my own. The friendship forged so many decades ago between Tony and my father meant so many of us received our own great times. Blessed to have known them both. I know the Tony sized hole in your lives will always be deep. Hang on to each other. You are all in my thoughts. Nā koutou i tangi nā tātou katoa Elizabeth Collins

Elizabeth Collins

Sending much love to Therese and the Waghorn family. I will always remember Tony's great smile and the warm welcomes when visiting. Great memories growing up in the extended "wine club" family. Thinking of you all with love xx

Kristie Gulbransen (nee Blong)

Dear Therése and family. I was very sad to hear from you that Tony had died. The last few weeks must have been very hard for you all. I have so many happy memories of the times our two families have spent together. I particularly remember that when watching cricket he made us all stand up and turn around when a cricket fell! He was great fun, and a great husband and father. We all loved him and my deepest sympathy goes to you all. Much love, Fay.

Fay Gordon

Tony and Therese Waghorn were founding members of the Taranaki branch of the New Zealand Tree Crops Association in the 1960s when they moved to their Waireka subdivision in Omata. Tony became our expert on growing tree nut crops especially macadamia nut selections. They also dabbled in the ‘Safari Sunset’ as a new export of protea flowers in Taranaki. This was the era of horticultural crop diversification in North Taranaki. Tony provided a stabilizing business sense to our endeavors. Thank you and Farewell Tony

George Mason

In the moment we met Tony and Therese, we felt the warmth of a different sun. How lucky we are.... and as long as we tell our stories, we will always have a reason to smile, to laugh, to love.... and in that, we will never forget. Fair winds and following seas Tony. Much love Norm, Judy and the La Rosa Girls

Jane La Rosa

Dear Therese, I was very sad to read of Tony's death; immediately I saw his smiling face and heard his voice! He was an erudite and compassionate person, always great to talk with on a variety of topics. My condolences to you and the family. I do hope I will meet you again around town sometime soon. Regards, Jeni Brown

Jeni Brown

Dear Therese, Brenna, David, Oscar, Emily and rest of the amazing Waghorn family. We are so sorry to hear about Tony’s passing. We will always remember Tony, as he was always inquisitive, kind, present and had a wonderful wit about him. He has left so many wonderful memories for our family especially for our first born Tim. Tony and Therese opened their home for Tim and his mate Oscar during many school holidays. Tony was the Totora of a very kind family and the memories of Tony will always remain dear to our hearts. Sorry we can’t be there in person as we are in Europe at the moment, but we will be there in spirit. Lots of love Steve, Christel, Tim and Max xxx

Christel and Steve

Tony will always hold a special place in my heart. I have very fond memories spending my childhood with Tony and Terese. I always remember the amazing art that they had on the walls and their home always was inviting and warm. They were such a significant part of my dad’s life in his early career and helped shape him into the amazing dentist he is today. Tony and I reconnected when I graduated from Otago Dental School. We would meet for coffee and he would help build my confidence. I just loved seeing Tony. Always a smile on his face and so intelligent! I was always amazed at how social Tony and Terese were. There was no stopping those two. So inspirational seeing them live their lives to the fullest. I got to see Tony a bit more recently at the practice. It was a pleasure being his dentist. I will miss him so much. We have lost one very very special and unique person. I will think of him a lot in the years to come. Tony you have lived an incredible life - we will remember you today and forever. I will miss you tremendously xxxx Sasha

Sasha Antunovic

I have such warm memories of Tony and the Waghorn house. Growing up I always thought he was a great storyteller, a man of culture and warmth. Someone who always made everyone feel like a somebody. Sending hugs and love to you all xx

Tanya Blong

So sudden and sad. We met Tony only a few times but his welcome was always warm and hospitable. He loved his family, a celebration and of course his wine! Tony thank you for welcoming our daughter Kate into your lovely New Zealand family to whom we send our love and thoughts, Rest well xx

Judy & John

So so sad to hear of Tony's passing. He was a generous hearted, caring gentleman who welcomed us into the neighborhood with vigour. He will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Therese and the family and everyone who loved and knew him.

Nick and Kate Stonier

We don't mind sending this again as we are sad to hear of Tony' passing. It's been a long time and we regret not keeping in touch. Love to you Therese and all the family. Val & Kevin

Val and Kevin Ives

Ive written and deleted this several times as im sort of lost for words. Our families shared many memories from the early seventies and still ongoing. 50 years of great memories. Thankyou Tony for always being a kind compassionate open minded legend of a human. A life truly well lived. Rest in love Tony. Much love to Therese Dom, Kathy , Brenna and louise.

Dave Barrell

To Therese and family, We were so sad to hear of Tony’s death and sorry that we won’t be able to attend the service to celebrate his life as we are travelling overseas. We were both so fond of him and honoured to have known a man who was such a caring person who took a genuine interest in those he met. In his professional life he was skilled and wise and he did so much good for the people of Taranaki. We send our love to all the family.

Ian and Clare Smiley

So saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. We met up by chance and coincidence and I am sorry we did not spend more time together losing touch over the years. I am glad that Tony and my Dad found each other eventually even though they lived half a world apart. Much love to all the family.

Richard Jarrett

To Therese and Family So sorry to hear of Tony’s passing He was a true gentleman Our heartfelt sympathy to you all Thinking of you at this sad time Donal and Nancy Carroll Errill County Laois Ireland

Nancy. Carroll

Cush and Max are crying tears from heaven today and I know they would want me to pay a tribute here : to friendship. Tony ( alongside Therese!) was their rock solid friend. They were friends for over 40 years, half a lifetime of sharing celebrations, and adventures along with challenges and problems and of course a fondness for vin rouge. Dad would sometimes marvel at how Tony and him became friends considering they came from different walks of life and had quite diverse perspectives on many things. Yet, in common was mutual respect, admiration for each others strengths, curiosity to learn something new and an appetite for robust conversation. Their lives were richer as a result. Tony ( and Therese) always showed up - in the good times and the tough times. I remember how often they visited Zepp at Jean Sandal. Even with his serious dementia they showed up, offering companionship as they always did. Thank you Tony for the gift of friendship you gave Cush and Max and thank you for teaching me what being a true friend looks like.

Gretchen Leuthart

Ae, a great totara has fallen, but also a cheeky piwakawaka and feisty tui. Tony had a splendid blend of serious intellectualism and witty playfulness. He and Therese created a whanau with the same wonderful qualities, all suffused with loyalty and caring. When Tony would ask me how I was, I believed he truly wanted to know. He deeply cared, as we all deeply mourn his passing. Arohanui from me and Miro.

Marta Fisch

Tony will be missed from our Tuesday morning yoga classes. We enjoyed his commitment and friendship. RIP

Lynne Lloyd

A man with great warmth, wit and spirit. I know Tony will be dearly missed. Love to all the whānau.

Susannah Walker

My thoughts are with all the family at such a sad time. It was lovely to catch up with Tony when he was visiting at the Jean Sandel Retirement Village after all those years ago when he was my dentist. Rest in Peace Tony. Regards Jean Hastie.

Jean Hastie

The Taranaki Branch of the New Zealand Dental Association regretfully acknowledge the passing of a mighty Tōtara.. Tony Waghorn was a great colleague, teacher and mentor to many dentists and dental therapists and a strong advocate for public access to dentistry especially within Taranaki. The Hospital dental department still reflects his dedicated input to its development. He was also recognised by our national body for his considerable efforts in dentistry making him A Fellow of the New Zealand Dental Association. We also recognise the warmth and support that Therese has provided to Tony over their many years together.

The Taranaki Branch of the New Zealand Dental Association

We were so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. What a lovely witty intelligent guy and co-architect of an incredibly warm and loving family who will live on as a mark of the man. Condolences to all of you in the Waghorn clan. Love, Rich and Anna on Waiheke.

Richard Beniston

Tony shines in my memories with his wit, intellect, kindness, generosity and joie de vivre. He and Therese "did life" so well and they shared that ability with everyone around them. Tony was and remains an inspiration for living.

Michelle Leuthart

To Therese and Family I am so saddened to read about Tony's passing. He was such a great colleague of - and for - Terry. I was immediately struck with his warmth, commitment to the profession and the community and love for his family when we first met. My heartfelt sympathies to all of you.May his memory be a blessing. Wendy

Wendy R London

To Therese and Family, Tony was a wonderful dentist and greatly respected by myself and my colleagues. It was a sad day for dentistry in Taranaki when he retired and it is so sad to hear he has now passed. Please accept my apologies that I cannot attend his memorial service as I am in the UK but I will be there in spirit.. My love and thoughts are with you at this time. May your memories of Tony comfort you all. Warmest regards Sandie Pryor

Sandie Pryor

The mighty Totara, with a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile. We will miss you Tony. You were an ever present part of our extended family gatherings and it won’t be the same without you. Aroha to Therese and the Waghorn family. Sarah and Jasmine xx

Sarah O'Sullivan
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