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
To the family of Tony Westlake,
Please accept our deepfelt sympathies, for the loss of your beloved Tony. We had only recently met Tony through the store, and had such a pleasant experience with him. It was clear early on, that we had just met a sincere, credible and extremely knowledgeable man.
We can’t possibly imagine the pain of your loss, and we wish we had had a chance to know Tony longer. We are, however, so glad that we crossed paths with such a gentle man. He has given us decades of joy, in the beautiful carpets he helped us pick out for our home, and we are very grateful.
Sincere condolences,
Bonnie E. Campbell and Greg Bonnell
Dear Elisabeth and family,
we’d like to send you our heartfelt sympathy and our supporting thoughts in this difficult time. We always will remember Tony’s special humor and his kindness.
With warmth and love,
Frank and Andrea
Tony was a great pianist and a real gentleman. We were both lucky enough to listen to him practicing on his piano almost daily for three years on Fort Street. That was something special… his piano keys tinkling through the wall made any day brighter. Tony always seemed to have a clever joke he was happy to share. Sending our love to Elizabeth and the children.
Dear Elisabeth, Madeleine and William,
I am so sorry to read today about Tony’s passing. It was such an honour and a privilege to know him, play with him and do business with him over the years. I will treasure my carpets even more. I was so thrilled to hear his piece being played at Hermann’s Jazz Club with Mischa and Neil. Wonderful.
I cannot make today’s service as I am playing up island tonight but my heart and love will be with you.
Condolences and love,
Miranda
Dear Elisabeth, I was so sad to see Tony’s obituary in the paper this morning. He was a wonderful, warm, creative, funny man who will be missed by many. My heart goes out to you and your children. Lisa is out of town right now, but I’m sure she shares my sentiments. You must miss him terribly and I am so sorry for your loss. With love and support, Rob
We were so very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Our most sincere condolences to you Elisabeth, and to your wonderful family.
With love, Susan and John Bodnar
Dear Elizabeth, Will and Madeline:
There may be no greater blessing for a man than to know that he loved – and was loved by – his wife and children unconditionally, and that he fought the good fight. Such a man is rightly mourned by his loved ones. We mourn with you, and you are all in our prayers.
The Falzon family
Elizabeth, Will and Mally: I was so fortunate to share hockey-fathering and talk about music, with your husband and dad. I was so lucky to have had two visits only three and one day before he left us all. But he left us with positive feelings, no regrets and looked forward to passing on to the next world where, one day we’ll meet again. I think about him all the time now and how he was prepared to move on. lots of love from us Gevers’.
I had the pleasure to buy a couple of beautiful rugs from Tony, and it was one of the most pleasant purchases I have ever had when it comes to buying things. It was obvious that he was passionate about what he was doing; he even lent me a book all about Oriental rugs. I was saddened to hear that the store was closing, and even more sad when I learned the reason why. He struck me as one of the people you are glad to have had the chance to meet, and his family has my deepest sympathy in their loss.
Elisabeth, Mally and Will,
We will miss and love him forever and our hearts and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. With hugs and love.