Death Notice
Paul Anthony (Tony) Kyle, son of Dave & Mildred (Follick) Kyle, passed away Saturday, October 13, 2018 at University Hospital in London, Ontario.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 21 at the London Civic Gardens from 2-5pm, with special remembrances at 3pm.
Tony was born September 7, 1957 in Clinton Ontario. He received his MA in Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario (1982) and continued with his PhD studies until 1987. He spent most of his working life with the City of London. In 2017, he retired from his position as West Area Recreation Services Manager - Neighbourhood, Children and Fire Services, to enjoy life with his family and friends. Among his recent contributions to community building and healthy living in London are the Middlesex-London In Motion partnership and the Healthy Eating/Healthy Physical Activity Strategies of London’s Child and Youth Agenda.
Tony was an active volunteer. The organizations that benefitted from his generosity include the London Community Foundation, John Gordon Home, Royal Lifesaving Society of Canada, Canadian Red Cross Society, International Badminton Federation/Canadian Badminton Association and the Association of Aquatic Personnel of Ontario. He was a contributing author to Alert: Lifeguarding in Action. He received the Service Cross and the Bar to Service Cross from the Royal Lifesaving Society for his work in aquatics and first aid training.
Tony was much loved by Jim Bay and Dennis Pellarin; predeceased brother Steve Kyle (Pat) of Tillsonburg; sister Nancy Wells (Bill) of Tillsonburg; brother Gary Kyle (Judy) of Hensall; nieces and nephews, Rick (Tammy) Kyle (their children Breanna, Maclean and Merissa), Cindy (Shawn) Kyle (their daughter Brooklyn); Mike (Marni) Wolfe (their daughter Ava), Stacey (Steve) Hopkins (their daughter Fiona); Karie-Sue (Rob) MacLean (their daughters Allison and Olivia); Ryan (Sarah) Kyle (their sons Winston and Luke).
Memorial donations can be made to World Vision or a charity of your choice. Also, please consider donating blood to Canadian Blood Services.
Heartfelt thanks to all who cared for Tony including, especially, the staff in the Coronary Care and Intensive Care Units, as well as the members of the surgical team.
Condolences
Jen Knights
October 15, 2018, 2:23 pm
Tony was a mentor of mine when I worked with him at the City of London and is the reason I became a Lifesaving Society Provincial Trainer. I will always remember his smile and laugh. He will be truly missed.
Susan Nagy
October 15, 2018, 4:18 pm
Tony was more than my manager, he was my supporter, he empowered me and most importantly was my friend. We shared many a laugh together during our time together and he could read me like a book. I will truly miss this wonderful man.
Mary Ann Colihan
October 15, 2018, 5:46 pm
Tony was a lovely man. He was completely committed to building community in all his work and will be missed by many. I enjoyed my time with him on the grants committee at LCF. To his family and friends, my deepest condolences.
Scott Oldham
October 15, 2018, 7:00 pm
Funny story that I reminded Tony about at our last get together at Bungalow:
“Why can the ladies where culottes and I can’t wear shorts?”
Tony: “Because hairy legs are not professional Scott.”
This brief discussion enlightened me about perception and assumptions made (right or wrong) in the workplace and has been something I think about often.
Of course Tony was worried that this was his legacy with me and I replied that who I am today and where I am is his lasting impact.
Janie Romoff
October 15, 2018, 7:34 pm
What a a sad day for the City of London and the entire Kyle family. I worked with Tony for several years in London and I cannot say enough about his commitment to community, his inspiring leadership in recreation, and the many staff he mentored during his career. His integrity, ethics and of course dry wit will truly be missed.
Carol Carnegie
October 15, 2018, 9:44 pm
Tony was special. Yes, he had many accomplishments in the community, provided leadership in the building and operation of new programs, services and facilities operating in the City of London and has left a wonderful legacy for all Londoners, but what was most important to me was how humble and truly caring of an individual he was. At the beginning of every work week he touched base with each of his staff. Not only to check on what projects we were working on, but to say “Hi, how was your weekend? How can I help you?” And he truly listened. He cared. He put team first. Many of us will remember the program meetings with Tonys infamous question, “Do they really eat those incredible edible books?”
My thoughts and prayers are with Tony’s friends and family at this difficult time, and hope you are comforted knowing Tony had an incredible impact on those who knew him.
Sally Thomson
October 16, 2018, 7:42 am
Tony was an incredible mentor and coach to many of us who had the privilege of working with him. He was a sweet, thoughtful and kind man who loved his family, friends and staff. He always had something interesting to share with you and was an eager audience whenever one of us had an idea or new project we wanted to tackle. I feel very lucky to have known him.
Laurie Quinlan
October 16, 2018, 12:18 pm
Tony was never just a Manager to his team; he was a constant presence in our lives and always had time and thoughtful advice for us. As we reflect and laugh about his propensity for charts and his “punny” sense of humour, we also recall a leader who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him. His faith in me at a young age gave me the confidence to grow in my role and I would not be where I am today without his mentorship and support. I often find myself asking “What would Tony do?” when faced with tough decisions, and that will continue to serve me well throughout the rest of my career.
A man of Tony’s talents could’ve held many positions successfully. We are so lucky that he chose public service.
Gary and Judy Kyle
October 16, 2018, 7:01 pm
We know how very special Tony has always been. Very nice to see what a great impression he has made with all of his peers. Smart, loving, fun, The baby of the family. So loved. So missed. Until we meet again brother Tone.
The Francis Family
October 16, 2018, 7:42 pm
Dearest Tony, Words cannot express how much you will be missed. May you fly like the eagles and soar with angels, because that is what you truly are, an angel. God speed, dear friend, you were one of a kind. Beautiful, generous, kind, caring, loving and an amazing human being. Love you always and, forever in our hearts. Anne, Ernie, Erin and Quito
Michaela Sirbu
October 17, 2018, 2:16 pm
Farewell, Beloved Friend! Thank you for being an inspiration to me in so many ways!! Your generosity, wisdom, intelligence, fun-loving spirit, your kindness and beautiful heart will never be forgotten. Thank you for all the fun times we shared at Pilates and traveling, they will live in my heart forever. :-) Most sincere condolences to family members and friends. With Love, Michaela
Joni Baechler
October 19, 2018, 12:55 pm
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Tony. His contribution to the city was exceptional. He cared deeply about London and left a lasting impact through his many accomplishments.My condolences to his family and friends.
Duncan Minett
October 19, 2018, 2:56 pm
To say I am shocked is an understatement. His humour and gentle approach to life was inspiring. While being my supervisor, one day Tony taught me a very hard, very valuable life lesson that I still use as an example to friends, colleagues and my daughters about work ethic. He was someone I admired and respected in both a professional and personal way and had a huge impact on my life without even knowing it. My condolences and hugs to all his family and friends. I wish I could be there for the celebration of life. Much Love xo
Kathleen Eggleston
October 19, 2018, 3:28 pm
Gary and Judy,
How very painful it is to lose a brother so loved and
respected.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
We extend to you and your family our condolences.
Sincerely,
Kathleen and Craig.
Brian Hodgson
October 21, 2018, 7:41 pm
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have shared a close friendship with Tony for over thirty one years. Tony was one of my favourite people on the planet and I think it would be safe to say that anyone who knew him, loved him. I am sure we all can say that the gratitude we feel for having shared time with Tony is commensurate with the magnitude of grief and loss we are now faced with. Tony was a living example of how to live from the heart. I have not in all those years heard him say an unkind word about anyone, unless it was his own brand of subtle self deprecating humour. In fact the only thing I could say that was wicked about Tony was his sense of humour and it is the one thing among may others that I will miss the most about him. Tony had a way of teasing you with a smart allecked sarcastic comment while at the same time letting you know with a smirk and a twinkle in his eye that it was coming from a place of love. He could be childlike and silly one moment and with genuine ease become a wise old zen master in the next. Whether you knew it or not you taught me so much Tony, and although you are no longer physically with us, I feel your presence strongly. Until we meet again my dear friend! Brian Hodgson
Julie Michaud
October 22, 2018, 11:15 am
I have always enjoyed working with Tony on many occasions regarding park projects at the City of London. He was always kind and thoughtful and will be missed greatly. Last time I saw him was to wish him well on his retirement and he seemed happy with this new life chapter and looking forward to spending time with loved ones. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
Joyce Black
October 24, 2018, 10:38 am
Gary and Judy and family - sending sincere sympathy to you in the passing of your brother. I saw the obit when on the site for cousin Lou. Thinking of you all.
Lori Runciman
October 25, 2018, 4:15 pm
Remembering Tony Kyle by Lori Runciman (London Community Foundation)
LCF almost missed having Tony Kyle as part of its family. Let me share what happened.
Back in 2007, Tony began a term on our grants committee. However, for the next three years, Tony and LCF had very little engagement with each other because the grants program was in transition requiring minimal volunteer involvement.
With the end of 2009 marking the conclusion of Tony’s term, LCF sent him a thank you gift to acknowledge his willingness to serve. We regretted not having fully benefitted from Tony’s expertise. This is where we almost missed him.
But thankfully Tony was not easily bid farewell and asked to stay on as he desired more opportunity for involvement with us. We were delighted. Not sure if Tony came to regret that a little, but he faithfully remained active with LCF ever since that time becoming a strategic leader and visionary contributor to the Foundation.
During the past nine years, Tony was a member of the:
-Grants Committee until 2016 including three-years as Chair;
-Board of Directors from 2014 -2016;
-Visioning Task Force in 2014; and
-Community Mobilization Committee from 2017 to present.
It was Tony’s analytical thinking that enhanced key strategy and criteria for the Community Vitality program.
It was Tony’s insights that inspired a change in the Community Vitality program’s administration to a more proactive and collaborative approach.
It was Tony’s gift of public-speaking that LCF relied on for its main events such as the Community Vitality workshops and the Annual Celebration.
It was Tony’s vision and astuteness that helped form LCF’s 10-year strategic path.
Among many of Tony’s characteristics, he was incredibly thoughtful giving impeccable attention to detail.
And so Tony’s Celebration of Life illuminated the amazing person he was; from the venue to the program throughout each beautiful song and comforting word. He generously left the following gifts:
-Carpe diem
-Nurture Your Inner Child
-Plant for the Future
-Listen Well and Laugh Loud!
Without a doubt, the sound of his infectious laughter will remain in our memories.
London Community Foundation is blessed that Tony will be part of its family forever.
