RIP Tony (ynot slow) and funeral details

[MSTRS:Me]

One of the most selfless cheeky little scoundrels I've ever had the pleasure to know.

And that is all that is/was ever needed to be said. Nothing else goes further in honouring that delightful man.

[dogsnbikes]

Certainly a Good turn out.......and great too see all those faces.

We had the honor of catching up with Tony 20ks from Wanganui and let him lead us back into Wanganui....well guess it was about time he led a ride

[Mom]

We are home safe and sound Though I have to say the weather was total and absolute shite for most of the way back. My gear leaked and I was wetter than a wet thing swiming at the bottom of the ocean by Awakino.


As far as that little shit Tony goes, I reckon he got the last laugh yesterday. The park light was left on my bike while it was parked at the church, should have been ok but...

I had my heated grips on and as a result the battery was flat as a turd when we went to leave. A quick push start did the trick, I hopped on and uttered the imortal words "bet I stall it now" and promptly selected first without using the clucth Then 2 failed further attempts to crash start it resulted in Millie being abandoned at the church while we went for a drink with the family at the club in town and so I could find the phone number for roadside assist.

Standing at the bar I asked for a phone book or perhaps some jumper leads. Tonys father was standing next to me and he turned around and said, "Tony told me to put leads in my car today, because he knew you would do something stupid and would need them" if you please. Much mirth and halarity at my expense (Maha was a teeny, tiny bit dark for a little while when I stalled a 2nd time after getting her started off the leads) oh:

Lovely day to say goodbye to a lovely man. Our world is a little bit poorer for Tony not being in it, but wonderful memories of him and his journey to sustain us and remind us of how we should all aspire to the same Tonyness that we all loved. Rest in glorious peace lovely man.

Thanks for the hugs too you guys, much needed to get through.

[Maha]

Tremedous feeling to be there.
Not overly keen on the whole full reqium mass thing but, its what Tony wanted.
I had words to say and wanted to say those words so badly.
I sought the chance to ask 'Father Ted' during the Communion bit...asked him if I could have a couple of minutes, because I wanted to speak.
He said..''the family has already decided how the service was to run, so no.''
Bit gutted by that, but never mind, thems the rules.

Anyway...what I wanted to say was...

Tony

We first met you at that party in deepest Manawatu (Aokautere)
Since that party, we have had the pleasure of your company on a few more occasions.
None more so that that recent trip to Cape Reianga.
The courage and strength that you have shown has been unbelievable.
Add to that your caring nature and determination, admirable traits indeed my friend.
You can talk the paint off an old tin fence Tony, and that’s the very essence of who you are.
It has been such a pleasure (for a lot of people) to have you around in recent times.
Back in March, there was a Cancer Society Ride Relay from Wellington to Auckland, with your name all over it.
It did not surprised me one bit, the willingness of those that have known you for however long (be it years or be it months) have offered up their time and commitment for this weekend.
We (your friends) are the ones that have had our lives enriched by the mere fact that you have been a part of it.
Your family has much to be proud of, I can say that with absolute certainty.
Our next Northland Ride will be in your honour Tony.
Love to you and your family at this time and forever more.

Thank you.

[Maha]

Big thanks to Marty the Lion Tamer and Mrs MLT for allowing us occupy a bedroom for two nights...

Janet and John, love seeing you guys and thanks for the jump and bump outside the Church...
So cool to briefly catch up with the Manawatu lads and bikers chicks..hope to see ya's later in the year
And the Naki lads also..

Tony's daughter writing on the side of the Coffin.
Tony's brother to right carrying the Coffin..With good friend Ivan behind him.
John, Al and Barry on the left...

I wrote a couple of things on the lid...that James fulla from Ashtown told me to write 'Holdens Rule'...which I did.
Tony was Ford fan.

[martybabe]

Tony

We first met you at that party in deepest Manawatu.............
Thank you.[/CENTER]

Lovely words.

Janet and John, love seeing you guys and thanks for the jump and bump outside the Church...
.

Hay, I only got a hug, bloomin swingers!


Always welcome at the ranch Momaha x

[swbarnett]

Condolences to family and friends of Tony at this sad time. Our thoughts are with you all.

Irene and I didn't know Tony that well (we met him for the first time on the Cape trip late last year) but it seemed clear that the world was a better place with him in it.

[86GSXR]

It's really hitting me now, that we'll never see his posts appear, here or on FB, never get any more of those outrageous, hilarious text jokes, never get word to meet for a coffee or a request for a bed for the night.

Tony was staying with me on the 22nd of December last year. He left for his hospital appointment in good faith to discuss his options with his surgeon. He really thought there'd be no problem.

He rang me to come get him later that evening. I walked into the bar where he was and he placed a bourbon down in front of me and said "Well, good news. No chemo, no radiation. It's terminal".

I was shocked and so was he. He hadn't expected that. Through the shock he was busy making plans for his bucket list, some of which he achieved, some of which he didn't.

We went home and talked, and listened to music.

Early the next morning I walked into the lounge where his bed was.

He was awake and the first thing he said was "Well, it wasn't a dream".

One of the songs we played that night was this one, Tony wanted it at his funeral and it was.

Goodbye old friend, you will be missed for a very long time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=keIvA2wSPZc

[cowboyz]

mate, Tony knew the score and played the hand he was given with pride and style. I dont think (and for the life of me I cant figure out why because if anyone had a right to no one would begrudged tony taking some time for himself but it wasnt his thing). So no feeling sorry for Tony. He is an inspiration in how to live selflessly.

[Maha]

It's really hitting me now, that we'll never see his posts appear, here or on FB, never get any more of those outrageous, hilarious text jokes, never get word to meet for a coffee or a request for a bed for the night.

Tony was staying with me on the 22nd of December last year. He left for his hospital appointment in good faith to discuss his options with his surgeon. He really thought there'd be no problem.

He rang me to come get him later that evening. I walked into the bar where he was and he placed a bourbon down in front of me and said "Well, good news. No chemo, no radiation. It's terminal".

I was shocked and so was he. He hadn't expected that. Through the shock he was busy making plans for his bucket list, some of which he achieved, some of which he didn't.

We went home and talked, and listened to music.

Early the next morning I walked into the lounge where his bed was.

He was awake and the first thing he said was "Well, it wasn't a dream".

One of the songs we played that night was this one, Tony wanted it at his funeral and it was.

Goodbye old friend, you will be missed for a very long time.

Pity this couldn't have been read out also, for Tony's family and friends to hear.
Personally, I would not have been anywhere else on Saturday, but there, for that sweet man.
Awesome words there Al...

[dogsnbikes]

Great Service today and was fitting to see 2 race horses in the cemetry after the service considering Tony's passion for them...After the service we went too the Rutland for a drink and lunch,lots of laughs especially with father Ted at the Helm....

[86GSXR]

Lovely service, very cool day

Here's some pics including a couple of classic Tony jokes

[caseye]

Had the pleasure and privilage of meeting Tony twice in the last couple of years.Got the full story from him the first time we meet. No punches pulled no strings jerked, he told it like it was.
We caught up again this year.Same story but now there was to be no happy ending.
Tony and I sat there surveying the talent and casting naspursitions on the parentage of some of those around us, generally having fun and keeping each other company.
My friend I was unable to attend your party and had I known of your funeral last Saturday I'd not have been able to make it either.
You already know why I'm sure so no explanations here.
here is for you mate.
Ride forever my friend enjoy the company and always be you, as you always did down here.
Caseye.

[Owl]

Hell, that year has gone way too quick.

RIP Tony

[Mom]

Indeed it has. Hard to believe a year has gone by. We were talking about him last night. I have his pic on my office wall. RIP Tony, gone far too soon.