Anthony Previté passed away peacefully on September 3, 2024, at the age of 104.
Tony was born in Surrey, England, in 1920. As a young man of 14, he was inspired by watching a performance of John Gielgud, decided to become an actor, and later attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. After two years of study, he served in East Africa as a morse code operator until WWII ended, and then returned to the stage. Later, he worked in the family business, Trinidad Lake Asphalt Company, and then his love of the arts drew him to photography, where he enjoyed a successful career in a professional portrait studio. At age 65, he emigrated to Canada, settling in Vancouver, where he had the great good fortune to find a part-time position at the Vancouver Academy of Music, running the gift shop. Fondly known as ‘the candyman,’ and beloved by students and staff, Tony retired at the age of 99 and moved to beautiful Salt Spring Island to live with his daughter and son-in-law. He often said the 39 years he lived in Canada were the happiest years of his life.
Tony loved music, literature and the theatre. Even in his final days, he was listening to The Gathering Storm, by Winston Churchill, as well as his favourite pieces of music.
A heartfelt thank you to all his friends at the Vancouver Academy of Music for bringing joy into Tony’s life, and to everyone at Broadmead Veteran’s Memorial Lodge for taking such good care of Tony in his final 18 months.
He is survived by his two daughters and their families including grandchildren and great grandchildren. A private cremation service for close family members will take place later this month.
Tony was a great inspiration to many and will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his kindness, his patience, and his lovely sense of humour. He was a quintessential English gentleman.
In remembrance of Tony’s life, please consider making a charitable donation to CNIB.
Photo credit: David Bong
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Wendy Harrison
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Joseph Julian Elworthy Sincere condolences to Tony’s family. His legacy of warmth, compassion, and good humour will live in the hearts of countless VAM students, parents, and faculty who had the good fortune of his friendship and humanity.
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Anne-elise Keefer Tony was a lovely, gracious presence at the Vancouver Academy of Music. He created a fatherly atmosphere at his little shop, and both faculty and the music students loved him dearly. He gave us all a shining example of how an elder could work well into old age, and contribute to an institution, despite being increasingly visually impaired.
We’ll all miss him deeply, and we pass on our heartfelt condolences to his family.
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Mary Lage Tony was one of a kind! I enjoyed seeing him at Vancouver Academy of Music. He always had something kind and interesting to say. What a lovely man! Condolences to the family and may his memory live on.
Tony has been a member of our family for 70 years. He was a very close friend of my mother’s, and after she died, became a very close friend of mine. Tony was the main person who helped with get through my mother’s death and I will always be grateful to him for his help and love. Good-bye Tony and thank you for your love and support.