July 22, 1950 – August 31, 2012
In the light of a blue moon and surrounded by loved ones, Tony passed peacefully into God’s care. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife of 32 years Elisabeth, daughter Madeleine and son William, father Richard (UK), brother Steve (Julie) (UK), extended family in the UK and Winnipeg and many beloved friends.
Tony enriched the lives of those who shared his passion for hand-knotted carpets; these valued relationships led to 17 successful years as owner of a Fort Street gallery. Since his arrival in Victoria in 1980, Tony participated in the local jazz scene and enjoyed the many friendships made through a love of music. In July, Tony’s goal of recording a CD of his original jazz music was fulfilled.
Tony was a gentleman, a man of integrity with the ‘punniest’ sense of humour ever; his word play will be missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm September 7, 2012 in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Victoria Hospice or the U-Jam Society. Condolences for the family may be offered below.
26 Responses
We’re so sorry for your loss. Tony was the quintessential gentleman and will be missed. Our condolences to you and your family.
I’m so so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing – far too young and far too many songs yet to play…I regret not getting the chance to play more music with such a gentle-man and such a pro. I send my sincere condolences to his family.
Daniel Lapp
Hi Elizabeth and Will,
Jenny here (hockey mom). i am so sorry for your loss. Tony was a kind and lovely man and i cannot imagine how hard his loss will be for your family. i am thinking of you and hoping that there are many kind and loviing people around you now.
I was sad to read this morning of Tony’s passing. I met him a few times when you and I worked together at BC Transit – he was a lovely man. My sincere sympathy and I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dearest Lizbett and family-so very sad to hear of Tony’s passing and so happy to have seen him recently, be in the beautiful gallery of the store he created and to have carpets now to forever remember him by. So many years ago we left for England together and I will always chuckle gladly to be party to the early shenanigans of your meeting and the beginning of your life together. Tony was/is the punniest man I have ever met-world class! A refined rascal, warm and generous- he leaves our world the better for his contributions and presence.
Much love,
Jennie
We live in the neighborhood near the Thompson’s. We are so sorry for your loss. Recently we bought a carpet at the store and Tony was so accommodating. A really warm and caring man. Just watching the youtube video with his music playing. Take care.
We feel so blessed to have had Tony in our lives. From first meeting at the park when Mally and Alix were preschoolers (and soon to become inseparable as “Snow White” and “Rose Red”), to giving Ant his first job (and spoiling him for all future bosses by being so wonderful) to keeping us laughing in the most difficult times with his irrepressible sense of humour, we feel so privileged to have shared some of the journey with him, Elisabeth, Mally and Will . We are certainly better for knowing and loving Tony – thanks for everything and God speed until we meet again. Love from the whole Thomson family (Laura, Brian, Alix, Anthony and Emma)
Dear Elisabeth, Mally & Will:
You have all been in our thoughts and prayers for many months now and will continue to be so in the months to come. Although I didn’t see Tony often his gentle spirit was definitely a calming presence whenever I did get a chance to speak to him. As mentioned his sense of humour is something I will remember about him and I also think about him whenever I bring someone peaches! Thanks to him I have begun canning extra jars and consider this a little “peach ministry” for those who need something that slips down easily. I hope to see you soon and perhaps at some point share a quiet cup of tea or a walk along the water if you feel up to company some day. God bless you all and take care of yourselves. Let me know if there’s ever anything we can do to help.
Tony was a wonderful brother and brother in law who lit up all our lives with his sense of fun, optimism – and of course his unforgettable sense of humour. Life was never dull growing up together in Bristol, and Tony’s zest for life and adventure was very much apparent even in those early days. He will be very greatly missed – and we know heaven will have another star shining brightly. Never forgotten – and until we meet again.
Sending our heartfelt sympathy to our wonderful over-the-back-fence-neighbours who offered us warm eggs from their chickens over the fence to welcome us to the neighbourhood many years ago. Penny will miss her cagey tennis partner and Pippa will miss her personal rug expert’s advice. Tony’s death is a great loss to our Fairfield community. We are so very very sad, Pippa and Penny