Obituary of Tony Dancy
Anthony Charles "Tony" Dancy
1934-2022
It is with great sadness we announce that Anthony Charles (Tony) Dancy died suddenly, but peacefully, at home on Saturday, March 19, 2022. He was 88.
Tony is predeceased by his wife, Betty, father, William Dancy, mother, Florence Holder, and brothers Stan and Kenneth. Survived by brother Robert and honourary sister Janet Anne. Much loved father to Kevin Dancy (Alison). Stepfather to Gary Hermon (Cathy) and Gail Parks (Brad). Much loved Papa/Grandpa to Ryan & Erin Dancy, Heather & Jennifer Parks, and Anne Hermon. Great-Grandpa to Sarina, Kingsley, Indika, Mercedes, and Hayden.
Tony was born north of London and, before the war, his family relocated to Hook Green in Kent, England where they ran the local store and post office. Growing up in the country instilled a love of the outdoors and of being self-sufficient. Tony completed a toolmaker apprenticeship and a Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering before serving in the British Army for his National Service, rising to the rank of 2Lt in the REME and serving in Germany. Tony then entered industry with Dowty Seals in Cheltenham in 1957, transferring to Ajax, Ontario in 1966, and finished his career with AMP of Canada in Markham. He was a Fellow of the Institute of Production Engineers in the U.K. and a Professional Engineer in Ontario.
A child of the depression and war years, he was never one to complain or sit still. There was always something to fix, tidy, or create. He grew vegetables and maintained neat gardens, always with a bird feeder and a small menagerie of wildlife nearby. He was an avid cross-country skier and enjoyed camping, sailing, and canoeing. In his younger days, he cycled everywhere and spent vacations touring Europe by bike. He became a private pilot in 1969, fulfilling a long-held dream after watching the planes during the war. He and Betty enjoyed ballroom dancing, taking classes for many years.
On retiring, Betty and Tony moved to Kingston, Ontario where he continued his hobbies of wood-working, travelling, and sailing. He made everything from jewellery boxes to furniture to house additions and improvements and, for a time, he sold some of his creations at craft shows. Betty and Tony travelled all over North America by car/trailer with annual fall trips to Cuba and spring stays in Florida. In later years, they thoroughly enjoyed the Amsterdam to Budapest river cruises.
Tony was a lifelong blood donor, receiving his 200th Canadian donation pin just last year. His total number of donations was far higher, however, as he started at age 18 in England. Right up until the end, he would attempt to recruit others to donate blood whenever he met new people.
Throughout his life, his family was of utmost importance. He was generous with his time and abilities and always ready to help. When Betty's health declined in later years, Tony stayed by her side looking after her, allowing her to stay at home until her last few weeks. Tony deeply desired to remain at home until the end and we know he would be pleased he was able to achieve this goal. A life well lived.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the James Reid Funeral Home Reception Centre on Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 from 1-3 pm (please enter from the rear parking lot doors). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Seniors Association Kingston Region or Canadian Blood Services would be appreciated.
THE DANCY FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO TONY'S CELEBRATION, HOWEVER, DUE TO THE CURRENT UP RISE IN COVID 19 SPREAD, AND THAT THERE WILL BE VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE, THEY ARE KINDLY INSISTING THAT ALL GUESTS BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS AND WEAR A MASK.
