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Tony Barney Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Tony Barney
Ronnie Spike
August 30, 2020
I can’t say enough -
SL
September 21, 2019
I miss you so much...
Anita Ringo
August 14, 2007
Tony,
If you only knew how much people loved and respected you for the fun, good hearted man that you were! I'll never forget the day I walked around to the back deck of our house after being told that you had passed , and looking at the face of my sweet husband, Greg mourn the sudden death of one of his VERY best friends! He still misses you and those two hour phones calls ya'll used to have. (Oh what we would do for one of those right now) I even miss them! ha We both Loved you very much- You were with us for a week less than a month before you died and we will cherish that time and the talks, especially about your beautiful children, Haley & Alec. You were a GREAT dad...(A strict one I'd always tell you) but they are good kids and they loved you so much! What a great surprise it was for both Greg & I when you showed up at Greg's 50th birthday party here at the beach, and brought your kids. We will never forget you, EVER and the many special times we've all shared! I thank God for you and pray that he continues to watch over and bless your precious children. We hope they know we're here for them should they ever need us! We love you!
PS: No Tony, I have'nt taken out my biggest frying pan yet!
Kelly Clark Barnett
August 8, 2007
Tony,
The impression you made on my life is everlasting. As a young shy girl, you recognized my inner confidence and brought it to the surface through regular encouragement as my swim coach. I was very fortunate to know you and realize that your spirit will be greatly missed here on earth. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with so many.
Amy Keel Faires
July 25, 2007
What an impact you had on so many. We are all more than lucky to have had you in our lives, and to help shape so many. I'm forever thankful for the 21 years you were in my life as a coach and friend. The life lessons you taught me about perseverance, determination, and so much more helped make me who I am, and so many others are, today. My prayers are with your family and your incredible children. I will always love you.
Dardi (Duncan) Ritchie
July 25, 2007
Tony.. There is not a day that goes by that when I think of swimming that I also think of you! I remember you telling me so many times how great I would be if I wasn't so lazy... I use to really urk you with getting the times I did, and barely practiced.. Boy, I should have listened to you! Obviously I did, because I find myself coaching my team now, and repeating so much of what you taught me! I hope your children really understand what an incredible father they had who truly changed the lifes of hundreds of swimmers! Your the best! I will never forget you!
Erin Bosher Payne
July 24, 2007
Tony,
You will be missed tremendously by the Bosher Family. You've been a wonderful friend, and respected coach in our lives since I can remember. We could always count on you to offer a sparkling smile, loving spirit, and the best sense of humor whenever you were around. I have so many memories that I think of, and laugh at when I think of you & all of the shinanigans that went on at Burkwood and VCU during swim practices & meets, what a blast! Kara reminded me the other day of when you told her you'd pick her up for practice, but you were running late so she needed to WALK to the corner of Diane Ln & rt 301-so being the dedicated swimmer she was, she trucked it the MILE to that intersection (swim bag in tow)to meet you. She waited for you & when you pulled up to the stoplight(but didn't see her) she starts waiving, but you must've forgotten b/c you peeled away from the light trying to get to Burkwood & left her there waiving away, eating your dust..what a riot! I won't go in to details but you on skiis at Lake Gaston! Those who were there can recall and crack up at that sight;) We've all been blessed to have had you touch our lives in so many ways, and all have memories that will live in our hearts and not be forgotten.
Rest in Peace, my friend-
John Leino
July 20, 2007
Our condolences to the Barney Family in this sorrowful time. I swam at VCU a few years after Tony but despite this gap we all knew and respected Tony. He was in regular attendance at home meets, would join us in celebrating our victories and our defeats. He will be missed by all for his wit, wisdom, good nature and smile. Thinking back over the 25 years since I first met Tony, I can not recall one moment Tony didn’t greet me with a warm smile and hardy hand shake, be it at a basket ball game, a summer league swim meet or on the streets.
Richmond, VCU and swimming lost a good friend.
Nicole Hayden Guenard
July 20, 2007
My thought and prayers are with the Barney Family. To this day, swimming and Tony have always gone hand in hand. There are so many happy memories from the Burkwood days that will be cherished. You will be greatly missed!
Virlinda Heindl
July 20, 2007
People come and go in our lives but only a few really touch your heart. Tony was instrumental in the young lives of my three children. He treated and challenged them individually. What great times we all had when Burkwood started their swim program. He was a great swim coach and truly believed that each swimmer could 'give just a little more', at a swim meet or in life situations. He was a mentor in many ways. I always think of those times and Tony each time I hear the start of a swim meet at Burkwood. He did so much for all of 'his swimmers', and he sincerely cared about each of them. Our prayers are with his family and friends. He was one of the good guys! Our family extends our sincere sympathy to everyone whose life he touched. He will be missed by many.
Nate Kellogg
July 19, 2007
Tony,
You only coached me for one year, but I gained more from that year than in any other year of my life. You expected big things from all of us, and we had no choice but to do our best every day. Having a bad day was not an option. I still carry this attitude with me to this very day. I'll forever be in debt to you for making me into who I am today. Thank you so much. My family and I send our deepest sympathies to your family.
Beverly Harris
July 19, 2007
Tony was a good friend and I will miss him. He was a dedicated and loving father. He loved his children more than anything in this world. I will miss his smile and our friendship.
haley barney
July 18, 2007
i love my dad, he was always wanting me to do better in swimming, and now i swim for him. he loved his swimmers, and would NEVER stop talking about them. he was my everything, and i know he's still where ever i go, he's my strive, and i miss him more than anyone could ever imagin. i love my dad <3
Kenny
July 18, 2007
Tony was my big brother, and at times, my little brother. I'll miss both more than he could ever have imagined.
Heather Webb Miller
July 17, 2007
My heart broke today as I met Tony's family outside his store and heard the news of his passing.
Tony was my very first coach and and simply the greatest. For 8 years, he led me to victory many times and always said "good try" when red, green or no ribbons were headed my way.
I wasn't one of his champion swimmers, but he sure did make me feel like it. He knew my strengths and weaknesses and always had high expectations for me. He stood by my side before, during and after the race. The 10-year old child in me says "thank you" for teaching me skills that will last a lifetime. He taught me to "dig deep" and "reach" for the finish line. He believed in me, which allowed me to believe in myself. I know there are hundreds of "grown up kids" that would say the same thing.
Tony remembered my name to this day. He never forgot me . . . which made me put him on an even higher pedestal.
My deepest sympathies to his wife, children, family and friends. I share tears of saddness with you.
Tony's spirit will live in us all. I am grateful for the time I shared with him and the strength that he gave me. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Thank you Tony!
Nate Schwab
July 17, 2007
Tony,
Not only were you a great person and swim coach, but a helluva basketball player as well (he beat me one-on-one so I had to swim in all the meets one year). My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dorothy Klotz
July 17, 2007
For all who knew and loved Tony:
From time to time, we meet unique and dedicated people who change the shape and direction of our lives. Tony is one of those.
We say Tony is because his spirit, influence and forceful encouragement will remain with us.
Tony’s life was people, those with whom he teamed to swim, those he coached and developed a desire to realize goals they could never have imagined, and those who admired his artistic talent for jewelry.
Our daughters today exhibit the self-confidence Tony not only taught but lived.
Tony Barney was the heart and soul of Burkwood’s early years with his vigorous enthusiasm and never ending energy.
He created opportunities for youth to learn and achieve. Our daughters did both.
Pam Rowe
July 17, 2007
My sincere condolances to Tony's family ~ what a heartfelt loss for so many. There are so many memories of the Burkwood Swim Team ~ better known as 'Tony's swim team' that started small with new inexperienced swimmers from age 4 to 18 that he took GREAT pride in teaching and molding into the best they could be. As a mother of two swimmers, it was always such a pleasure to watch Tony's enthusiam and how proud he was of 'his swimmers'! Of couse, the females always looked forward to the 'coach relays'!!
Now we must say 'goodbye' to a guy that made such a positive impact on so many~~Thanks~~Tony
Jennifer Allen Council
July 17, 2007
Tony,
You will be truly missed. You were such a big part of my life and my brother's life. You were part of the family. I have many fond memories of you and think of you often as I swim as an adult and compete for our summer swim team. I oten think "what would Tony say about my stroke now." I am thankful to have known you for so many years. I enjoyed seeing you at your jewerly store as an adult. You hadn't changed at all. The same ol'Tony!!
Richard Berry
July 17, 2007
You are very lucky in life if you meet someone that can inspire you to be a better person and push you to do things that you never thought were possable. That is what Tony did for me and for that I will always be greatful. Thank you for everything.My prayers are with your family.
Sallie & Anthony
July 17, 2007
Tony,
You were so generous and kind, always thinking of others before yourself. Your children, your family, your swimmers and your friends were your life. It will take us a long time to accept that you are gone from our lives forever, but you will always be in our hearts and our thoughts. We are so grateful to have had you in our lives and proud to have been your friend. You will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to your two beautiful children.
Anna Spangler Sheffield
July 17, 2007
Tony,
Wow, what great memories I have of you and your involvement in my life! I am so honored to have grown up knowing you! You always made your swimmers feel loved! Your passion for the sport has touched my life in every way! My thoughts and prayers are with Haley and Alec- your daddy loved you very much and was extrememly proud of you!
Love always,
Lindy Rowe Le Fevre
July 17, 2007
Tony, As I prepare to say my final goodbye to you this afternoon I can't help but remember myself as the four year old girl that you took under your wing and taught to swim. You were a huge part of my life and are responsible for the competitive spirit that continues to live on in me today. Thank you for the memories and for all that you have done for me and so many other swimmers throughout the years.
Mike Graham
July 17, 2007
Dear Tracey and Family, Please know that I am praying for the peace and comfort that surpasses all our understanding for you all. Tony was the first customer in the car business that I dealt with upon arriving in Richmond in 1987. He was a blessing and we developed a friendship that I value very much. He put a birthstone ring together for me and GAVE it to me as a gift. He always helped me in any way he could. He will be missed by me and many, many more. He surely made his mark on many lives. We were all blessed to have known him as a friend.
Jen Simmons Johnson
July 17, 2007
Tony, You inspired me to dream and accomplish things I never thought possible. The dedication, motivation and hard work you required has made me into the person I am today, and I thank you for that. You were such an inspiration and were very much like a second father for me. You will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tony's family, especially Haley and Alec, and all of the other lives he has touched.
Bob Busch
July 16, 2007
Tony,
I am going to miss our many chats at your Jewelry shop. The great times we had at VCU. You were an inspiration to my success in my life. You will be missed but I won't ever forget all the good times we had. You were a kind and caring person and I know your kids were everything to you.
Julee Spitzer
July 16, 2007
The Spitzer family has known Tony for over 20 years. My father-in-law bought jewelry from him first and then my husband, Drew. My engagement ring, anniversary band and other pieces that came from Tony are even more special now. Our hearts are broken that he is no longer on this earth. We all knew Tony as a happy soul; someone who breathed life in to every day and adored his wife, children and all the great kids whose path crossed his. I used to stop by the shop at least once a quarter and was never there long before his son or daughter would call or a swimmer would stop by to say hi. The joy those conversations and visits brought him was obvious.
We miss you buddy and our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones. We are blessed to have known you. Love, Julee and Drew
Janie & Jim Simmons
July 16, 2007
We first met you almost 25 years ago. You had a tremendous impact on our children especially our daughter who spent many hours in the pool under your coaching. Your guidance helped her to become the adult and mother that she is today. We also have many pieces of jewelry purchased from your store that will now be even more cherished. Our hearts and prayers go our to your family especially Haley and Alec.
Brandi Smithson
July 16, 2007
Tony-
Through swimming you taught me determination, drive, motivation, and hardwork. It was these qualities that you instilled within me that formed the foundation for all of my future accomplishments. I thank you for this and so much more. My love will always be with you and your family.
JoElle VanRoekel
July 16, 2007
Hi T, you probally didn't know this but...you were my very first crush- oh how I thought, still think, you are the greatest. Quite often throughout the years I think back to the times you said to me "come on Jo, it's only 1 minute- 1 minute out of your whole life!" You have touched, helped and guided me in ways I hadn't even realized. I will miss you and that silly grin greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and children.
Curtis Sink
July 16, 2007
Tony,
Here's to You, John, Kenny, and myself. You went away way too early...but I'll always remember the times we all had together...and smile.......Curtis
Allison Keel
July 16, 2007
Tony was my coach for 13 years. Even after he stopped coaching me and I went on to swim at James Madison he would always give me advise to improve my stroke. I loved how he was always so companionate about my swimming. He made me want to be great in and out of the water. Tony was definitely one of a kind. There is no way he will ever be replaced in my life and he will never be forgotten. I loved him like a father and I know he was like a second father to many people. That’s what makes him so great. I will miss him and always have him in my thoughts! I love you Tony!!
Patrick Jones
July 16, 2007
When I swim or watch anyone swim I think about Tony. Everytime I walk into Burkwood or even drive by, I think about Tony and his dedication to the sport. He helped many kids become great swimmers and also great people. My prayers are with his family and close friends.
Kim Bradley
July 16, 2007
Dear Tony,
You were a very special person that touched a lot of lives. You will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, especially Haley and Alec. We think the world of your children. They are your diamonds in the rough.
Julie Fulton
July 16, 2007
Tony,
I think back to my days with you at the swimming pool and smile. I want to thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to reach my full potential. I am grateful to have known you and so happy that you were a part of my life. My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
Suzie Binns
July 16, 2007
Dear Tracy, Haley & Alec: Tony was always a great friend to Tim & I and we have many fond memories of college with him at VCU. He was a special person and he will be missed by many. Just remember you will always have his love and someday be reunited with him. Love, Suzie
Ryan Bradley
July 16, 2007
Tony, you inspired me to be my best and do things I never thought possible. You were there for me every day and sometimes twice a day. You are a huge part of me and who I am today. You will be very missed. Thank you for everything you have given me. And, all my heart and prayers go out to the many people whose lives you touched and especially that of your beautiful and beloved children, Haley & Alec.
Beth & Bob (Pambianchi) Musick
July 16, 2007
Words can not express how sad we are over the loss of our dear friend, Tony Barney. I swam with Tony at VCU and he took care of all of our jewelry needs for the last 20 years. (All of my jewelry now has such special meaning.) He was a constant in our lives. Everytime I would visit his shop in Carytown he would bring a smile to my face. He kept me up to date with VCU friends and he always had friends dropping by. I just can't imagine ever going into that shopping center again without thinking of Tony and all the wonderful things he did for us. He is in our thoughts and prayers forever. Our sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. My heart aches.
T Green
July 16, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to Tony's family. He was an inspiration to everyone to work hard and always give your best effort. He was also a fun person who loved life, but more importantly, loved his family. HIs devotion to his wife and children was another dimension to Tony that only endeared him to our family more than ever. We can only offer our sincerest sympathy at this time for a very sad loss.
Kevin and T
Stuart Mountjoy
July 15, 2007
Tony,
You were such a huge influence in my life. Few people have the opportunity to touch so many people in such a positive way the way that you did. Thank you for everything! You will never be forgotten.
Yvette Holden
July 15, 2007
I will miss the laughter you always created and the generous way you took care of those around you.
God bless you.
Roselle and Doug Schutte
July 15, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Tony made some of the milestones in our lives sparkle. He was so proud of his children, boasting about them at any and every opportunity. May God's peace be with you all.
Shane Rankin
July 15, 2007
It took me awhile to understand and appreciate that tough approach you took to coaching us. I needed that so much during that point in my life. You taught me discipline and hard work. I don't think I would be as successful as I am today without your guidance and leadership. You had an impact on so many lives. My prayers and sympathy go to his family.
Adam Brooks
July 15, 2007
My condolences to all the family and friends of Tony Barney. Tony inspired me very much to work hard for the things that I wanted to do in life like I am sure he did for many others. We will all miss you greatly thank you for everything that you did for me Tony.
Adam Brooks
Sarah Tune Price
July 15, 2007
I swam for Tony for 13 years and he was a part of my "family" for over 25 years coaching my sister as well. You were like a father to me and gave me so much as a swimmer and a person. Thanks for being so amazing. I will miss you terribly!
Ginger Newton Long
July 15, 2007
Tony, You played such an important role in so many of our lives. You guided us as our swim coach and our friend. We will miss you and never forget you!
katie harrington
July 15, 2007
I will never forget you my dear coach and mentor. You were like a father to me the day I walked on the pool deck in 1979. I will always remember your smile, and the way you pushed me to do the things I thought I couldn't. Your natural ability to get the best out of people had a huge impact on the person I am today and I attribute much of my success in life to what you taught me. You did so much for hundreds of young people and that's how you'll be remembered. These are things we will take with us for the rest of our lives.
I love you dear friend. God Bless.
Katie
Bill Harris
July 15, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are will all of you---I swam with Tony at VCU--great guy--was a leader and a partyer
Bob Steinburg
July 15, 2007
Tony and I worked together for many years in the jewelry business as you know. He was always so helpful and kind to me and a business relationship became one of friendship and mutual respect. I cannot begin to comprehend his loss. He shared many times how proud he was of his family, his roots and all of all the swimmers that he had an opportunity to coach over many years. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we send you are deepest sympathy on your tragic loss.
Bob & Marie Steinburg
Edenton, North Carolina
kara bosher daniel
July 15, 2007
you'll be missed and never forgotten,
love you,
kara
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