I feel proud to say that Uncle Tony was a significant relative in my life, someone who seemed special and talented for so many reasons. As a child I have memories of him in England. What seemed most striking was " the chat" amongst the grown ups, then the voice saying " oh Tony what was that, or do you remember when ,"etc etc. I had this notion he was the fountain of all knowledge! A clever man, with such a passion for life and the outside world. I am so pleased to say I had the good fortune to spend time in 2018 with him and the family in NZ.. He was truly inspirational still so well and busy, enjoying what was around him. Thank you for the amazing memories from the past. I'm now staying near lower slaughter in the Cotswolds where we have a beautiful photo of sylve, mum and Pauline. I can see in the distance the Malverns where I remember spending time with tony. May he fly high and rest in peace. Sending love, hugs and my condolences to all the family at this sad time.

Uncle Tony, such a remarkable, caring person! One of my earliest memories is my brother and I going camping with the family. It was such an adventure. Staying in NZ in 1992 when we were made so welcome and I always looked forward to the UK visits. Such a lovely Uncle. Sending much love and sympathy to all the family. Theresa xx

Tony & Sylvia emigrated to NZ when I was only 8 years of age so my memories are a little hazy . That said I was very fond of Tony & Sylvia & always recall their departure, feeling sad because they were my favourite Aunt & Uncle & Uncle Tony was such good fun . I spent the next 45 years thinking “ one day I will visit them in NZ & I am pleased to say I made it in 2018 & I was delighted to be re aquainted . What a lovely , family man , he lef a full life & will now rest in peace . Love to all the family . Kathy . x

“ Tony was a wonderful man , a superb fella who was always kind , willing & very helpful . I was privileged to have him as my brother in law . I have very fond memories of holidays together with Sylvia , Pauline & I and visiting them in New Zealand . Tony will be very sadly missed by everyone who knew him & especially Sylvia & his children. I send loads of love to all the family.” Love from Margaret ( Sylvia’’s sister 93 years)

Though the oceans kept us apart for the most part. I feel I was blessed with a very warm, easygoing father-in-law. Thank you.

Dear Tony what can I say I grew up watching you be such a wonderful dad to your children alway involved with them kind and caring full of wisdom and knowledge a wonderful roll model for them all and as I looked on from the outside you always made me welcome and included in your family Getting to see you again was such a wonderful memory for me you were still the same warm and energetic man I remembered Thankyou for memories Tony always in my heart ❤️ Dany mergel

When Sirius star sits low in the nights sky. We will look for you. While Hawks fly wild and free up above , we will think of you. As fish shoal in the oceans below us, we will remember you. Enjoy your next adventure xx

I find myself chatting to you when another memory pops into my head. You did so much with your life. I don’t know how you fitted it all in. You must have touched so many lives. All those school trips, how many of those students recall walking in Snowdonia or cruising in The Baltic. What an experience . The glider club you ran. Balsa wood and fine paper spring to mind. On our holidays - newspaper sun hats you taught us to make. You were always the ‘hunter gatherer’. Cockling at Sandy Bay Devon. Pushing those shrimping nets along the beach at Sea Palling, Norfolk. We always ate our catch. When passing Crayford Town Hall I recall with a smile how you and Mum danced in St Pauline’s school hall., swinging mum through your legs ! Your Tom Jones impersonation at Iris and Stan’s party “ It’s not unusual” It was not unusual for you to have a party and ‘ Cassachoc’ would be stomped out around the room. So many memories come to mind. I remember how Kiri Chrissie and I laughed while seated on her deck as you recounted the Fish and chip story in the bed with Mum and Auntie Paul. You could really tell a story. I will stop now with laughter in my mind and a smile on my face. “ Thanks for the memories” Your Kath-Ma-Kid xxx

Hi Antoine, it's Jacko. Hi jacko, what can I do for you? Remember a couple of months back were having a chat about me getting a boat? Yes, I do, have you seen one you like? Yep, but I need some expert advice and you're the chosen one. That's nice, what do you need me to do? I've seen a boat that I like, but I need to do a sea trial, are you available? When have you planned that, as I have to finish planting my garlic. How does tomorrow suit? Perfect, after lunch alright, as you cant go boating on an empty stomach. Fine pick you up about 1.30. I ended up buying that boat on Antoines advice ( I think you should buy it Jacko, youll get your money back when you sell it) Wise advice indeed. Antoine, a man of many parts, a father-in-law I hold in great affection, a father who was proud of children, a man who loved his Sylvia for nigh on 80 years. RIP my friend. Jacko

I will never forget the first time I met Tony. He 'rescued' Matt and I from the Sandpit Wharf after we arrived back from holiday to realise we had no transport home! The sprightly, sparky man who picked us up in his car didn't seem 'old' or 'grandfatherly' to me. He had so much energy and vitality. We ended up having an impromptu holiday at Tony and Sylvia's place in Snells Beach. Both Tony and Sylvia embraced their unexpected guests with enthusiasm and remarkable flexibility. This was when I realised my husband's grandparents were one of a kind - they knew how to have a good time and host the best parties! Tony was a go-getter, a can-do man who could turn his hand to anything. I admired him so much and love that some of his sense of adventure and zest for life has been passed down the generations in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren! My life has been enriched having Tony in it and I will cherish my memories of him always. Jen

Message to Tony from Andy... Sorry I can't make it to your funeral. Really hoping we can meet up in our next lifetimes. See you then Gumby.

'Special' is a word used to describe something which is one of kind, like a hug or a sunset or a person who spreads love with a smile or a kind gesture. 'Special' describes people who act from the heart and keep in mind the hearts of others. 'Special' applies to something or someone that is precious and can never be replaced. 'Special' is the word that best describes My Dad ... Tony I shall love you forever Dad. Bistafa your Columbus xx