Anthony STONE Obituary

Anthony was one of Paul's first friends at Trentham School when his family moved from Hamilton to Upper Hutt in 1959. Paul was always welcome in the Stone household. In 1964 Paul's family shifted again but Paul continued to correspond with Anthony and in the future visited Anthony and Gaynor and family when they were transferred with the Salvation Army to different towns. In later times both of us (Paul & Ruth) have visited Anthony and Gaynor during Anthony's retirement. We were planning another visit to Anthony after a tramping holiday but sadly he passed away while we were away. We will miss Anthony who has been a good friend and an honest man of faith and action. Anthony you are now in a place better by far. God bless you.

Sincere condolences to the Stone family at this time. We knew Anthony and Gaynor very well. We were in the same Followers of Christ session, next door neighbours in Aro Street during college and our three daughters exactly the same ages as their three sons! Our lives were very much intertwined in those days. During the years since, we have enjoyed picking up our friendship whenever our paths have crossed - always with story-telling and loud laughing! Now, Anthony, enjoy your well earned eternal reward. Love and blessings to his family.

Giving thanks for the life and memory from many years of friendship. He enjoyed deep and meaningful conversations, always filled with grace and care. I last caught up with him when he visited Cuba St Salvation Army with Spirit Song a few months ago. We chatted at length, it was lovely experience which I will remember for a long time.

Praying God's peace and comfort as you share those many memories that keep in your hearts the special place Anthony held for you each. It was a blessing and great pleasure, for Garth and I, to be fellow Followers of Christ, with Anthony and Gaynor, and share continued friendship when we came together. Blessings. Mel McKenzie

Sharing in your loss, from a friend going back to Petone days. May God bless and comfort you all.

Sorry we couldn't join you in person today, however it was a privilege to be able to take part online. Anthony was a huge part of our journey to officership, he was such an encourager and his love of God was evident in all aspects of his life. Thank you for sharing your memories with us all, please be assured of our ongoing prayers in the days ahead.

We have wonderful memories of a caring friend, always encouraging, loving unconditionally and a man of God so evident in everything he did and was. We will miss his infectious smile and big heart. Kevin and Sheryl Trebilcock

We have both known Anthony all his life, as both our families were longtime friends of Anthony´s family for several generations. David remembers Anthony in his pedal car, whenever they visited. Christine remembers babysitting Anthony and Jewel while parents were at songster practice.
Anthony was Groomsman at our wedding when he was 16 years old.
Our friendship with Anthony and Gaynor remained close throughout the decades, even though we saw them infrequently. Anthony and David´s ancestors came from the same part of England, and many people thought they must be related because they were so alike. Their standing joke was that one day, they will take a `day off´, and will go to England to prove `they are not related´!
We watched the funeral on line. It was wonderful. We are both deeply affected by his passing. Thanks to God for a great friend and fellow Officer.

He was an awesome uncle to me, i will never forget him and his outrageous laugh! :)

Many memories of a remarkable man. Our paths crossed on many occasions as Anthony shared in a number of special times in our family, at Dunedin South, Brown's Bay and even a wedding in Brisbane. When we were at Camp Mahurangi, Anthony and Gaynor were our support in some tough times.
He was in many ways larger than life and at the same time humble. We appreciated Anthony and Gaynor's caring for our family especially at Brown's Bay.
Much has been said of his voice and The memory of Anthony singing "O Holy Night" just made the world stand still while you were enveloped in the words of the song.
The service today was a very true reflection of Anthony. Brendan, Gareth and Aaron together with your families did your dad and grandfather proud.
May the many many special memories of your dad, and especially the bittersweet ones of the last couple of weeks sustain you as you grieve his passing.
from Faye and Gordon

With deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared with Anthony and in the support of those who care about you. I recall my own memories of his kindness, and caring when we worked together. He touched the lives of many. His warmth, honesty and generosity will always be remembered.

Anthony today as I listened I was reminded of the impact you had in my life. When you were the CO at Lower Hutt I was very much a nominal Christian. You came to visit me at my home after I was bed ridden due to a back injury. You comment to me was, Paul I know that you need something special from God but are unsure how to bring this to you, is it alright if I pass your name to some trusted people for prayer. Not wanting to offend you I said sure. The next week you return with a letter contains a Word from God. It was from this that again committed my life to God and later attended the Training College for officership. Several years later while talking you told me that you had not supported my application to officership at the time but now was confident that my call was right. Twice you admitted to me of your doubts but still provide full support. I have never forgotten those two occasions and have tried to live by the same examples. You were never afraid to admit doubts about what to do but also never hesitated to seek out the answers for those you served. Thanks Anthony for your support over the years and your honesty. It will never be forgotten. Celebrate you arrival in heaven and reuniting with those you love God bless.
Paul H

Many blessed times and memories of Anthony and Gaynor and our sharing over the years. A good Service of Remembrance, Anthony, be at peace with Gaynor and with God. Colin & Bronwyn Burgess (Majors).

Having grown up in the Lower Hutt Corps of the Salvation Army, we have had many Corps Officers who have each made a special impact in our lives during their time as our pastors and friends. Anthony & Gaynor, thank you both for your input into our lives as young parents. We cherish the memories and the leadership & care you showed us. Sending love & prayers to your family.

Farewell to a wonderful, warm and witty man. I'll remember you with a smile.

Saying goodbye to Anthony is hard as it is an end of an era that we treasured. We first met Gaynor and Anthony when they were the Salvation Army Officers at the Lower Hutt Corps in the old location. Anthony was a great encouragement to us both and it was Anthony that encouraged Dave to become a Soldier. Then he strongly encouraged us to be more involved in the Corps, by joining the Band and the Songsters.
Our son Richard arrived while we attended this Corps and both Anthony and Gaynor loved looking after him, and he spend a lot of time with you boys.
We last saw Anthony in early August at Sommerset Village and although he was struggling with his health he was still an encouragement to us both.
Thank you Anthony, and Gaynor, for being a part of our lives.
Daphne and Dave Squire (Wellington)

We honour the life of Anthony, his great capacity for life, his sterling salvationism and his compassion for all people. Rest well Anthony. Our love always, Ian & Shirley Kilgour

Brendan, Gareth, Aaron and family. I have been thinking of you all since learning of Anthony´s Promotion to Glory. I have many memories of your dad and his encouraging words to me, his ministry, great humour, singing voice, enthusiastic support of the Army´s cricket team in Auckland and his laughter. Also the many times your parents were visiting my mum and dad and sharing a meal, and all the laughter, friendship and happy memories the four of them shared. Keeping you all in my prayers, love from Alison

Thank you Anthony for your friendship over many years and support even though we were on opposite sides of the world. Your timely advice when my faith was tested, in a letter which I retain with God's word will always encourage me. I am so pleased we were able to spend the week together when i visited New Zealand earlier this year.
Knowing your loss when Gaynor was called home I am sure you are now with our Lord and spouse and one day we will meet again where there will be no more sorrow or crying or pain.

1982 was a good year for Kay and I and our three children when we were appointed as fairly new Salvation Army officers to Dunedin North. And at South Dunedin Corps were Anthony and Gaynor Stone and their 3 boys -also new there but more experienced than us. For the next four years we were blessed to have their friendship, wisdom and support.
A highlight of our shared ministry was helping organise and be involved in The Army's Centenary, which was held in Dunedin.
Anthony and Gaynor remained very close friends over the years and we appreciated their passion for Christian ministry. Anthony with preaching and teaching and Gaynor with her organisational skills.
Brendon, Gareth and Aaron, you can remember your parents with pride in what they both accomplished.
Anthony - we will miss you heaps, but rejoice that you are now with the Lord you loved and served all your life. Without a doubt you have joined Gaynor in being promoted to Glory.
Thanks guys for loving and supporting them so well. Our prayers are with you.

Anthony who knew how to stitch a marriage together.
Our dear friend we will miss you.
Rest beside your Gaynor
Our heartfelt love

Sadly missed by his Hitchings family members in Christchurch and beyond.
A good man.