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Anton Rajer Obituary
He received a certificate in French studies at the University of Paris-Sorbonne, Paris (1974) and then completed his BA in art history and chemistry at UW-Milwaukee (1977). Tony then went to the Churubusco Regional Conservation Center, in Mexico City, Mexico, for a Certificate in Art Conservation and then was awarded a funded advanced internship for another Certificate in Conservation from Harvard University Art Museums in Cambridge, Mass. (1987). He then completed another Certificate in Mural Conservation at the ICCROM, in Rome, Italy (1992). Through his international studies and travels Tony spoke five languages fluently - French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and English. He was an Associate Conservator for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Mo., an Art Conservator for the Texas Conservation Center in West Texas, Project Conservator to the restoration of the Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison, Wis., and Project Director for SOS! (Save Outdoor Sculpture) Wisconsin Chapter, a grant program supported by the Smithsonian Institution. The SOS! position resulted in Tony co-authoring the book, "Public Sculpture in Wisconsin: An Atlas of Outdoor Monuments, Memorials, and Masterpieces in the Badger State" in 1999. In 1987, Tony began his own art conservation business for museums and private clients and he managed Fine Arts Conservation for 24 years.
Tony also taught throughout his career at UW-Madison in Continuing Education, teaching Introduction Art Conservation, The Business of Art, and Latin American History. Tony was a multi-year Fulbright Professor at the University of Panama in Art Conservation in 2002-2004 for the restoration of the National Opera House in Panama City, Panama. In 2005, Tony received a U.S. State Department grant for teaching in Malaysia. Tony volunteered at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks where he worked with the Red Cross and FEMA as he was working on the installation of a folk art mural at the Folk Art Museum in NYC at the time of the attack. Additional service to disaster communities includes New Orleans, Malaysia and Haiti.
Tony was a member of the AIC (American Institute of Conservation) and ICOM (International Council of Museums) as well as Wisconsin Visual Artists. He conducted a multitude of conservation assessments and worked with CAP-Heritage Preservation at various sites including Ten Chimneys in Milwaukee, The Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison and the Wriston Art Center at Lawrence University. Tony's most recent book is "Museums, Zoos, and Botanical Gardens of Wisconsin" through University of Wisconsin Press.
Tony married Christine Style in 2000 and was a loving stepfather to Sarah and Victoria Davitt. Tony referred to himself as the "art doctor," "You ignore, I restore it." "You tear it I repair it." Tony was most active in his dedication to the preservation of Nek Chand's 'Rock Garden' in Chandigarh, Northern India, where he traveled at least once a year for well over a decade and was an active volunteer for the Nek Chand Foundation. Tony's accomplishments throughout his career touched so many different communities in the States and abroad. His command of language made for rich and meaningful relationships. His love of humor, history and folk art developed through being a Roman reenactor, as a folk art auctioneer in tux and turban, and his numerous art history, conservation and disaster relief lectures to groups of all ages throughout the world His philosophy was to "look, listen, observe and recommend, always with an eye towards practical solutions that a team approach can implement."
Anton (Tony) Rajer is survived by his sister, Judy Meier (Ron), wife, Christine Style, and her two daughters, Sarah and Victoria Davitt, Ruth and Peyton Muehlmeier, Pam, Steve Kitt, Cody, and Cassidy Doucette, Scot, Jill, Courtney, Lizzy and Christine Muehlmeier, Lyndsey and Jeff Glasner, and Daniel Muehlmeier.
Tony was a registered tissue donor, allowing him to continue to generously extend life to others - through the Iowa Organ Donor Network. He will be greatly missed.
Friends may call at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Visitation will continue at 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home until the time of service. Funeral service 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anton Rajer
Brad
June 12, 2025
Met Tony at a sculpture conference in D.C in the late 90's I was a lowly HS grad and he was a World Class conservator who took me under his wing. He actually had me join him for day in Marion, Iowa as a grunt on one of his projects. I adored the man and miss him dearly. Godspeed Tony we will meet again someday on the other side.
John Maizels
November 14, 2024
Tony was an outstanding human being who saw the greatness in Nek Chand, the famous Indian artist who built an environment in Chandigarh of over 2000 sculptures set in a mosaic landscape. Nek Chand loved Tony like a brother and when he died Chand had a memorial carving made of him which was on display at the garden. Tony organised endless conferences and events to help promote Nek Chand in India and was a mainstay of the Nek Chand Foundation, a charity formed to help Nek Chand and send volunteers to work with him. He has been sorely missed.
JIM BURR
November 14, 2023
I had asked Tony about a letter in French, from WW II and he was able to translate on the spot. He was to conserve a mural by John Steuart Curry but unfortunately, he was taken doing what he loved. A very accomplished and kind and loving man that is missed by many.
Jamari
November 14, 2023
Tony was an amazing human being. So talented and compassionate. A privilege to have known him!
Jamari
ann-marie reilly
November 14, 2019
Tony will always be remembered. His work remains and is beautiful, but he will be most remembered for his kind works and deeds. I cannot believe it has been 8 years since his passing.
James Brunner
November 14, 2019
Was up by Chandigarh last month, couldnt help thinking of and missing you, Tony
Bal Kishan Swami
February 18, 2012
My son Mr.Pradeep Kumar was invited by Mr. Tony Rager in the International Art Conference at rock Garden Chandigarh. I also met him .He was a simple and hard worker. Hewas good natured man..
Lynne Browne
January 31, 2012
Dear Christine and family, Jim and I wanted to do something special to honor the memory of Tony, and at Outsider Art Fair John Maizels and the RAW VISION staff had set up a memory photo and text honoring Tony, suggesting a gift to the Rock Garden. So that is what we decided would be best---to help out the Garden that Tony so loved. Lynne and Jim Browne
Tom and Lou Zopf
January 29, 2012
I learned of Tony's passing from Nek Chand while visiting him recently. As a long-time (early 70's) friends of Nek Chand and the Rock Garden before it was recognized by the government, We appreciate the effort and love that Tony bestowed on Nek Chand and the Rock Garden. The Rock Garden will be a large part of his heritage.
Roxanne Rosengarten (Siech )
January 27, 2012
Tony, thinking of you makes me smile.
January 4, 2012
I just meet Tony in Chandigarh but we were always in a good spirit to talk on the Rock Garden, Le Corbusier, or the Bossa Nova (...in English, French, or Portuguese). His incredible ties, his exceptional good humor and his great knowledge will miss.
Condolences,
Stéphane
His incredible ties, his exceptional good humor and his great knowledge will miss.
Stephane Herbert
January 4, 2012
January 2, 2012
We were so sorry to learn of Tony's death. He contributed so much to Panama and was delightful to know. He will be greatly missed. Sandra Snyder and David Wilson
Anne Altea
December 20, 2011
I learnt the demise of Tony today 20.12.2011) from a member of the Nek Chand family. It is for me very sad news.... I never met Tony but we were sometimes in contact by email regarding the Rock Garden in Chandigarh. The Nek Chand Family lost a very (and always!)positive, committed, full of energy and faith person.
All my condolences to his Family and friends.
Anne Altea, Geneva, Switzerland
Christopher Tahk
December 8, 2011
Even after not having seen Tony for many years, whenever he came to mind his memory made me smile. He was a truly wonderful man, entirely goodhearted and always kind and considerate, not to forget his energy and brilliance. He was an exceptional individual so it was a particular privilege to have known him. My sincere condolences to his family on their loss.
Sunil Babbar
December 4, 2011
I am really sad to know about my dear friend Tony ji...infact I am in a state of shock...His sudden demise is an irrepairable loss to the humanity in general and we friends in particular...my heart-felt condolences to my friend Christine, Nek Chand ji and the entire Rock Garden family...RIP Tony
Jim Burr
December 2, 2011
I met Tony in the fall of 2008 and he was conserving a mural for me. Always saving art and bring it back to life for humanity. He loved his work, doing deeds for others that they could not do themselves. He had so much to live for, so many things to accomplish. His passing is missed by many. My condolences to his family and co-workers.
Pete Sixbey
December 2, 2011
Who will forget the bermuda shorts, hiking boots and bow ties at AIC meetings? Tony was a brilliant man and one of conservations geat ambassadors.
Steve Litteral
December 1, 2011
Tony was a dedicated artist, historian, and a great guy. His contributions to Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens in Rockford, IL. were priceless. Our condolences to his family from the museum staff, board, and volunteers. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Linda Goetz, MWA Archivist
November 30, 2011
Tony will be missed by all his friends at the Museum of Wisconsin Art, he had an amazing presence that everyone who met him will remember. His talent and reverence for art preservation influenced so many. He will forever be missed
Linda Goetz, Archivist MWA
Rebecca Hoffberger
November 30, 2011
Few people care so sweetly, so passionately, about the alive muse manifest wildly in corners around the globe as did this totally lovely great and good man. His heart was so big it exploded doing what he loved most. May his family be comforted that they brought love to this Earth Angel. Truly and with endless admiration, Rebecca Hoffberger, Fndr/Dir Am. Visionary Art Museum
jaya prakash
November 29, 2011
I am Jayaprakash, working in Tourism sector in Palakkad. my condolence to their family
Cory Phillips
November 29, 2011
I was so lucky to meet Tony as a volunteer for the Nek Chand Foundation in India. His energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the project at hand were always amazing to me - he seemed to eat, breathe and live Rock Garden with every fiber. And his passion for Rock Garden and devotion to Nek Chand were completely contagious. My respect for Tony only deepened as I began to realize the incredible breadth and richness of his experiences outside his work in India.
Knowing the impact that Tony had in just this one facet of his life, I can only imagine how these feelings of loss and sadness in my own heart are repeated and magnified in so many places around the world. My thoughts go out to all of Tony's family. What a privilege to have known him.
Beatriz Coelho
November 28, 2011
I lament Anton Rager's sudden death, happened on last Friday. My condolences to the wife, daughters and relatives of Anton Rajer, that I knew, there are many years when he visited, for several times, the Center of Conservation and Restoration of Movable Cultural Goods (Cecor) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Beatriz Coelho
Former-director of the Cecor
Nancy Pollak
November 28, 2011
Running into Tony and catching up on his latest expliots was always a highlight of any AIC meeting....we have lost a warm, generous and talented colleague. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends; may you have many joyful memories to comfort you.
Dee Stubbs-Lee
November 28, 2011
I met Tony at the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC) conference in Vancouver, BC when I was president of that organization. He gave a wonderfully inspirational talk on Nek Chand's sculpture garden in India that I remember very well. My condolences go out to his friends and family.
Stephanie Watkins
November 28, 2011
Ah, the passing of Tony is the passing of a bright, shining star. What a wonderful, positive, exubarent, charming, kind, knowledgeable man. He was always a pleasure to talk to at professional conservation meetings. My heart goes out to all his family and dear friends who share in the loss. Personally, I remain a better person for having known him. He is already missed.
Steve Colton
November 27, 2011
I had the pleasure and sometimes challenge of only occasionally being able to "hook-up" with Tony at professional conservation meetings where our paths always seemed to cross. Never a dull moment with Tony nearby as life exuded from him to the point it could be a rush just to keep up with him. He'll be missed greatly by all who had a chance to even momentarily grab hold of some time with him. My heart goes out to those who never knew him, as they missed one of life's fine opportunities, and surely to those most close to him. I will miss his smile and endless good humor.
NYC, 2010
Josh Jordahl
November 25, 2011
I am shocked to hear the news. Tony was a good man, and was always willing to lend a hand at a moments notice. 'Uncle Tony' always made a point to drop a line, send a gift, or write a quick note just to check up on his many friends. I was honored to call him a friend, and honored to share in the adventure that was his life.
Deborah and Eric Jordahl
November 25, 2011
Christine our prayers and thoughts are with you. Tony has been a part of our lives since the early 80's. The last time we visited with Tony he spoke fondly of his Christine and her beautiful daughters. You were a precious part of his life.
Jane Kozma (Meinolf)
November 25, 2011
To sister Judy and wife Christine: So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. He had certainly turned into a brilliant artist and conservator. He will be widely missed in his field I'm sure. A life taken much too soon. Please accept my condolences. I will make a contribution in his name.
Tony (right) and friends
Jane Waldbaum
November 25, 2011
Tony's vast imagination and creativity were evident as early as his undergraduate days as an Art History major at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee back in the 1970s! I still have one of the assignments he did for my class for which he earned the only A+ I ever gave! It was a pleasure to reconnect with him later in life and to learn what a distinguished career he went on to enjoy. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Chris, and all his family.
November 25, 2011
I have many wonderful memories, especially of Tony's younger formative years in the Sheboygan area and travels with Lynne ( Gierke ) Bergshultz and myself via VW Van in the western United States. Tony was always an inspirational person with a healthy sense of humour. Most importantly, he always remembered his friends. With his passing the heavens will be touched by Tony and become even more beautiful.
Bob Lieske
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
LouAnn Recktenwall
November 25, 2011
Chris, Judy, Aunt Pat, and all Tony's
extended family around the world. A bright light has gone out of our lives.
I am his "favorite cousin" as he so fondly called me. I always delighted when I would hear that Tony was coming into Denver to hear of his travels acomplishments and passions. My life seemed so mudane by comparison. He and I were only one month apart in age but he truly had an old spirit. His enthusiasm, humor, compassion, fearlessness,and general zest for life left me overwhelmed and always wishing we had more time together.
I remember as a child he would build great cities of the world in the dirt out back of his family's humble home in Black River Wisconsin.
I was so proud of him and will miss him more than I can say. He expanded my world tremendously just by sharing small bits of his life with me. I truly hope to see you on the "other side" cousin Tony. My deepest sympathy to you, Chris, whom he loved so dearly. He waited a long time to find his soulmate. I was so happy when I heard he found someone to share his remarkable life with. I look forward to joining you and his many friends and family at a celebration of his life. What a celebration that will be! My love always.
November 24, 2011
Tony was such a pleasure to have at Tosa East for our mural restoration. The lobby is so beautiful because of his passion for art and history.
Nik Hughes, principal at Wauwatosa East High School
Nicolette Brown
November 24, 2011
To wife Christine and sister Judy...I am Tony's cousin Nickie, daughter of his Uncle Eddy...Sadly I hadn't seen Tony for years...since he restored the Greek Church here in Sheboygan and graciously invited me and my mother to view his very excellent work. Sad we did not keep in touch..Tony, Judy and me. I give you my heartfelt sympathy. My dad, Edward, always glowed when he talked of Tony's accomplishments....
James Smyth
November 24, 2011
I met Tony in 1961. We were in third grade and rode the bus together to St.Petes. Its safe to say we were lifelong friends. Tony never forgot his roots. He usually came to visit us once a year and often would bring some little trinket from a faraway land. We loved he visits and stories. Most recently Tony included Myself, Jeanne my wife and all of our children in his Roman reenactments. Tony epitomized kind, sharing, genuine goodness. Tony will be missed as a good friend and a world renowned art restorer! Ciao amico
November 23, 2011
Who would think that little Sheboygan would have such a treasure of a man amongst us? The block of Grams Court was a mere 1 block long but he made an impression on all of us even back then. He surpassed his parents dreams, and his sister Judy was always so fond of her brother"tony"....
We have all followed his life through articles but never knew he touched so many peoples lives as much as he did.
To his wife and family and also his dear loving sister Judy we give our sympathy in the loss of a great man at such a young age....See you at the other side Tony!!!! The Grams Court gang xoxoxoxo
Rick Kerschner
November 23, 2011
Tony,
AIC meetings will not be the same without you. We will miss your positive and entertaining spirit, but you cannot be forgotten. You are now truly part of the world.
Aaron Shugar
November 23, 2011
Tony,
You will be missed. I loved your laugh and witty sense of humor. You could always be counted on to look at the lighter side of a situation.
Dennis Montagna
November 23, 2011
At any AIC Meeting, you would invariably hear Tony's voice before you actually laid eyes on him...His voice, with its impossible to fully pin down accent, always formed the coming attraction of the performance piece that was Tony Rajer. The world will be a much more mundane place without him. Did anyone get a bigger charge out of being alive? I doubt it.
Tony examining an cultural heritage object at Metal2010 conference in Charleston, SC (Oct.2010)
Chris Watters
November 23, 2011
I met Tony at my very first AIC conference. At a time when the field seemed overwhelming and intimidating, Tony was so welcoming, supportive, empathetic and enthusiastic. These are the qualities that made him a great teacher and representative not only for our profession, but for humanity. I will always admire his whimsical sense of humor, spiced with all the world's cultures, and how effortlessly he combined it with his great professionalism. After knowing him for several years, someone asked me if he was an American... I replied, "not really sure." It didn't matter he was citizen of the world, a friend, and a mentor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends.
Chuck Bauer
November 23, 2011
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
A Lost Ark
Dennis Piechota
November 23, 2011
Tony stayed with us for a while way back. Every day since then I've passed one of the gifts he created for our kids. He repainted an old chest he found in a yard sale making it into their very own Lost Ark though he called it a 'Found Ark'. They're grown now and the toy chest awaits their kids and the story of Tony.
Tom Podnar
November 23, 2011
A friendly smile, a special comment and an engaging conversation were always on hand at meetings where Tony was present! Memories of his friendliness will endure.
Jane Klinger
November 23, 2011
Whenever I think of Tony, it is not the visual image that first comes to mind, but the feeling of the energy in the room having increased ten-fold. Then I see him, rarely still, and with a strong curiosity about the world and everything in it.
My condolences to his family. Chris, we never met, but he glowed when he spoke of you which made me wish we could someday meet. May his memory be a blessing to you and all his family.
Candace Wolf
November 23, 2011
I am eternally grateful to Tony Rajert for all of the help and support he generously and unconditionally gave to my project of conducting an oral history interview with his friend, Nek Chand, in Chandigarh, India. My deep condolences go out to his family and friends.
Candace Wolf,
Storyteller & Oral Historian
Washington, DC
Mary Striegel
November 23, 2011
My condolences to Tony's family in the loss of a very special man. I'm proud to have called Tony my friend. One of my delights was going to AIC meetings and seeing his smiling face. He will always be remembered and much missed.
Victoria Montana Ryan
November 22, 2011
condolences to tony's family. he will be greatly missed and we have truly lost a bright light.
Jamari Salleh
November 22, 2011
I have never met a more charismatic, talented, and dedicated professional. I worked with Tony in Panama and Malaysia where he was invited by the U.S. Embassy to share his expertise. Tony was always positive and a giving person. We would always say that if we had more people like Tony, the U.S. would have no enemies. We have lost a great man. My condolences to Christine and the family.
Randy Rotter
November 22, 2011
Our condolences Chris. We are so sad to learn of Tony's unexpected passing. He meant so much to our family. Tony was the friend that my father deeply appreciated for his intellect, passionate support, and the validation he so generously provided. He accepted my dad for who he was and gave credence to his visceral style. My father found a kindred spirit in Tony.
Tony's friendship with our family and the continuing support for my father's artwork was an immeasurable act of generosity. But of course the best part was the fun and excitement of having Tony in our presence. A unique and wonderful light has gone out … but his rich legacy remains. We will miss him greatly.
The Rotter Family
Robert Reeves
November 22, 2011
I knew Tony when he worked in Atlanta some years ago. He was a special guy, whose intelligence and joie de vivre were compelling and delightful. My condolences to his family. His loss is deeply felt, and I will remember him fondly.
Bart Devolder
November 22, 2011
Every year at the AIC annual meeting I looked forward for my one or two interactions with Tony. I met him at my first AIC meeting 8 years ago, when I was volunteering in the information booth; I made a comment on all the flags he had attached to his name tag (all the different languages he spoke); when I found out he actually spoke all of them I was impressed and we spoke some French. This set the tone for the following meetings with the highlight being the Milwaukee conference where I took the Frank Loyd Wright tour (organized by Tony).
He will be missed in the conservation community.
Barbara Hinton
November 22, 2011
Dear Christine -- I'm so sorry to learn of your loss but look back with such fond memories of our time together in India. What a trip we had. And what a pleasure to get to know you and Tony. I will never forget how brilliantly he handled every tiny detail. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Barbara and Marks Hinton
Erin Mitchell
November 22, 2011
I took a workshop with Tony Rajer at Winthrop last year. He offered extremely helpful advice for art careers in that workshop. I had hoped I would run into him again either at Winthrop or perhaps in Columbia. Never expected this. My condolences to his family. He will be very missed, but his inspirational legacy lives on.
Sara Summers-Luedtke
November 22, 2011
We were looking forward to working with Tony on an upcoming grant project. His enthusiasm was contagious! Our sympathies to his family and friends. Tony, we will miss learning from you and sharing in your amazing experiences!
Jeff Powley
November 22, 2011
This is a loss for so many. The South Carolina State Museum Staff and Volunteers will miss Tony so much. Tony was one of the most engaging persons I ever met.
Sawnsurae Lowe
November 21, 2011
I am truly devastated and shocked by this news… I had the privilege of taking a class with Tony at Winthrop last year and working with him at the SC State Museum last month. He was an inspiration to me and wonderful, generous and loving person. My prayers and condolences go out to his wife and daughters and family.Uncle Tony will be missed and he will always be in our hearts.
Shelly Nooyen
November 21, 2011
So sorry Chris to hear of your loss.
Katherine Davey
November 21, 2011
Tony was my neighbor for seven years. It seemed as though every time we'd meet on the street he was on his way to or from some exotic trip to teach or to save a rare piece. Catching up with Tony left you wanting to travel more, read more, see more beautiful things and really appreciate them. I loved the way his collected languages and cultures crept into his speech; he couldn't say an Italian word without rolling the Rs.
When he returned from New York after 9/11 he erected two painted wooden towers on his front lawn. A folk art masterpiece. It was a tribute to those lost and reflected perfectly the lump we all felt in our throats for so many weeks. My kids were small then, but those towers are what they remember of that time.
I will miss the kiss on both cheeks from the man who made our treasures more treasured. He was really something.
craig crawford
November 21, 2011
I am so very sorry to hear of Tony's death, he was an inspiring person with a very generous heart. What a loss to all that new him and to the world at large. We will miss seeing you in SC every year and listening to your stories and insights. Craig, Carol, and Cole Crawford
Pam Winegard
November 21, 2011
I met Tony when he came to visit Winthrop. He was wonderful to me when he paid a visit to my graduate studio. I am shocked at the suddenness of this news and I am terribly sadden at his passing. My thoughts and condolences to his family. He will definitely be missed.
Alan Ramsey
November 21, 2011
I am deeply saddened to hear of my old neighbor's sudden passing. Tales of his latest adventures, told only as Tony could tell, would brighten even the grayest of winter days. I remember how proud and excited he was about his work, and how moved he was by his experiences in New York during 9/11. He was larger than life and will not be forgotten.
Ray Vazquez
November 21, 2011
Vaya con Dios, Antonio. You will be missed.
Jay Hyland
November 21, 2011
At the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, we are very sad to hear about Tony's death. He had been providing a CAP assessment for us this fall, and we enjoyed his deep knowledge of museum matters, along with his great sense of humor. It was also fun hearing about his many travels. He will be greatly missed.
Bret Jaeger
November 21, 2011
I am truly saddened to hear of Tony's passing. He was a bundle of energy whenever he stopped by our library, and the entire library staff will miss him dearly. I will certainly miss the images he would send me while he traveled around the world. He made the world a better place.
Terry Nix
November 21, 2011
"I am saddened to hear of this news. Tony and our many conversations will be deeply missed. I have known Tony for a number of years by email but only got to findly meet him in person when we did the New Olm, Minnesota Roman/German re-enactment event of the Varus/Arminius battle at Teutoburg Forrest together. My condolences to his family."
Sherry Pilarczyk
November 21, 2011
It takes my breath away to hear this sad news. I met Tony at Harrison Elementary last spring where he so passionately worked on restoring our mural. He was just here again last week - his smiling, bubbly self greeting everyone he came into contact with. To all of Tony's family, friends, and colleagues, I am deeply sorry and will keep all of you in my prayers.
November 21, 2011
I am so very, very sorry to hear of this. What a fantastic man he was! I so admired his knowledge,compassion, and his sense of humor. I know the loss will be keenly felt in India (and around the world) as well as here. Chris, my heart breaks for you.
Catherine Henze
John Maizels
November 21, 2011
Everyone at Raw Vision is shocked by this terrible news. Tony was such a special person who did such a lot of good in his life. He devoted himself to Nek Chand and the Rock Garden of Chandigarh and also single-handedly re-discovered Nek Chand's other rock garden in Kerala and persuaded the authorities to completely restore it with his help and direction. We will all miss him and give our heartfelt condolences to Chris and his family.
Tom Falvey
November 21, 2011
All the staff at the South Carolin State Museum looked forward to Tony's trips to the museum to restore LC Carson's "Concrete City." We last saw Tony in mid-October and are so sad to think that he won't be back to share his skills and spread joy. We'll miss you Tony. You are the rarest of gems.
Tom Falvey (Columbia, SC)
Richard Ho
November 21, 2011
My condolences to Tony's family and loved ones. Knowing Tony was a real pleasure. He always greets you with a smile and knows how to brighten up your day. He was brilliant, yet so humble and always heaps on praises for others and never on himself. Thanks for being inspirational.
Wayne Noble
November 21, 2011
Tony Rajer will be greatly missed. I had the opportunity of working closely with him at the American Folk Art Musuem as head of security in 2001. Tony had such an engaging personality. Always jovial and sharing great stories. My condolences to his family and friends.
Scott Haskins
November 21, 2011
I am deeply saddened at Tony's passing. He was so generous and enthusiastic. I consider him a friend that has now moved on to the next phase of life. All my best, Tony. And my condolences to his mourning family and close friends.
Jason Church
November 21, 2011
I am in shock, the AIC conferences will never be the same. Folk art and conservation as a whole will miss you, I will miss you. Thanks for being a great mentor. I promise to keep learning.
Kristine Zickuhr
November 21, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. He will be greatly missed. He was a great friend and consultant to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum here in Madison.
Rachael Baitel
November 21, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear about Tio Tony's passing. He will be greatly missed in Panama and everywhere, where I am sure he touched the lives of many with his upbeat and loving personality.
The Baitel Family
November 21, 2011
We are so saddened by Tony's sudden death. Tony was a frequent guest in our home in Panama and added so much to our lives with each visit. He is part of our family and he leaves a lasting legacy here in Panama at the National Theater, many government buildings and with private collectors. We cherish our times with him and honor his legacy in Panama. Hasta Luego Tony!
Don Terpstra
November 21, 2011
Tony leaves a legacy of beauty, commitment, and sincere friendship. Thanks for the joy.
James Brunner
November 20, 2011
Tony -- what a shock. Was expecting and looking forward to your next visit to Mumbai, which should have been coming up right around now. We shall plan a visit soon to the Nek Chand Foundation and/to Kerala to keep in touch with you. What a wonderful friend you were and are.
Roohi Ralhan
November 20, 2011
We are shocked and grief stricken to learn of his demise, and express profound sorrow and condolences for his family. On behalf of Nek Chand and family, Rock Garden Chandigarh, (his second home), i send condolences to Tony's family.
Lewis Koch
November 20, 2011
It is sad indeed to hear of Tony's passing. He was totally and truly a mensch, an inspired eccentric. Gone to join Rudy, a mentor in all things creative and compassionate. I miss them both.
Stacy Hollander
November 20, 2011
Anyone who knew Tony, even for a few minutes, recognized a unique human spirit. A citizen of the world, Tony was beloved wherever he went. He was conserving a mural at the American Folk Art Museum during the tumultuous days following 9/11 and his unwavering support was profoundly appreciated. Tony's energy, knowledge, talent, and generosity were boundless and he will be deeply missed.
Stacy C. Hollander, Senior Curator, American Folk Art Museum
November 20, 2011
Tony visited us in Atlanta recently, and we learned what a skilled artist and watercolorist he was, not to mention an expert art conservator, fascinating scholar, art historian, travel guide----so many talents. We are devastated and can not even grasp the reality that we will never see him again. Lynne and Jim Browne, Margaret and Ross
Joan Stackpole
November 20, 2011
So very, very sadden to hear of Tony's passing. I was mesmerized listening to his wealth of knowledge during classes at Rhinelander School of the Arts, Rhinelander WI. I looked forward to again taking one of his workshops. What a wealth of knowledge has been lost with his death. My thoughts and condolances to his family and close friends. I enjoyed knowing him, if only breifly.
Ann-Marie Reilly
November 20, 2011
On behalf of the American Folk Art Museum I sincerely offer heartfelt condolences to Tony's family. Tony was such a giving person- he always made himself available to assist with projects at AFAM. He will truly be missed by his many friends in New York.
Ann-Marie Reilly, Chief Registrar and Director of Exhibitions
Tony, painting shipping crates for the Japan-Wisconsin Visual Artists Exchange
Steve Ballard
November 20, 2011
M. Petronius Strabo
November 20, 2011
diis manibus
A.SCRIBILI MEDICO ORD
COH.I LEG XIIII GMV VIXIT ANNORUM LIX
OCCIDIT BELLO Artifex
Ex altera parte vide tu, cum diis aut caprarum. Asservo vinum calidum. Tribunum et militum leg XIIII, fecit
November 20, 2011
The Folk Art Society of America has lost a faithful, enthusiastic and beloved member who animated many conferences and auctions with his good humor, friendship and grace. Ann Oppenhimer, President of FASA, Richmond, Va.
ANTONIUS SCRIBILUS MEDICAS
John Peine
November 20, 2011
November 20, 2011
Tony was loved by many in Marion, Iowa when he became involved restored and helped move our WPA plaster "Fresco" entitled 'Communications by Mail' from the Marion Post Office to the Marion Heritage Center during 2007, 08 and 2009. Our sympathy goes ourt to his family and many friends from around the world. Victor Klopfenstein, Vice-President, Marion Historical Society
Michael McNamara
November 20, 2011
Im so sorry to learn of Tony's passing. I got to know him just a bit when we were filming at the 80th Birthday celebrations of Nek Chand in India, which he helped to organize. He was such a devoted visionary art expert and enthusiast - his passion was infectious. Namaste, Tony.
Antonius Scribilus Medicas
John Peine
November 20, 2011
lucious vittruvious
November 20, 2011
Antonius Scribilus Medicas,
Ave et Adio
Lucius Vittruvious Pollio et Legio XIIII
Tony and Edward M. Gomez at the OAF in 2009.
John Foster
November 20, 2011
Tony was a loyal friend. To see Tony each year at the Outsider Art Fair was such a treat. He would delight me with stories of murals restored, the latest news of the Nek Chand Garden — so many things. A true traveler of the world, Tony could travel with little more than a backpack of necessities. He was so intensely knowledgeable on so many things you knew you were in the presence of brilliance. But, his sense of humor and friendliness was front and center. I will miss this man. That he is gone breaks my heart.
Don Ford
November 20, 2011
I am saddened to here of Tony's passing. He was truly a unique, passionate and wonderful man who will be missed by all those who new and admired him as well as those who come in contact with one of the thousands of works of art he saved from the brink of disaster throughout the years. My condolences go to all those who were close to him.
Mary Ann and Peter Reiter
November 20, 2011
Chris - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The world will be a lesser place without Tony here to build and empower communites, appreciate folk art and hisory, conserve and repair the damage of time, and especially teach others to follow in his foot steps. We were privileged to meet Tony during the Iowa Sesquicentennia and enjoyed having him work on conservation projects here in Ottumwa. Megan and my traveling with you and Tony to Peru in 2000 was terrific and a great memory to treasure. The two days he was in Ottumwa last week were truly a gift.
Tim Lennon
November 20, 2011
We are deeply saddened by the death of our long time friend and colleague. His enthusiasm was contagious, his humor and energy were marvelous. We were honored to be his friends and will miss him greatly. Tim and Kathleen Lennon
Joanne Rathburn
November 20, 2011
Chris, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. The members of the Green Bay & DePere Antiquarian Society mourn the loss of our dear friend, Tony. We, too, will miss him greatly.
Robert Jagemann
November 20, 2011
My condolences Chris, Tony touched my life in his unique style of professionalism, humor and enthusiasim.
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