I remember Tony fondly from a young age. As a kid, Tony used to drive me and Peter to rugby every Sunday at Saracens with The Archers playing in the background. He took our age group rugby team with great skill through several very successful seasons with much attention to detail and – frequently – a great sense of exasperation at our playing up. Many kids got a great deal out the time and devotion he put in at that time – the wet training sessions and the more upbeat Easter tours. The latter never went without incident. And sometimes it was his job to prevent all-out warfare with some less than hospitable Welsh sides. Tony looked after me very attentively after I got concussion one time, and was only slightly miffed when he found it may have been caused by a pillow-fight-related incident the previous night. Later on, Deb and I and many others enjoyed hugely the generosity of Carol and Tony – endless hours of fun and chat feasting on their Friday night Chinese takeaways, Carol’s amazing Sunday Dinner, and assorted cheeses… not to mention free access to the drinks cabinet. Tony seemed to enjoy having us youngsters around almost as much we enjoyed our time at Grove Avenue. Carol and Tony supplied us with a warm and welcoming space to grow up. Thanks Tony, for all the great memories. Lots of love to Peter, Sarah and Fiona and all the family.

I first met Tony in 1978 when I went to the Hills Vets with my newly adopted puppy, Bob. I was immediately struck by Tony's immensely kind, calm, gentle demeanour, and by the way he softly reassured Bob, and spent as much time speaking gently to him as he did to me. On subsequent visits I also met his wonderful wife, Carol, and I have never even considered taking my various animal companions to anywhere other than the Hills Vets since those early days, over 40 years ago. I hope Tony and Carol are together again now, beyond that veil, where we on earth are unable to see. I send all my love to the family and friends of both Tony and Carol...so much loss in such a short period of time is hard to bear.

How very sad. He was such a kind and gentle man. He listened to your fears with care and without judgement and always had sage advice. He always spoke to my son about his beloved rugby and was just a genuinely lovely person. I hope they are together again and know how loved and missed they both will always be