It's tough to say what I liked best about Tony: his phenomenal knowledge about the history of our hobby; his consistent generosity in sharing what he knew; or the tenacious way he would argue every point he felt was wrong. I sometimes felt a bit battered by our encounters, but always emerged wiser than when I began. I can just imagine what Tony would have been like to face in a courtroom. I suspect more than one opposing counsel winced in anticipation of the confrontation to come, and more than one judge privately relished the show.
Our time together in Chicago, and our email exchanges, are among the very highest highlights of my time in the pipe community. Their absence will leave a gap in my life. Between his appearances in Chicago, and the extensive correspondence related to his burgeoning eBay business (he would usually tell me he had over 1000 accumulated emails to address after returning from St Charles), Tony touched many, many lives. Tony will be sorely missed; by collectors, by historians, and by good friends made throughout the hobby in a long and illustrious career.
My thoughts and prayers are with his extended family and friends.