Antony John HORNBY

HORNBY, Antony John (Tony) January 5th, 1917 - June 18th, 2013 Tony's remarkable 96 years closed peacefully at his home in Nanaimo on June 18, 2013. He was born near Hailsham, Sussex, England on January 5, 1917 to William and Julia Hornby. Along with his brother Peter and sisters Betty and Barbara, he spent his childhood in England before the family moved to Lacombe, Alberta, eventually settling on the west coast of BC. Tony served with the Canadian forces throughout WWII in England as a dispatch rider, and in occupied Germany after the war. He returned to Canada and married his beloved wife Margot in Victoria on August 20, 1949. They shared 52 wonderful years together, beginning in Campbell River where their daughter Christine and son Paul were born. They moved to Victoria, then to Nanaimo, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Amongst an extraordinary variety of talents, skills and occupations throughout his life, Tony will be remembered locally in the marine and logging industries. He travelled extensively across Canada as a factory representative for Remington Arms, was involved with Bastion Distributors, managed Woodland Supplies, and owned and operated Hornby Distributors, and Hornby Canopies. Tony loved discovery and had many hobbies that he was passionate about including building, especially woodwork, his garden, winemaking, flying, photography, fishing, travel, and reading. He took a tremendous interest in life, was adventurous, curious, innovative, observant and always optimistic. He had a great appreciation for the natural world and loved animals. Above all, he cherished his family and friends. Travels took him to Japan and Africa, most recently and memorably to Kenya in his 93rd year, and he travelled widely throughout North America and Europe. He knew and loved Canada so well, particularly Vancouver Island and British Columbia. Despite the profound loss and sadness that we feel, his indomitable spirit leaves an enormous legacy to his family. He will be eternally loved and remembered by his daughter Christine (Tom), and son Paul (Darlene), his grandchildren Michael (Amanda), Elizabeth (Chris), Cynthia (Brendan), Stephanie (Norman), Tony (Leslie), Liam, Reid and Myles, his great-grandchildren, Matthew, Charlie, Ben, Emmett and Liberty. Tony will rest beside wife Margot at Royal Oak Cemetery, Victoria. Friends are welcome to join the family in remembrance of Tony at: The Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria on Monday July 15th, 2013 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.