A Much Loved Man

BY NICK MCCARTY, ENGLAND
I heard yesterday from Linda that Tony had died. My wife and I had visited Tony from time to time while he was at Denville Hall and prior to that while he was in hospital. I first knew Tony when I was nineteen and we have been friends for over 40 years.

He directed my first radio play and then directed a musical I wrote for the Crescent Theatre, Birmingham. He brought to his work with the amateurs of that theatre the same rigour and care as he brought to his work with professionals. It was the compliment he paid us that he expected us to do our best work however hard we might find it.I did a great deal of radio work with him thereafter.

Over the years he became a friend to my wife and also to my daughter. He was particularly sensitive to young people and for his care for her I'd like to give thanks. Above all though, those of us who have known him have been blessed with knowing a man who cared for us all, for our skills and our talents and above all for our willingness to grab at life. A generous man, a kind man and a dear friend.

I leave you with an image.... A sea food restaurant on the quayside in Biarritz...A huge edifice of crabs and oysters, seaweed and ice, lobster and whelks and behind it, eyes twinkling, Tony itching to begin...

As Susan said to me on hearing the news...."A much loved man.Haven't we been lucky to know him"