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Anthony Acker Obituary
Mr. Anthony (Tony) Acker passed away at home on August 28, 2018 at the age of 86. Tony began life in the fast lane in Toronto but after moving north to teach at Confederation College he fell in love with Lake Superior and until his passing continued to praise the peace and beauty he found in this community.
Tony was an aspiring actor, spokesperson with a New York ad agency, friend to leading performers in the Toronto Area and at one time was room mate to one of Canada's most famous artists Ken Danby. Tony first saw Port Arthur when he arrived to perform a levitation act for Esso at the Lakehead Exhibition. He could not have foreseen that he would one day marvel that he had spent the majority of his life as a resident here in the Lakehead.
Tony was a world traveler who spent part of his early 20s living on the French Riviera. He said he was trying to get an introduction to Bridget Bardot. Later Tony focused on a career and studied graphics at Ryerson Polytechnic. His artistic skills and production design placed him in demand in Southern Ontario, but his love of the Northwestern Ontario landscape proved to be Confederation College's gain. Tony was an excellent professor in the Media Arts area at Confederation College. His graduates have spread out across Canada praising his skills and knowledge.
To know Tony was to marvel at a man with unlimited natural ability, a vision of greatness and a pleasant personality who had time for all. He truly was a Renaissance man!
Tony's artistic ability was shared far and wide through his gifts of personalized whimsical character. They are fondly referred to as “Ackers”.
As per Tony's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. A scholarship has been set up in memory of Tony. Donations to the Anthony Acker “Tony Award” may be directed to the Confederation College Advancement Office or on line at confederationcollege.ca/advancement
Friends are invited to an informal drop in luncheon in the Cafeteria at Confederation College on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you have an “Acker” or a memory to share it would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Acker
9 Entries
Roxane Anderson
February 12, 2022
I was one of his students way back in 1990/91. He really pushed me to be better, a better writer. I´m just so sorry that I was to late to let him know this. I just expected him to live on like every great legacy
September 20, 2018
Tony...many fond memories from years back when you were close colleagues and friends with my late husband Bob Arbouw...friday afternoons sipping wine at the TGIF in the staff lounge..easy conversation, genuine laughter, and a true gentlemens gentleman if ever I knew one...your generous hospitality in your home for dinners, music, conversations about life, love, and everything in between...Bob and you would debate like enlightened philosophers, world travelers and explorers of the universal truths...we were entertained, amazed and laughed til we cried when we discovered all we did was re-invent the wheel..many times over...thank you for wonderful memories and friendship....rest easy...twinkle little star..namaste...debbie robitaille (Arbouw).
Acker when I met him.
Ray Baker from Con College Photography Dept. captured the shot.. Pamela Green
September 19, 2018
Ted Burton
September 18, 2018
Through all my years of education -- first at Confederation College and then several years at Lakehead University -- Tony was one of my favourite instructors of all. He was laid back, unpretentious. He didn't act like he was "above" his students. Rather, he related to them, was a personal friend to all. To the young students, freshly away from home, he'd lend an ear in place of their parents. He was "just a guy", like everyone else. Even now, 36 years later and many years into my broadcasting career, I often think of Tony when I'm working on a project that requires a skill or strategy Tony might have taught me. I hope we had an impact on him half as much as he had an impact on us. Now, upon this sad news, I find myself wishing we had kept more in touch over all these years. Rest in peace old friend.
Mark Joss
September 16, 2018
God Speed Tony.
wally webb
September 16, 2018
He taught me Graphic Arts in 73-75 at Confederation College. Apart from being a good Professor he was a very approachable person after hours and always lent an ear and some sound advice. Rest in Peace Tony. You will be missed.
Tony is standing to the far rfight of photo. He is behind Professor Ken Duke
Mark Oforsagd
September 15, 2018
Even to this day, I still put Tony's lessons to task... I am grateful for the 3 years I had a Confederation College.. and the 2 years that I had the good fortune to know the Professor..
Peace be with you all
Chris Baker
September 15, 2018
I met Tony about 5 years ago and I deeply respected him , he will be in my thoughts and I will say a prayer for him.
Deborah Summers
September 15, 2018
Dearest Tony,
I shall never forget you or what a wonderful man you were. So many memories of you over the past 40 plus years...you were amazing.. we'll always have Pickle Lake..time to re-read the Alexandria Quartet and drink a bottle of Anjou. I will always miss you. So sad to think I wont hear your lovely voice again..you were such a talented artist, mentor, and friend
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