Tony LAKER Obituary

Our thoughts are with you

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

It was with much sadness I heard of Tony's passing and my condolences to Tracey, Meg, Flynn, Alison and family.

Tony and I met at Cargill High School and we ended up cycling to school together, although by our Senior year Tony had purchased his first car a 850 Morris Minor, so we traveled in luxury from then on. A group of us from school who were keen soccer players joined Old Boys AFC as a youth squad under the tutorship for Peter de Ruiter and became a close knit group of friends that played and played up together through our school years and beyond. Soccer was always number one, but we were always doing something together, Indoor Cricket, Tennis, Holidays away, the annual Bike Tour or Partying at some Fundraising Social. And Bones was always right amongst it. Always happy and laughing and just a great guy to have around and in the group.
Tony and I also worked together at New World Ellis Rd packing groceries and I recall a visit to the office for a dressing down on the chit chat (surprise surprise).
Anyway I'm sure the customers enjoyed the banter.

Tony and I decided to combine our 20th Birthday together at Old Boys of course with a Shipwreck Theme). It was another awesome night and I have a photo (happy to share if you contact me through messenger) showing Alf trying to pass on some wisdom and the key to the door (or maybe get it back?). Tony made a reply speech of course and while I don't remember what he said, as usual the room was laughing.

There are many more other funny moments and events that I could note here and it was a great time of my life and Tony was true friend to me all of us. While he has left us too soon, he was a testament to whatever life you have, be positive and live it to the fullest. TL - LOP (life of the party!).

To Tracey, Meg and Flynn. I was so deeply saddened to hear of Tony's passing. He was an awesome guy who will leave a very big hole in the hearts of all that knew him. May the love and support of your family and friends get you through this difficult time. With sincerest condolences.

So sorry to hear this sad news. Our sincere condolences to you Tracey, Meg and Flynn. A huge loss for everyone . Sending love to you xx

Our deepest sympathy Tracey we were devastated to hear this very sad news. Unfortunately we were out of town and couldn´t attend the service but our heartfelt thoughts were with you and the family. All our love Mike and Elaine

So sorry to hear the news of Tony's passing. My thoughts are with you Tracey and family at this sad time.

condolences from Wendy and brain and nevaeh
So sad about the passing of tony laker and very upsetting and he worked at house of travel

To Tracey,Meg an Flynn,my condolences to you an your extended family,I remember Tony from my Old Boys days,infectious smile an great personality who made you laugh,R.I.P Big Guy,Fly high

Tracey, Meg and Flynn, please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences upon the very sad loss of Tony RIP Tony xx

Tracey and whanau, my sincerest condolences. Such wonderful memories of Tony's generosity of spirit, warm humour and huge support of our work at Hospice Southland in so many ways and over so many years.

Our Sympathies to Tracey and Family over the recent passing of Tony. A Great Person gone too soon.

Tony was a fantastic guy who was always supportive and fun to be around. I have many great memories of our time at Air NZ. My love and sympathy go out to Tracey, Meg & Flynn xxx

My deepest condolences to the Laker family. I knew Tony through the years of us working together on marketing Laker House of Travel at the Southland Times. Tony was one of the most incredibly kind, talented and wonderful human beings. Tony is a true Southland treasure and will be missed immensely by all. Thoughts and prays with Tracey and the rest of the family today

My first job as a 17 year old was in travel and Tony was the Air NZ rep at the time. I really looked up to him. He was so friendly and helpful and often organised a great deal on flights for my own travel. Nothing was ever a bother. I felt so sad to read of his passing and wanted to express my sincere condolences to Tracey and family. RIP Tony.

Hi Tracey. So sorry to hear the sad news regarding Tony. He was one of life's true gentlemen and I will never forget our many rugby trips away with the Stags. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the service tomorrow as I am fighting a similar situation with my own health.

God bless you all. Podge and Carolyn.

Very sorry to hear of Tony´s passing. My office calls as a sales rep were met with a friendly welcome and a positive view on life. Condolences to Tracy and family- A good bloke .

Dear Tracey, Meg and Flynn. Wonderful and happy memories of Tony, from the Air New Zealand days of yore. Tony - always a ready smile, never a harsh word, and full of good humour. A lovely colleague; fun and dedicated, taken from the world far too soon. Sending you my love. Lee

Remembering those carefree days on Windsor St. "There's a little black spot on the sun today"

A more special and open hearted person you would never meet, sadly taken from us too early.
I was privileged to have worked with and supported Tony in his formative years at Air NZ with memories that will always bring a smile to my face in his leadup to marrying a co-worker in Tracey....RIP buddy...luv DP

Our sincerest sympathies to the Laker family and friends. The Celebrity Speakers team were deeply saddened to hear the news of Tony´s passing.
We were honoured to know Tony and support him as he shared his inspiring story with so many New Zealanders. Today we remember Tony as the friendliest, kindest and most genuine person who will be dearly missed.

Ohh Tracy I just couldnt believe this. Im so sad and sorry for you all. Please except my deepest symathy to you all. The memories you all have will forever be held like precious treasures in your hearts. Sending love and strength and huge hugs. Gwen. Australia xx

My Love, Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this very sad time of Tony's passing Tracey, Meg, Flynn, Vicki and Gary and families.
Tony was one of our best. A kind, gracious man; an inspiration to us all. Taken far to young. I am blessed to have known Tony. Many great times on our building conferences. I remember the days at Cargill High when Tony was Head Boy. You will be missed by us all Tony.
"A mighty kauri has fallen"
"Fly High my friend".
"Wherever a beautiful soul has been ...
there is a trail of beautiful memories".

Desiree Crooks (nee Shannon)

On your final journey Tony, book yourself in "First Class", you have certainly earned it. It was a pleasure working with you in Invercargill at Air NZ. Rest easy and in peace.

We have very fond memories of Tony and send our deepest sympathy.

My sincere sympathies to you all. I had the fortune to go on the Rhine River Cruise with Tony in 2019 & his skills & friendliness made it memorable.

Special thoughts to you Tracey and family.

Jude Lawson

So sorry to read of Tony's passing.

My condolences to the family.

This is such sad news. Condolences to all who knew and loved Tony. Having first met Tony many years ago when he was working for Air NZ it was easy to know he would succeed in whatever he chose to do - whether in work or private life. And succeed he obviously did, never losing his positivity and sense of humour with Tracey and his family by his side. Rest in peace.

With fond remembrance of one of life's best.
With heartfelt Sympathy.
From Lesley Stoneman.

My thoughts are with Tony's family at this very sad time. He was the most amazing person to have guide and support us on our Europe trip. He was so much fun and will be sadly missed.

Deepest sympathies to Tracy,Meg and Flynn -i was fortunate enough to call Tony a friend and played football along side him for Old Boys with a great bunch of guys all of who will be hurting at this sad news - thanks for the memories of my 40th such a great night and also for the Qantas Lounge passes on my trips away! - you are and will always be a good mate of mine Dave and Libby - Blenheim

Sincere condolences and much love flowing your way following the passing of your gorgeous Tony. Such a wonderful husband, father , son and man. Taken too soon. May you cherish the wonderful memories, and find some comfort in them. Love to you all. XX

Very sad to hear of Tony's passing. He was one of a kind. I worked with Tony at TrustBank and he would always say hello whenever you meet him. Always with a smile on his face. Thoughts with you and your family.

It´s very sad to hear of the passing of Tony. He was a wonderful careing and genuine man. Him and his family were Xtra special in helping out my wife Aida and her father Jack and Christina Tamayo intergrate into Southland life when they 1st arrived in NZ many years ago , he will be missed dearly. Love to all the family at this very difficult time.

I have such a heavy heart learning of Tony´s death.... Such a beautiful Dad, husband and community figure. Tracey... we met so many years ago with your darling Flynn... your positive outlook, fun and hope were all supported by Tony. My deepest sympathy at this devastating time. All my love. Vicky Fox xx

Tracey Meg Flynn this is such a sad time for you and many others Tony was a beautiful man most generous with his time he and Tracey have taken me on the most wonderful trips all over the world I will never ever forget his cheek smile and quips RIP Tony my god be in you and with you all my love Elaine Sloan

To Tracey, Meg & Flynn. Please know you are in our thoughts & prayers. Tony was a lovely person to work with at Trust Bank. He was always happy with a big smile. Thanks for making the world a better place.

We will never forget the encouragement, support & advice that Tony gave us back in the day when we owned a gym in Conon St.
Such a wonderfully generous and positive man, you couldn´t help but be happy when he entered the room with his big smile. Such a radiant energy. Our hearts break for Tracey, Meg & Flynn. Such a loss for the Southland community. Rest in Love Tony.

Wrapping our arms around you Tracey and family with much love fondest memories of good HOT times with Tony and you
Take care all
We will be with you in our thoughts and via the link Monday
Such a great person taken too soon xxxx

My thoughts are with you all at this sad time. RIP Tony.

Our deepest sympathies to Tracey, Meg and Flynn. We had the pleasure like many Southlander´s to travel with Tony on our trip to Europe. Wonderful memories. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.

Such a big lose not only to the family but also to the wider Southland Community you have served so well RIP Tony.

Sorry to read of Tony's passing. Will be sadly missed.

Tracey, Meg & Flynn, Please accept our heartfelt sympathies. Treasure the many wonderful memories you all have. RIP Tony.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

suffer no more Tony, rest in peace. My thoughts are with you Tracy xx

What a huge loss to Tony's family, friends and the wider Southland community. I am sending lots of love and care to you all.
Tony was a huge influence when I was starting my career journey and I couldn't have had a better role model. I have always admired his passion for life and his skill at always finding the positive.
Since starting a business I have found myself often thinking 'what would Tony say?' 'how would Tony (and Tracey) react in this situation?'
I have always been and will continue to be incredibly greatful to have had Tony in my early adult life. He and Tracey both helped shape the person I am today.
I'm sure I'm not alone with my thoughts of gratitude for the priviledge of having Tony in this world.

Sympathy to all.
A great team player at Trust Bank and always a friendly helpful tip on hand when planning our travel.

Our sincere condolences to Tony's family, friends and work colleagues. We always enjoyed the travel seminars, his passion,, skill and enthusiasm. Commitment to family and community threaded in to everything he did.

Tracey, Meg and Flynn, Vicki and Gary, We are so very very sorry for your loss. Tony was an amazing man, full of life, full of vitality and a wicked sense of humour! He was an inspiration to many and a very proud father of Meg and Flynn. He absolutely adored Tracey - you all will be reeling from this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love, Chami and Asitha

With deepest sympathy Tracey, Meg & Flynn on your loss of a incredible, inspirational man, Tony fought a very tough battle with dignity & strength, now at peace pain free. My thoughts & love are with you during this challenging time.

LAKER, Tony:


You booked your trip way
too soon. We trust you got through customs OK.
May there be plenty of good IPA's on tap in the Koru lounge up in the sky.

A great friend we are so proud to call ours. We miss you mate. Ali and Gregg, Bronnie and Bryan, Debbie and Brian and all our kids.

LAKER, Tony:



The Skinner, Ward and McMaster families extend our heartfelt condolences to Tracey, Meg, Flynn, the Popham and wider Laker families. Tony has been a friend and a source of fun, strength and inspiration to us all. We have many great memories of Tony, celebrating life and family milestones with us over 30+ years, thank you for sharing him with us. We will continue to celebrate his life with you every step of the way forward.
Much love to you all.