Kayla, Erika, Tanner, and families, I am sorry for your loss. Your dad always had a big heart and yet he suffered physically his spirit was strong. I had many good chats with your dad and there was never a moment where he did not care for each of you as you navigated your youth. He is now pain free, and know he will always be with you in spirit.
My friendship with Tony began when we worked together at WRDSB. He was the expert “printer guy” that everyone wanted when they had an issue with their printer. I arrived early at work one morning to hear Mercy Me music playing in the distance. I sought out who was playing it and from that moment our friendship grew. Tony met Rick, and soon the three of us were off on many adventures together. We were united by our love for the Lord and our desire to grow in our faith, attending many Bible studies together. Our adventures included bus trips to Lancaster, PA, country music concerts, rodeos, dinner out (usually fish), road trips and then the best trip of all, our Mercy Me cruise to Alaska, which we just returned from on July 27th. What an amazing time we had seeing the beauty of God’s creation and worshipping the Lord with fellow Christians.
Tony was the most generous man I have ever met. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and he had a desire to KNOW people. When you talked to Tony, he listened. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and he would remember your name. He was quick to express his love and appreciation to others. When we travelled, Rick and I became known as “Tony’s friends”. Many people have been the recipient of gifts from Tony, often gift cards that would show up anonymously. He was an amazing man. He loved the Lord and was eager to share the gospel with others. He always wanted to have conversations with depth. I can hear his response of “very good” as he often was so agreeable and eager to help in any way he could. How we shall miss him! We have tickets tonight (August 15th) for the three of us for a music concert. His last line to me in an email was, “looking forward to the 15th!” So while we are at his funeral visitation and then afterward going to this concert, there will be an empty seat beside us, and it will be hard. But Tony will be with the Lord experiencing unsurpassed joy! We were incredibly blessed by God to be able to call Tony our friend, in fact he was more than a friend, he was family.
Our condolences to Kayla and Alex, Erika and Dan, Tanner and Sarah and Haddie, Levi, Ainsley and Hannah, as you grieve the absence of your father and grandfather. He told us often how much he loved all of you.
How fortunate Cindy and I were when the both of us were seated at Alex and Kayla's wedding and then again at Alex's 40th birthday with Tony. Coversation was quite interesting , surrounding Cambridge, our work and especially family. Tony will be missed by his friends, colleagues in the school system as well as Kayla , Erika and Tanner.
Our sincere condolences on your loss, Kayla. Your dad was a warm and loving person and I know you will miss him always. But the wonderful memories will stay forever. Love and Hugs from Cheryl and Eric.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Tony's passing. We enjoyed many heartfelt conversations about each other's families and faith journeys - and diabetes! Tony was a great source of information to me on that as well.
I know that he loved the Lord and strove to honour Him in all things. I regret that he wasn't able to retire to that fishing hole in New Brunswick the way he'd dreamed. God bless you all as you remember a man who loved his family and always tried to do the best and right things for them. I will miss Tony dearly!
To Tony's family and friends, please accept my sincere condolences.
I had the privilege of working alongside Tony for many years. He always brought a spunky attitude and an infectious laugh to the office. It was clear how much he enjoyed engaging with people and supporting his colleagues.
He was also one of the most thoughtful people I knew, always asking about my family and my life outside of work. He always took the time to make sure I was taking care of myself and not working too hard.
He was truly one of a kind and will be missed.
Michelle Tomchishen
WRDSB
My deepest condolences to Tony's family. I will remember Tony as quick witted, funny and always willing to help.
May Tony rest in eternal peace.
Jennifer
(WRDSB)
