It is with great sadness that we share the news that much loved and highly regarded Haddenham resident Tony Warris died at home on 2nd November.
Tony was born in 1936 and brought up in Edgware. At age 11, he won a scholarship to University College School, Hampstead, where he showed a flair for languages, learning Greek, Latin, French and German. He later learned Russian while on national service in the RAF and Norwegian while working in Norway – plus a smattering of Japanese during his years working for a Japanese company.
Tony and Ann, his wife of 63 years, had been a couple since the ages of 15 and 13, having met through Scouts and Guides and the Young People's Fellowship at St Margaret's Church in Edgware. They married in 1960 and were blessed with three children – Kirsten, who also lives in Haddenham with her husband Tim; Rachel, who lives in Switzerland with her husband Nick; and Peter, who lives in Canada with his partner Beckie – and seven grandchildren: Sam, Joe, Benjy, Katie, Pippa, Craig and Devon.
After serving for five years in the RAF, which included a posting in Berlin, Tony began his career in London working for Ballito and the British Iron and Steel Corporation before he and Ann moved to Oslo for his job with Norsk Jernverk, the Norwegian Steel Company.
Returning to the UK, Tony again worked in London before moving to Macclesfield for seven years with Exors of James Mills. His final role was for Sanden, based in Paris – where he established the company's office and factory in France – and in Basingstoke.
Having previously lived in Ford for several years, Tony and Ann returned to the area on their retirement in 2001 to live in Haddenham where they immersed themselves in activities in the village. Tony immediately put his organisational and sales skills to use for the benefit of the community as a member of the Village Fete Committee, securing adverts and raffle prizes from local businesses and organising the programme sellers on the day.
He was also pivotal in establishing Heartbeat Haddenham, leading to the funding and installation of defibrillators in the village, and was a regular volunteer on Snakemoor Nature Reserve working parties
A committed Christian, Tony was involved in church life wherever he lived. At St Mary's Church, he was a dedicated sidesman and was also proud to organise logistics for CaféPlus+. He was a warm and welcoming presence to all.
Travel played a big part in Tony's life, both for business and pleasure. He kept a list of all the airports he had taken off and landed in, totalling well over 150! He enjoyed researching and planning trips and already had the next holiday booked. Sadly, it wasn't to be.
There will be a Service of Thanksgiving for Tony at St Mary's Church, Haddenham on Wednesday, 29th of November, 2023 at 2 pm and all who knew him are invited to attend.
