Obituary: Anthony (Tony) Malley (1959-2023)
Tony loved his family, served his country and was forever hopeful about the future
Anthony Raymond Malley, who served his country, was beloved by his family, and brought joy and laughter to those who knew him, died peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 13, 2023. He was 63.
Tony was born on Oct. 2, 1959, in Oakville, Ontario, to Violet and Ernest Malley. He attended White Oaks Secondary School, worked in the lumber industry, and in 1981 proudly joined the Canadian Armed Forces, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him.
Throughout his service Tony was stationed to Ottawa, Holberg, Lahr, Petawawa, Somalia, and Jericho Garrison. He was also proud to serve during Operation Peregrine in 2003, as one of more than 2,600 Canadian forces personnel mobilized to help fight the 800 separate forest fires overwhelming British Columbia. He retired from the forces as a sergeant in 2005, and continued as a federal public servant until 2010.
Tony was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Toronto Argonauts. He loved skiing, trips to Hawaii, Italian food and lobster, Monty Python, whiskey, and an excellent glass of red wine. He had a wonderful sense of humour, was a kind listener, and loved his family.
He battled multiple myeloma for 14 years, always with a hopeful outlook and without complaint. When faced with an obstacle, he persevered.
Tony was predeceased by his parents and his sister Lynda. He is survived by his loving wife Kara; his children Maressa (Tony), Olivia (Rob), and Mackenzie (Carol); his brothers Malcolm (Janet) and Laurence (Sandra); and his adoring nieces and nephews, Diana (Rod), Denise (Martin), Laura (Layne), and Reid (Amber).
His family would like to thank Dr. Nardia Strydom and Dr. Kevin Song for many years of dedicated care, and Dr. Lauren Daley at St. John Hospice for her attention and kindness.
A memorial service in celebration of Tony’s life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Myeloma Canada or the Royal Canadian Legion.
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.
Such an awesome human. So many laughs and good times together. I miss you, Uncle Nony. What wonderful memories you left us.
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful person.
Uncle Tony never missed a birthday, or an opportunity to make you laugh, feel loved, or to dismiss something negative and replace it with a smile or chuckle. He was brave, kind, had a fabulous sense of humour, and was so easy to be around. He was one of my favourite people. I adored him. We will miss you terribly, Uncle Nony. Rest peacefully, you have earned it.
Such an extraordinary man, from an already incredible family. I am very grateful for his service, know how much his family loved him, and only wish I could have met him in real life and asked him, “what was the wind velocity of an unladen sparrow?” Deepest condolences and sympathies to everyone.
I have often wondered why the nicest, most pleasant and loving people leave us at such an early age.
Met Tony a few times over the years starting at a Christmas party in the early 60s at my home in Newmarket.
I noticed his great sense of humour right away. Such a nice person to meet … very friendly.
Tony has boarded his last train … destination HEAVEN.
Remembered with respect and admiration especially for his courageous fight and for serving Canadians.
Alan Armstrong
Dear Kara,
Our sincerest sympathy on the passing of Tony. Marlene sent us his obituary. He must have been a wonderful husband, father and all around great guy.
As you are probably aware, our dear Greg died in 2007 from complications of multiple myeloma at the age of 34. He was 26 when he was diagnosed and was the youngest recorded at that time to have mm.
Treasure the memories of your life together.
Fondest regards,
Ruthie & Angus