Anthony Charl "Tony" de Bruyn

Anthony "Tony" Charl de Bruyn, born November 15, 1940, passed away in Dallas, Texas, on January 16, 2026. Tony was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, the only son of Philip and Anna Maria de Bruyn. He attended Jeppe High School for Boys and, upon graduation, immediately went to work. He met Bridget Marshall in 1962, and they married on December 8, 1962. They began their life together in Johannesburg and went on to have four children: Philip, Nicolette "Nicky," and twins Helen and Anthony P.

In 1977, Tony and Bridget made a leap of faith to leave the apartheid regime and immigrate to the United States with their family. Leaving behind a successful business in South Africa, they began anew, embracing the American dream. They settled in Dallas, Texas, with their four children. The de Bruyn family became United States citizens on July 3, 1986, a day celebrated across the nation for the 100th anniversary and restoration of the Statue of Liberty. Tony was immensely proud to be an American citizen, something he shared with anyone willing to listen to his story of seizing the opportunities offered in this wonderful country. He truly believed in the ideals set out in the Declaration of Independence, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Tony embarked on a 50-year career as an entrepreneur and business owner, building countless relationships with remarkable clients and colleagues along the way. He was the Founder and Chairman of Capital Plan, Inc., an achievement that embodied the very dream of his when first seeing the Statue of Liberty on arrival in America in 1977. Working with Bridget and Philip in a family business gave him great joy.

Tony was a respected leader in the financial services and philanthropic communities, with decades of experience advising families on wealth and legacy planning. In 1981, he was invited to join the prestigious M Financial Group, the leading life insurance and financial services firm for high-net worth individuals and businesses in the United States. He was a shareholder until his passing.

He held advanced professional credentials, including Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and C.I.S. (London). He served on advisory boards for insurance companies in the United States and South Africa and was a sought-after speaker at financial services conferences worldwide. Deeply committed to civic and charitable service, he held leadership roles within the following organizations: Dallas Estate Planning Council, Parkland Health Foundation, Presbyterian Hospital-Dallas Foundation, The Dallas Opera, Parish Episcopal School, and The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Dallas. He loved Texas, the city of Dallas and its charitable citizens, and his career and service reflected a lifelong dedication to stewardship, education, mentorship and community impact.

Tony had a special ability to make anyone who met him feel glad they had done so. He remembered the unique characteristics and stories of friends and colleagues alike and brought a smile to everyone he encountered. He lived his passion for the work that he did, not for personal material gain or prestige, but always meeting the needs of clients. To the very end, he believed he held his dream job.

Tony had many interests in his life, especially the game of rugby. He was an outstanding player while in high school and was selected for the First XV team for three consecutive years. He played provincially for Transvaal in the early 1960s and continued to play Club rugby into his thirties. On arrival in Dallas, he coached the Dallas Harlequins for a time. He loved the Springboks rugby team, Manchester United, automobile racing, and all things Dallas Cowboys. His favorite vacation destination was Lanikai on Kauai, Hawaii, as it reminded him of the pristine South Coast beaches in South Africa. Throughout his life, he loved dogs of all shapes and sizes, and leaves behind his Giant Schnauzer, Zeena.

His greatest love was his family, especially his wife, Bridget, of 63 years. He was immensely proud of his four children, all first-generation college graduates, whom he encouraged to grow their careers and knowledge through the power of higher education. Each went on to earn either a Master's degree, law degree, or doctorate and are successful in their respective fields, contributing to the greater community as well. He loved his five grandchildren - Tony, Taryn, Charlie, Sarah Cate, and Thomas - with all his heart, and instilled in them the values of hard work, perseverance, humor and love.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Anna Maria (Patsy) de Bruyn; his brother-in-law J. Anthony "Tony" Lewis; his brother-in-law Michael Callanan; and his daughter-in-law Crista de Bruyn. He is survived by his wife and lifelong partner, Bridget de Bruyn; his children Philip M. de Bruyn (Crista), Nicolette de Bruyn (Drew Paterson), Helen Clements (Jud), and Anthony P. de Bruyn; his five grandchildren, Anthony W. (Tony) de Bruyn, Taryn de Bruyn Krenek (Alex), Charles (Charlie) Clements, Sarah Cate Clements, and Thomas Paterson; his sister, Denise Callanan, his sister-in-law, the Honorable Margaret H. Marshall; his brother-in-law, Hugh (Julie) Marshall; and his nieces Anne (Peter) Marneweck and Lynne Callanan, and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Dallas on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 4 p.m.

Tony was deeply grateful for the guidance, love and care shown to him by Rector, Father Casey Shobe, and his staff, particularly Mother Rebecca Tankersley. The family also expresses their deep appreciation to Tony's medical team, who cared for him over the years: Dr. Leonard Behr, Dr. Rainer Khetan, Dr. Thomas Froelich, Dr. Larry Anderson, Dr. Rafic Berbarie, Dr. Mark Link, and their respective staff. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in his memory to The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Endowment Fund or the Anthony C. de Bruyn and Bridget M. de Bruyn Endowment Fund at Parkland Health Foundation.

May Tony rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon him.

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