Anthony Lawrence "Tony" Van Rees

My prayers go to your family and friends Chef Tony. You will be missed dearly! I was one of your first students you taught at Kitchen Academy. I remember coming in pregnant and all to a man with such a warm smile and such a wonderful spirit. You loved reggae music which was so great because i was raised by my godfather who enjoyed the same music. He passed before he could meet my son so it made me feel so close to him just by hearing the music.Very recently I called you not even 2 months ago...

Chef Tony was my instructor at lie cordon bleu. He was a great inspiration to my education. He is one of the reason I grew to love baking. He will be greatly missed.

I will always be grateful that Tony loved my youngest sister and cared for her and worked so hard for his family as he did.
Most of us only dream of being so blessed.

No one will ever forget that smile. I am honored to have known you.

My heart breaks for Amy, the girls and all the family. He was an amazing man and his legacy will live on.

Miss you Chef!!! You were such a huge inspiration to me, and many students in your class. You will never be forgotten.

Thank you for your support, and believing in me.

To Amy, Lilie and Evan and Rose, you are all on my mind and I want you to know my heart is broken for you all. my heart is still so heavy with sadness at the loss of Tony in this world. I feel blessed to have known Tony and been part of your lives. My favorite memories will be of Tony keeping me in line at the Celtic soccer games. All my love to you.

Tony was so loved, and his voice and laughter will always remain in my heart and memory...to say he will be missed is a grand understatement. So grateful to have crossed his path throughout these many years. A fine man, indeed. Impossible to bake (or watch Star Trek reruns) without fondly thinking of him.

Man, I am one lucky duck for having met Amy, and then Tony! I'm sad he couldn't stay with us longer, but I'm so grateful I got to know him. He helped teach me that I didn't have to be bitter and cynical. It was a choice. Life happens, and sometimes it's great, and sometimes it sucks, but if you just keep moving with a good attitude, love, and a smile on your face you'll be a lot happier! And he didn't have to say a word to communicate it - I learned by watching him just be himself. I owe him...

Tony was one of the funnest people to be around. He was able to effortlessly make everyone have a good time. His smile was contageous and he will always be remembered as a kindhearted & generous person. Our deepest sympathies to Amy, Lily & Evan.