Anthony RATCLIFFE Obituary

Un incroyable homme de cirque qui était toute sa vie. Nous venons d'apprendre son décès et c'est une grande tristesse. Il est venu 2 fois en nouvelle Calédonie avec ses animaux en contrat avec mon père Gilbert THONG, lui-même décédé en 2016. Malgré les 2 années passées, j'aimerais transmettre mes amitiés à Vicky et à toute sa famille. Que de grands souvenirs. God bless all his family.

Dad, I know you did the best you could with the hand you were dealt. You and I were so similar, two burning hot flames too stubborn for anyone to put out. Wether I like it or not I am my fathers daughter made up of my mothers looks I've been looking at photos of you with Michaela and Gabriale, your cheeky grin showcasing the absolute joy you had being a father. Know you are not forgotten Michaela and I laugh about memories we have of you daily. I wish we could all laugh together now. Sleep easy dad.

Tony i have fond memories Gala Street Invercargill with Invercargills Master Frank Stapp . THE GAME'S STILL ON MASTER . Rest in peace

My Condolances to you Vicky and your family take care Tony will be greatly missed you are legends.

R.I.P. Tony a great friend for 53 years will miss our over the water talks.

Farewell Tony.You will be remembered by your Karere Cousin and family.

So sad to hear you're gone now. I enjoyed your circus so much & it was an awesome experiance meeting Jumbo & the lions & doing trick riding on the horses in the Manawatu.

Condolances to Vicky and all the Ratcliffe family.Many discusions and Laughs had over a Drink or two when our paths crossed.Memories i will allways cerish and Keep.Tony thanks for the welcome you allways gave us,RIP With your Loyal Friend Jumbo Kathy and Ricky

Thank you for your kindness & sharing your wisdom
of life & knowledge & love of elephants with me. Rest In Peace with your beloved Jumbo.

You brought joy, happiness and laughter to all who met you; you will be sorely missed by everyone

Thankyou for the great memorys Tony.The Travel ,the experience of performing with the circus,going overseas with the circus and all the rides on Jumbo.my thoughts are with you and your family. RIP Tony.

Thanks Tony and Vicki for allowing me to spend time living a childhood fantasy. Your hospitality was very much appreciated. Memories never forgotten.

Dad,

It's hard to turn the page when you know that you will not be in the next chapter. You are very much loved and missed. Thank you for making me laugh, even when your time was coming to an end. I love you.
Michaela.

You were and still are a legend Tony and we all know how much joy and laughter you bought to many thousands of children and adults througout New Zealand and further afar your work has been truly done and now its time for you to rest Tony with heaps of love from your dear friend Will xxx

Gone but never forgotten to Gods big circus in the sky
Reunited with Jumbo and Terry

I was saddened to hear of the passing of my mate for many years Tony Ratcliffe.
My first meeting with Tony was in Taumarunui when we were both about 15 years old.
As the circus train was pulling into Taumarunui siding, A young fella riding a black and white pony approached Mervyn King and myself and said, "do you have any jobs Mr?" Mervyn said "can you look after horses?" Tony said I sure can."
Mervyn said to me,"you've got yourself a mate and from that moment on we were good friends. That was Tony' introduction to circus life. And he loved every minute of it.
Some time later Tony said to me,"one of these days, I'm going to own my own circus." I thought he was joking but he was true to his word. Tony Loved the circus and in particular he loved his Elephant, Jumbo.
We also worked together at Wellington Zoo for awhile. In February this year my wife Pat and I were taking a cruise to N Z.
It was an opportunity to see my old mate again. We made a time to meet at the port of Wellington. Tony was unwell at the time and due to a medical appointment we had to cancel our meeting. I'm sorry we didn't get to see him and Vicki, one last time. I've got many good memories of our younger years together. Regretfully we must say goodbye to a good mate and wish Vicki and his family all the best for the future.
R.I.P my old mate. Billy Brown.

You was a great man and great friend to me and my family for over Thirty years you will be missed but never forgotten

My condolence to Vicky and Tony's family with the sad loss of a great man he will be missed but always remembered

tony will be missed his love of the CIRCUS and the people , animals great man

Sorry to hear of Tony's passing my thoughts are with you all Ann (Russell)

RATCLIFFE, Anthony Ewen (Tony). Born September 4, 1945. Passed away on August 7, 2020. Much loved Dad/in-law to Romina and Lee Cherished grandad to Sophia and Luca Our Memories we will cherish for ever Till we meet again in God's kingdom Romina, Lee, Sophia, Luca Love you xxx