We Remember
ALTON, Anthony (Tony) Edwin
August 8, 1937 — July 4, 2018
Tony passed away with his wife Jean, by his side at Hospice House after a lengthy battle with cancer in Kelowna, BC.
Forever loved by his wife Jean (nee Young), sister Shirley Tovey (Bill), sister-in-law Ruth Anne Milbrandt (Elmer); nieces Carol and Yvonne; nephew David; cousins Beryl Widdop (Trevor), Paul Alton (Lynn) of Oldham, Lancashire, England; and Michaela France (Mark) of Warren, MB; predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Nellie Alton.
Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, Tony attended Arnold School until he and his family moved to Toronto, ON where he continued his education receiving a B.A. at York University and M.Ed. at the University of Toronto. He was a natural teacher. He taught at Secondary Schools in Sault Ste. Marie, Hamilton and Erindale in Mississauga ON. During those years he developed many wonderful long lasting friendships of staff members and great memories of students whom he occasionally met accidentally in places such as Whistler. On retirement he and Jean moved to Collingwood ON, then on to Whistler and Salt Spring Island BC, and finally on to Whistler and Kelowna.
Tony was an avid reader, cyclist and skier. He was a ski patroller and race official at Osler Bluff Ski Club in Collingwood, ON, a mountain host and race official at Whistler/Blackcomb in Whistler, BC, a Rotary member volunteering and helping with the Adaptive Ski Program in Whistler and a ski instructor at Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna, BC. He frequented the gym to maintain his fitness level until this year and he still loved his Sunbeam Island in Muskoka.
Tony lived his life with chaos, colour and humour and enriched ours by being here. He will always be remembered with love and will be sadly missed by the love of his life, Jeannie. He is remembered by many, many friends who recall his sense of humour, something he retained to the last day of his life.
A Celebration of Tony’s life will be held in Kelowna, BC and Collingwood, ON at a future date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
A Celebration of Tony’s life will be held in Kelowna, BC and Collingwood, ON at a future date
What a lovely tribute to Tony’s memory, Jeannie. Thank you for posting this as I had tried to find it on the Internet & couldn’t get it. Thoughts & prayers are with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Auntie Jean. So many special memories from water skiiing, trampoline jumping, special Christmas celebrations in your home, sweet treats & gathering around the Piano to being God Parents to my 2 children. I loved my Uncle Tony, learned so much from him as he always pushed me to go beyond my expectations. Living in Mississauga I often drive by the beautiful home he designed on Saxony Court and am flooded with memories. RIP Uncle Toe Toe.
I am honoured and blessed to have known Tony and have had him as a brother. He was truly a blessing in my life and I will miss him dearly. My condolences to you, Jeannie. All our love, Shirley & Bill.
Jean,
So sad to hear of your loss, our thoughts are with you.
Sue & Ken Rehill
Former residents of G.C.
Dear Jeannie
Sorry for your loss -great memories both on the ski hill and being piped off your island – sending hugs with love ❤️
Get in touch if ever back in collingwood
Thinking of you Jean at this difficult time. Have many wonderful memories of our friendship in Muskoka. I always remember your making spaghetti for Bev and me when we were so young. Hope you are well. xx
Mr. Alton was a supportive teacher of mine at ESS. I graduated in 1979. Coincidentally, I was skiing at Mt. St. Louis several years later. I got on a chair lift with a man. We were both wrapped up for the winter. After some pleasantries, he looked at me and asked if I was John Hungate. I had recognized him , but was too shy to identify myself. I think of him often. He is in my prayers. John Hungate
Dear Jean,
I was so sorry and saddened to learn today of Tony’s passing. I just read his obituary and the description of living life with chaos, color and humour describes the Tony I remember perfectly. I hope you are doing okay. I plan to go to his celebration of life in Collingwood tomorrow.
Take good care ❤️
Joanne & Kelly Gallacher