Willan, Anthony James 'Tony'
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tony Willan on Monday, January 17, 2022 at the age of 48.
Tony was a loving father to his two daughters, Zoe and Tessa and will be remembered fondly by Oxtlan.
He was the cherished son of the late Jim and Dorothy (nee Schultz) Willan.
Tony was the caring brother to Tracey Harvey and her husband Dwayne and ‘Uncle Tons’ to Teisha and Maggie.
He will be remembered for his kind heart and his gentle soul. Tony had the biggest smile and sparkly brown eyes. He grew up skiing, dirt biking, snowmobiling and spending time with friends. He left the area for a few years to follow the Grateful Dead. Tony travelled coast to coast leaving his mark in every state. Everyone knew Tony and those famous dreadlocks. He spent time in the Caribbean Island, St. Maarten before returning home to the Meaford and Thornbury area. “What a Long Strange Trip it’s Been”.
Tony followed in the footsteps of his father Jimmy, becoming a skilled carpenter. One of his most prized projects was his strawbale home in Walters Falls. He had a meticulous eye for detail which was appreciated and annoying! Tony had a tool for everything and was quick to lend a hand to help a friend. Tony loved the little things in life, and spending time with family and friends. He had a story for everything and was happy to share them with anyone who would listen. Thornbury will miss him cruising through town on his ‘Chopper’ bike. He loved going to Schultz’ pond for a quick dip or a weekend camping adventure. Tony was quick witted and had an amazing laugh. He was one of the few people who still loved to tell jokes, although he rarely got to the punch line as he was laughing too hard to finish it. He loved music and knew the words to every Grateful Dead and Willie Nelson song. “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground”.
Tony was a loyal, dependable friend. If Tony knew you, he loved you and if you knew Tony you loved him. Tony’s memory and kind heart live on in his daughters. “Love Love”.
Tony’s family invite friends to join them for a Celebration of Tony’s Life at Riverside Community Centre on Sunday, February 27, 2022 from 1 until 4 p.m.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to a fund for Zoe and Tessa (cheques only please in Tracey Harvey’s name or directly at the Scotiabank in Meaford) would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Make a donation in memory of Anthony James 'Tony' Willan
Donations to a fund for Zoe and Tessa (NO CREDIT CARDS, cheques only please in Tracey Harvey’s name or directly at the Scotiabank in Meaford)Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
My heart goes out to ALL his family and friends. He will be remembered always .
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Tracey, I’m so sorry for your loss Hun. Sounds like he left a big impression everywhere he went .
Hugs to you and Dwayne and the girls
Love you guys
Aunt Bren ❤️
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
The passing of Tony is such terribly sad news! My condolences to Kara, Zoe, Tracey, Dwayne, Teisha and Maggie. Tony’s kindness, smile and laughter will be missed! Sending love and hugs to you all! Xoxo
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Only the good die young, RIP Tony.
Miss ya bud.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
A wonderful tribute to Tony are thoughts are with you all Tracy family Tessa & Zoe ❤
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
So sorry to her Zoe, you are way to young to have too go through such a tragic loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Peace Brother, Fly with the Angels
Condolences to the Family.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Our condolences to Tracy and Dwayne and Zoe and Tess. RIP Tony
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Sending love and healing angels to Zoe, Kara and all of those loved by Tony. May his next journey be a beautiful one.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
So sorry to hear about Tony …..he will be greatly missed …condolences to all the family.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
So very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. I remember Tony as a young boy. It sounds like he lived a great journey. Hugs to his girls, Tracey and family
Holly B
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Tony was a good soul ..cherish the memories❤
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad and difficult time
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
I am truly saddened by the passing of a friend. My adventures with Tony began early in both our lives. Skiing at Talisman every Saturday and Sunday. I would on many occasions sleep over on Saturday were we both started discovering music. My first introduction to both Micheal Jackson Thriller video and Stormtroopers of death led to a wide variety of tastes in music. We continued our friendship all through high school. Always care free and kind, Tony was a true friend. Our passion for Jerry and the boys was inevitable, both of us had similar tastes in both music and culture. Countless fun and mischief at Whiteys.
I left the area but have great memories of helping him and Kara at the straw bale house. Very exciting for both of them and me.
They both stopped in at my house in Edmonton when they were touring out west. Took them to my favourite blues bar. Still remember the night ( well sort of).
“ He’ s Gone”but I will never forget him.
Love
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
So sorry to hear this sad news . Tony in his younger years was a good friend of our son Rob. Many good times I remember . My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
I am so incredibly sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. It breaks my heart to think that he died so young. My heart thoughts and prayers go to his family and loved ones during this time. I remember my dad Alan talking about Tony’s straw house and how impressed he was by it. My sincerest sympathies.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss of a cherished son, brother, dad, uncle and friend. Too soon.
Thursday, January 20, 2022
My and my families sincere condolences to you Tracy , Dwayne and your family at this time and the entire extended Schultz family Tony put my basement reno together many years ago and it was amazing . Such an amazing craftsman and dedicated worker and truly wonderful person I wish you peace and joyful thoughts of his past life , something to be cherished !
Sincerely Gay & Richard Blacha
Thursday, January 20, 2022
So much love to Tony’s family. I will remember his smile and his jokes too. ❤️❤️
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Betty & Don Whittington
Very sad news . We remember Tony growing up and wonderful times with family. We especially remember how proud Tony was showing us his straw house. Tony had the BEST! sister Tracy, who was always there to offer support, caring and love. How lucky he was! We share your loss and Tony will always be remembered in our hearts.
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Tracy, Dwayne and the Schultz and Willan families. Sorry to hear the sad news of Tony’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. Jim and Coreen Clarke
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Tracey and family ,My sincere condolences to you and your family .Cherish the memories .
Shirley Cook
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Much love sent to you Tracey and the whole family .
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Tracy,Dwayne and family , we are so sorry to hear about tony, our hearts and thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Thursday, January 20, 2022
To Tracey & family
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
A beautiful tribute to Tony, A lived well lived. Tony will be missed by many but never forgotten.
Remembering our son Greg and Tony playing hockey on the same team for Meaford Minor
Hockey many years ago.
Bob & Leone Allan
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Tracy, Dwayne and family
My heart goes out to you at this time. Hold on to the memories, he will be there.
Linda Teed
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Tracey, Dwayne, Kara & Zoe
We were so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at this difficult time. We laughed many times with Tony and have fond memories. Know that we are thinking of all Tony’s family and friends at this difficult time. Cherish your memories.
Rene and Barb DeCoste
Friday, January 21, 2022
Tracy, Dwayne and the Schultz and Willan families I want to extend my heartfelt condolences.
I am very sorry to hear that Tony has passed away hold close the good memories.
Tony was a very special person, he was a proud dad, a good friend, helpful, kind, caring, creative, gentle, spontaneous, funny and unique who loved to explore.
This world has lost a beauty.
Remembered as a good man.
Rest in Peace Tito.
Saturday, January 22, 2022
My deepest condolences go out to all who had thr pleasure of having Tony in their lives…especially the Willan family.
Carolyn (Boyd) Bollwerk
Sunday, January 23, 2022
so take off your shoes,child,take off your hat
try on your wings and find out where it’s at…rest in peace Brother
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Please accept our sincere condolences. Thinking of you all at this very sad time. Hold your memories close and let them guide you through the days ahead.
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Sorry for your loss of Tony. He always had a big smile on his face when you would meet him. Cherish the memories.
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. Tony was a great guy who loved life and everyone around him. I had so much fun with Tony and Tracey in our younger days: Talisman, baseball parties and all those events that made Meaford a great place to be. Just like everyone else in his family, he always made you feel welcome at the Willan house, always greeting you with a smile and a slap on the back.
All the best to the Willan/Harvey family during these sad times.
Steve Murch
Sunday, February 20, 2022
I love you and miss you brother, and I will always be thinking of you. With my poor health, we’ll be partying together soon at the pearly gates brother so make sure that you save me a seat.
So sorry for the loss of your Dad Tessa, and even though I only met you once Zoe. I’m sure you’re a wonderfully brilliant young lady, just like your sister, and your father.
My heart goes out to both of you and I wish you all the best in life girls.