The news of Tony's death was disturbing to me on several levels. Tony and I have had many parallels in our lives. We were both born in Detroit in the same year, grew up in Birmingham then went to college at NMU in Marquette. After college we both enjoyed Marquette so much we stayed there, even if we were not gainfully employed at all times. We both loved maps. Tony pursued cartography professionally and I thought geography and map skills at the middle school level. We even both rode distinctive bikes around Marquette. Mine was a classic red bike with no speeds and stars in the spokes and Tony had "the Bumblebee".

Despite our similarities our paths went in different directions in life. I moved from Marquette. Like most people, I settled into a job and started a (great) family. Before long, my life was consumed by my family and job. Memories of college and post college life became more distant. Tony remained in Marquette and in very many ways remained in the same post college lifestyle. He was living a life that many people might only fantasize. In many ways it was enviable.

Although Tony was certainly a friend I would best classify him as a "friend of a friend". Almost everyone I was friends with in Marquette, no matter how diverse, was a friend to Tony. Tony was always there- always positive and upbeat. My wife Cindy and I have tried to visit Marquette at least once or twice each year for the past fourteen years we have been gone. Amazingly we have always "bump-into" Tony on these visits. Usually it is on Third Street or at Tourist Park. This last visit was no exception. Cindy passed him on the steps of the Peter White Library on Friday August 18. She said "hello" to him but he did not hear. She said he had bandages on, was puffy and looked in very poor health. It was to be his last Friday.

I miss Tony and wished now that I spent more time with him mapping out our similarities. But most of all I wish I could go back in time and kept him in the hospital. That might have made all the difference.

Gary Goren

I'm saddened to hear of Tony's passing. It's been a long time since we talked but all those years ago, in our younger days, I enjoyed the times with Tony and the Charlies crew. Life is too short sometimes. I always appreciated Tony's smile, friendship, and laid back style. God Bless you Tony.

Greg Perttula

It is with a tear in our eyes that we write this note. We are so very sorry to hear of the death of our friend, and your loved one, Tony. Linda and I often commented on how we almost always ran into Tony when we were in town to visit, and we always were very happy to see him. He had such a positive attitude about life, and was such a kind soul. I know I can also speak for my extened family in thanking Tony for all the help he provided to my Great Aunt Abbie Alholm, whom he lived above for many years. He was most patient and kind to her, and we are all grateful for this. We will miss him always. We cannot make it to Marquette for the memorial but will be certain to say a prayer for him and you all, and sometime this weekend to hoist our glasses in his memory.

DesJardins Family

Tony will be greatly missed by all of us in Marquette!

Joy Bender Hadley

One of the kindest men I knew. I hadn't seen him in years (since I moved away) but saw him last year at a wedding. We hung out. My memories of him will ever be etched in my heart.

Deb Jensen

Anthony had a nurturing sense of humor and a big beautiful heart. Seeing him when I lived in Marquette was a natural and warm part of any day. Talking with him during more recent visits home was entirely the same experience...Always a smile, always a genuine hug, always an adventurous spirit and honest person. This news startled me. I miss him, and remain ever grateful for the encounters we shared. Anthony always spoke high and loving praise for the strong women in his family. My warmest thoughts to them, his family, and his many many friends.

Nicole Mattis

We spent our youth playing handball at Brother Rice, Skiing at Hidden Valley, Hiking at NMU, boy did we know how to live! We drank deep from the cup of life, I will always remember your quick wit and the smooth style with which you made your way down the slopes. I wish we hadn't lost touch so long ago Tony, I'll keep truckin' till I see you in Heaven.

Joseph Fessler

My first memory of Tony was when we both joined the Brother Rice High School freshman football team in 1972. We both saw very little playing time that year as our teammates were all bigger, faster and stronger than we were. About half way through the season, our football coaches started a "lightweight" squad that used to scrimmage against other freshman football teams in the Birmingham area. Tony and I were both placed on this new "lightweight" squad. We finally got some playing time and took advantage of it, playing very well against players that were at similar abilities. Although neither of us played football again for Brother Rice, we ended up making the best of our situation and I credit Tony's positive attitude for helping me keep the same. In later high school years, I learned Tony loved to ski, as I did too, and remember unsuccessfully trying to keep up with him on the slopes. He ended up being a valuable part of the ski team, while my ability was stri!
ctly recreational skiing. I remember trying to follow Tony's line down a hill, and copy his smooth style.
I lost touch with Tony after high school graduation and did not realize he went on to NMU for college and ended up staying in Marquette. I wish I had stayed in touch. My father's family lived in Marquette for many years, my grandfather was the prison warden there in the late 40's - early 50's. I still have cousins living in Marquette and last visited in October 2005. After Tony's death, I found out that one of my cousins lives only six blocks from where Tony lived. During my visits to Marquette if I had known Tony was there, I certainly would have enjoyed visiting with him and thanking him for being a helpful friend so long ago.

Tony's senior class at Brother Rice (Class of 1976), has their 30th reunion scheduled for October 2006. I know that reunion organizers are aware of Tony's passing and are notifying Tony's classmates. I am sure many at that event will fondly remember Tony for the good friend he was, the quick smile he always shared and the comfortable, contended personality we all admired about him.

Joe Jacques

We were all saddened to hear of Tony's passing. He was a very nice person and interesting to talk to. I have known Tony for quite some time from living upstairs of my grandmother's, and most recently, my mother's home. He had a gentle, kind spirit and will be missed.

Wendy Halverson