We hear today from Tony’s family that he died peacefully, on Sunday August 3rd, 2025, after a brief period of ill health.
Tony retired from Vicars’ Close as Organist and Master of the Choristers in 1996, after 35 years’ service, including a ten-year period as Assistant.
We send our love to his wife Barbara, and to their daughters Caroline and Vicky who were all with Tony as he died peacefully. They were able to keep their son and brother Nick up to date ‘long distance’ (as he is working in Japan).
Tony’s daughter Vicky says, ‘We’ve had time together over the last few weeks which has been really special. Please raise a glass to his amazing long, busy life (he would have been 94 on the 4 August). It's definitely what he would want! ‘
It seems fitting to share the article below when friends and family gathered in October 2021 to celebrate Tony’s 90th birthday at Evensong, when he conducted the choir for the anthem, I Was Glad, (Parry) and addressed, during Tea in Vicars Hall, former Choristers, former organist colleagues, and other friends and family.
Former Wells Cathedral Choristers and colleagues, especially from Tony’s time in Wells are encouraged to add their names to the link here for more details regarding a Memorial Celebration in the Autumn. (Vicky says ‘with lots of Elgar!’)
Wells Cathedral Choir Association - Please include your details here
Arnold Wills (Chair of Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust) says ‘Tony and Barbara have been marvellous supporters of Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust and of both Wells Cathedral and of so many former Choristers. They are both much loved’.
Chris Seaton (Chair of WCCA) says ‘We send our condolences and love to Barbara, Caroline, Vicky and Nick and all their family with very special memories especially of Tony’s 90th birthday celebrations.’
We look forward to a magnificent celebration in the Autumn. May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory’