All about Tony.

Today was all about Tony.

Tony was my friend and former colleague. I first met him whilst a student and he came to our end of year show, then met him again the first time I visited Head Office as an employee of The Company.

After a stressful day trying to stop being ticketed in London I'd found my way to Head Office. Tony came to rescue me when I found myself reversed into a ditch, with a security guard none too pleased beside me and a face pouring with blood after I'd smashed my own car door into it. Calmly Tony found a piece of rope, pulled my Austin Metro to safety, found a hanky for my face then took me to the cottage and fed me pizza and wine. He didn't need to do any of that, he just did.

Tony was the person we went to when we had a problem. When we had a problem with a member of staff, we'd tell Tony and he'd listen. When we needed advice on a project, Tony was the person we'd turn to. When we wanted to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer in the pub, Tony was your man.

On his retirement, we all thought things would almost continue as they had been, Tony there at the end of the phone. Six months after retiring the devastating news of a brain tumour shook us all to the core. That's when life shows it can be incredibly unfair. Today was Tony's day, the day we remembered the man who helped make us the people we are.

Today is for you, Tony. Fancy a pint?