Parcourez la nécrologie de Derek Tony Anthony Massey Tuesday May 23rd 2023 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
Tony Massey, a beloved member of the Stratford community, passed away Tuesday May 23, 2023 after a brief stay in hospital. He was an extremely intelligent man with a razor sharp wit which will be remembered by all who knew him. He lived a long and rich life with far too many stories to share here.
Tony was a man of education and language, ethics, athletics and culture.
He occasionally (and humbly) mentioned the esteemed scholarships he won over the years. The majority of his studies were conducted at Selhurst Grammar School in England, Queen’s College in Cambridge (French and German), Yale University in USA (Masters of French Education) and Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada (PhD French). Throughout his education he studied French, German, English and Latin. His French was absolutley beautiful and in years to come he would become a much treasured member of the Stratford French Club.
Tony was called up for National Service in 1950 and did basic training with the Rifle Brigade in Winchester in his native England. He was a fierce athlete playing rugby during his 3 years at Selhurst, 2 of which were as house captain. In fact, there was hardly a sport Tony didn’t embrace, realizing their importance in longevity. Tony was also a member of the Brussels Ontario Pipe and Drum Corps and could often be seen marching with the band in local parades, in all kinds of weather, kilt swaying and bagpipes wailing.
Above all of Tony’s accomplishments was his love of family.
After graduation he embarked on an adventure to Canada where he began teaching at a private school in Ontario. At some point during this time, in his new home of Canada, he was to meet the love of his life, Rachel, who was a strong, spirited and beautiful Irish woman. Tony had his work cut out for him but he won her over in the end. They went on to marry and eventually settled in Kingston where Rachel was a teacher, Tony was a professor at Queen’s University and their bright and beautiful daughter Elizabeth was born. Elizabeth went on to become a lawyer.
After leaving Kingston and relocating in Statford, they lived in a beautiful home which they ran as a Bed and Breakfast for several years. With Elizabeth’s passing Tony and Rachel remained very strong and never ceased to honour the memory of their daughter. Eventually Rachel would pass too. This was a very difficult time for Tony but he persevered and continued to enjoy helping others with their French, having lunch with friends in many of Stratford’s restaurants, exercising at the local YMCA and reading…oh the reading! He continued to learn right up to the end of his earthly life.
Although the last couple of years were challenging for Tony, he maintained his strength of spirit and independence. The whole of his life was remarkable. His generosity with others and his life lived example will continue to be felt for years to come.
On behalf of friends and family members who live abroad, we would like to thank you, Tony, for all you have left us.
Tony’s service of interment will take place on Friday June 9, 2023 @ 11 am at God’s Holy Acre, St James Anglican Church, 41 Mornington St. Stratford.
Tuesday May 23rd 2023
Rutherford Cremation and Funeral Services
Décès pour la Ville:STRATFORD, Province: Ontario
avis deces Derek Tony Anthony Massey Tuesday May 23rd 2023
nécrologie Derek Tony Anthony Massey Tuesday May 23rd 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Derek Tony Anthony Massey Tuesday May 23rd 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.