Much loved son of Gail and John, very proud father of Richard and Stephanie, fond and very close “brother” of James Wu (Taiwan) with whom he shared many school years, “little brother” to Nicole Seminiuk (New Zealand) and a friend to so many. Tony passed away in his sleep on November 27th, 2017 in Vancouver where he had been working temporarily for his Victoria employer. Never expecting to write one’s son’s obituary, finding the right words is not easy and those who knew Tony well, will remember him as kind, very generous, always available to help and the first to volunteer, especially at a time in his life when he faced many challenges, both personal and health-related. He covered the stress in his later life behind his very friendly and outgoing personality. But ultimately his body rebelled and Late-onset Type 1 Diabetes took control of his daily life, requiring multiple injections of insulin. He had to quickly overcome his dislike of needles!
Tony graduated from GlenLyon Norfolk School (GNS) where his teachers and Mr. Brooks will not remember him for his interest in academics as he was having far more fun with extra-curricular activities. Tony’s life-long passion for all things military and police-related began in his teen years. He joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment Militia; never a keen dancer, Tony preferred to work on security at GNS school dances and later at University when he attended UNBC. After college, Tony moved to Smithers where he and his wife operated a small Inn and Tony was delighted to be voted” Businessman of the Year”. However, the RCMP “called” and Tony volunteered as an Auxiliary Constable in Smithers. He was later selected for professional police training at the RCMP College in Regina. Tony was close to graduation when personal and family issues intervened and he returned to Victoria. He later began a new career in the construction industry, with old friend Rod Parker, while successfully completing his academic requirements along the way.
Tony loved his years at GNS and one of his teachers wrote that Tony dropped in at school recently. “He was his usual full of life Tony. I marvelled at his enthusiasm and passion for living. Even though Tony was not conventional, he was a bright shining light loved by so many that he touched with his positive actions,” He gave so much Good”. It could not have been better said.
Tony is survived by his children, Richard and Stephanie, their mother, Yvonne, his parents Gail and John, in-law Blum family, extended family and many friends in Canada, Australia, Taiwan, N.Z., USA, Austria, Japan and the UK.
The family wishes to welcome any of Tony’s friends who would like to join them in saying goodbye to Tony and afterwards a Reception on Friday, December 15, 2017, at 2.30 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC and ask that you contact Gail and John at ggabel@shaw.ca if you are able to attend.
Flowers gratefully declined. A donation to GlenLyon Norfolk School in Tony’s name would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
60 Responses
Randy and I extend our deepest sympathy to you, Gail and John, and to Richard and Stephanie. Tony was a good man in all respects: a loving son and father and a caring and trusted friend. We are honoured to be Tony’s godparents and are grateful for having him in our lives. We will treasure our memories of him always.
To the Gable family
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your precious son. Your family are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
From your Haida Gwaii family
It is with a heavy and saddened heart that I write this. I am shocked to hear of Tony’s sudden passing. He will always be remembered as outgoing and someone with a ready smile and willing to offer a hand to anyone in need. He was and will always remain that twinkle in Gail’s eyes. Tony will be truly missed by many. Forever in our hearts.
Dear Gail and family:
It is with profound sadness that I read of Tony’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. The loss of a child is beyond human comprehension. I hope the love of family and friends and joyful memories of Tony’s life bring comfort in the days and months ahead.
Sincerely
Ron Woodward
Parksville
Warm thiughts coming from Austria:
My dear Canadian friends Gail and John! It is hard to imagine what you are going through these days. My thoughts and sympathy are with you in a sad and challenging Christmas time this year.
Toni is not present in this world any more but he will always be where you are.
I will hug „Girlie“ in my imaginationi, now and especially the day of the funeral.
My heart goes out to you on the passing of your beloved son.
I remember Tony’s bright smile along the corridors of GNS and the way he opened to the community of International Students. He was open-hearted and open-minded. He made our community better and his loss is a heavy one. I hope you, his family, can take some small comfort in the fact that he shone while here.
Dear Gail and all of Tony”s Family,
Tony is gone far, far too soon. There are no words to express how sad Mike and I feel for you. It is impossible to compensate for the loss of your child. We never think of this happening. I hope you can find comfort in how much he was loved by such a wide spectrum of people and how much he lit up the world during his too brief time here. And I know you will be there for his children as you were for him. Greg and Jeremy and the rest of the crowd will remember him with love and music. There is another star shining brightly above, probably in some weird funky galaxy, that will turn up just in time to save all of mankind and make us laugh.
Sending love and light, Laurel
I am so sorry for your incredible loss. May you find strength and comfort from those who surround you.
Gail, John, Richard and Stephanie- my heart aches for you.
The loss of Tony is immense and especially for you. I love you and wish I could be with you during this time.
Thank you for including me in this beautiful tribute to him. He will always be my little brother and I will love and miss him forever.
Nicole