Tony Wilson
With sadness I share that my father, Tony Wilson died on Friday June 2, 2023 at home. He was diagnosed with a blood cancer, multiple myeloma, in May of 2019. It didn't bother him much until May of 2022, when his symptoms worsened and he began a steady decline. Thank you to all who have reached out to us already, your condolences have been comforting.
A memorial service is being planned for 1PM Saturday, July 8th in Des Moines, WA. Further details will be forthcoming and shared here. Contact ben@amwilson.org with questions.
I'm sorry to hear about Tony's passing. I was one of the adjunct professors that he hired to teach government documents. Tony was one of the hardest working teachers I knew and a good friend. Big hugs to his family during this time.
ReplyDeleteI had the distinct please of calling Tony, friend and colleague for almost forty years. I am saddened by his passing and my heart goes out to Laurie, Ben, Kim, and the entire family. Over the years we worked together at a campus in Washington, the American University of Les Cayes in Haiti, and Eastern Mediterranean University in Famagusta, Turkish Cyprus. Tony's professionalism and competent skills sets improved library and computer lab operations and productivity in each of those diverse environments. Our last interaction was a few years ago when he flew down to Florida to go wild hog hunting. Yes, he got one and carried it back home to make sausage. Tony was a true renaissance man: loving father, husband, and grandfather; professional librarian; farmer/rancher; hunter, poet, and computer tech. I'm sure I've missed some of his skill sets and advocations.
ReplyDeleteI miss Tony, his worth, and the good he brought to this world.
Dave
David Gary Tucker, EdD
Tony Wasa wonderful
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I met Tony when our paths crossed while serving on the Des Moines Library board together for awhile - and then I was pleased to bump into him again at the South King Tool Library. He always had good ideas and I appreciated his dedication to serving our community. I'm glad to have known him.
ReplyDeleteBarbara McMichael
As the former Executive Director and current Strategic Advisor to the WA Library Association, I extend my deepest condolences to Tony's whole family. He and Laurie were perennial figures at our annual conferences right up until the pandemic, and were always a delight to visit with and they always held hands. Tony kept in touch regarding library and association matters of importance, and he was usually right! The last time I saw them in person was when Tony was awarded the WLA Emeritus Award in October 2019. He was very proud but he'd fully earned it. I and WLA will never forget him. ~Kate Laughlin
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to Ben, Mary and entire family, it is so so sad to hear this bad news😭😭😭😭😭😭, I have been a caregiver of Tony and Mary and we made a great bond together until they felt me like their own daughter. Every time when I was lonely in my apartment I used to chose to go to work and take care of them, spending time with Tony and Mary was not just a job for me but I felt to be with my daddy and mom, their laughter, joy and love they had for me, was psychological treatment to me and that made me felt a human being like others. Tony was so thankful every time he used to receive care, the first day I had this information of his los I couldn't sleep😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 May the LORD rest his soul in peace😭😭😭😭😭, may the LORD give a comfort to Mary, Mr and Mrs Ben, Tony grand daughters, other family members, their neighbors and friends😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
ReplyDeleteI met Tony when he joined ADTA and he had been a great mentor and friend in these last 12 years. He was always willing to help, give advice, and share what he has. We miss his insight and philosophical views on matters of state and 2A concerns. Our condolences to the family.
ReplyDeleteI met Tony when I joined the ADTA in 2012. He had kind of a dry sense of humor and was a very likable person. He was dedicated to the mission of the ADTA and helped and mentored a lot of people along the way. He will be missed. Godspeed Tony.
ReplyDeleteBen, Kim and family, and Laurie~ words elude me now. Of course I've known Tony for a very long time. A time before he and Laurie married. He was always soft spoken, a man of few words but always the right words. A man of very high intelligence grown out of his humble beginnings on the farm in the Kittitas valley. He and Laurie were meant for each other and certainly defined the term "soul mates" to a T. I remember the wonderful service he did when Gram (Laurie my mother's mother) passed. I doubt anyone but Tony could have done such a heartfelt, fitting service. I'm so sorry I won't be able to attend his services. - Tom Wells
ReplyDeleteI should have worded the sentence about Gram's service differently. Gram was Laurie's mother as well as my mother Betty's mother.
DeleteAs a student at Highline Community College, I had the good fortune of having Mr. Wilson as my "boss". He was such a kind man with an awesome sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteDuring my time working at the Highline College Library Tony was a kind and good friend. Tony was kind enough to allow me to teach in the library technician program. When the Library Journal asked him to publish an article about the history and future of training for library technicians he was kind enough to let me co-author with him. Laurie was kind enough to competently proof read that article. Tony was also kind enough to preside at my wedding with my good wife Linda.
ReplyDeleteI will always be thankful for the friendship of Tony.
Got to thinking about Tony and the wedding he officiated for us on this day 45 years ago. Great guy and I expect he enjoyed the 6 pack we gave him in payment. My wife and I met while students in the Library Tech program and were fortunate to have Tony for several classes. I only wish I'd had a chance to take one of his bread making courses!
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to Tony's family.
Thank you for your note! He continued to bake bread for the rest of his life...
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