In November 1240 another of Abingdon’s great son’s died. Edmund of Abingdon was a scholar and a teacher, and he was canonised, made a saint, seven years after his death. Anthony used to like to come to Mass on the day in the church’s calendar when Edmund is remembered, and felt rather loyal to his Abingdon roots. Abingdon was were Anthony grew up as the eldest (and bossiest) of four brothers, and it was where his theatrical interests began – playing Hamlet and Lady Macbeth in acclaimed school productions.   But Anthony and St Edmund of Abingdon share more than a home town. Edmund was once called to Rome to see the Pope, who he told off in no uncertain terms. Well, Anthony had strong opinions and was rather forthright as we know, and I daresay there most of us here will have been told off by him at some stage. The Pope replied to having his ear bent by Edmund by telling him he ought to have been a monk. “Yes” Edmund retorted, “then I shouldn’t have to bother with you”. A quick retort worthy of our Anthony, who usually had the right line to deal with someone …

Dear Anthony, We would like to thank you for your friendship. We shared many memories after twelve years of being your neighbour. You gave us fantastic moments that we will always remember, with your sharp comments, great stories and sense of humour. You were an elegant gentleman from the way you spoke, you dressed, your manners, your kindness and your gratitude. We will always remember you; now it is time to rest and be with your loved ones. Hasta siempre dear Anthony, The Canepa family. José Antonio, María Teresa, Gianfranco, Alexandra, José Jr. and Daniela.       …

My dearest Anthony,  I will always remember your wonderful humour, gentleness and the way you saw the world and us humans! Such a wonderful sense of being in the world. Always a joy to spend time with you. A special soul. I shall miss you greatly and wish you well on the next part of your journey. …

Deeply saddened to hear about my beautiful friend. I shall miss our talks. Love love xx …

Anthony will not be forgotten in this little village in Spain, at least, not by those of us who knew him. I remember the way he took such delight in watching people. He was so observant, and I never felt him to be judgemental. He developed a habit of visiting me as l made supper in the evenings- he just wanted to watch my way of preparing food; perhaps because I can’t cook! I enjoyed his quirky sense of humour and his friendly company, I remember his laughter and it makes me smile every time. Fly well Anthony. …

We have lived across the road from Anthony for over 30 years . And we became firm friends from the start often invited to Anthony and Michael for their wonderful and delicious dinners where Anthony would always theatrically bang the gong to announce that dinner was served. We loved their company enormously and I always cracked up when Anthony spoke in one of his many brilliant accents, particularly his cockney. We will miss his presence in our street and in our lives for many years to come. God Bless You Anthony   katrina and Francis …

I first met Anthony when he swept into my office in 1976 when I was house manager at the Thorndike Theatre Leatherhead with his customary charm , wit,  laced with not a small sprinkling of camp theatrics.  His love for his art , the power of theatre and his deep religious faith was unwavering all his life. I had just left university and he became a firm friend and encouraged me to join the congregation at St Stephen’s Church that was the spiritual rock of his life and introduced me to many of my friends . We shared lunch together after mass every Sunday for many years.  His love for life, his partner and his friends was unfailing. Anthony was a man of many passions and his home in Perrymead Street , full of beautiful art nouveau was always full of his friends , old and new. Anthony you will be much missed but we all always treasure the kindness you showed us all.   May you rest in peace. …

I knew Anthony since I was 17, long time ago! We had some wonderful times together, one for which was driving from Agadir to Maracech in a beat up old car, Anthony saw a sweet little old goat herdsman and thought it a good idea to take a photo, no it was not bad sweet little goat herder decided throwing stones was the thing to do !! After A and M went to stay in Brenda’s house in Forna, they loved it so much they bought their own house there, which they loved .  Anthony is much missed     …

I was at Abingdon school with Anthony in the nineteen fifties and was one of the gravediggers in the school production of Hamlet,you remember “alas poor Yorick”.Anthony played Hamlet. In recent years I have met up with Anthony again at informal lunches for Old Abingdonians in Windsor. Being the kind and gentle man he was, he allowed me to share   my experiences of the amateur theatre with him,  and I very much enjoyed hearing his countless theatrical reminiscences, which I will miss My sympathy goes out to family and friends at their loss.   Jon Foster   i   …