ANTHONY FIRTH

ANTHONY FIRTH 1918 - 2012 We are saddened by the loss of our beloved Tony who died at the Markham Stouffville Hospital in Markham, Ontario on December 3, 2012. Predeceased by Marianne, his wife of fifty years, he will be greatly missed by his daughter, Kathryn, his son-in-law Derek Pajaczkowski, and his grandson Julian, as well as by his second wife Nikki Percy, her children Doug and Megan Percy (Lou Fata), as well as by Alanna and Adam Fata. Tony was born on September 7, 1918 in Halle, Germany. Throughout his life he was a survivor, reinventing himself to make most the most whatever life dealt him. Tony fled to England in 1936. Shortly, after the outbreak of World War II, he was interned by the British as a "friendly" enemy alien and shipped to Australia. Given the choice to wait out the war in Australia or fight for the British, he chose the latter and was trained for the elite No. 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando/Special Services Brigade of the British Armed Forces who, ultimately, promoted him to the rank of Captain. After the war, thanks to his guile and ability to speak German, Tony found work in the British film industry. Shortly after marrying Marianne, the couple decided to make a fresh start in Toronto. Undaunted by his lack of experience he managed to have a successful career in advertising for many years. A man of wit, elegance and charm, who truly lived life to the fullest, Tony was an accomplished skier, tennis player, and glider pilot, as well as a creative travel writer well into his advanced years. He liked reading, the theatre, the movies, the opera, and meeting his friends at the Duke of York Pub for the weekly Saturday Stammtisch lunch. In later years, he also enjoyed the company of his cat, Roger. At the age of 84, Tony married Nikki, who today is left with wonderful memories of their decade together and a permanent ache in her heart. A celebration of this remarkable man's life will take place on Saturday, the 29th of December, 1-5 p.m at The Womens' Art Association, 23 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto. We would love to hear any reminiscences you may have. Please RSVP: nikkipercy@sympatico.ca