Anthony (Tony) Roger Brinkhurst

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Anthony (Tony) Roger Brinkhurst, on April 26, 2022 in Penticton, B.C.

Tony is survived by his loving wife of 36 years Karen Brinkhurst, along with the children he shared with Helen Brinkhurst, Ronald (Ann), Shelley (Fil), Angela (Mike) Joseph (Kathy), and Deborah (Dan). He was also a father to Karen’s son Rodney Rihela (Kristina). He leaves behind 13 grandchildren, Marco, Kristina, Elisha, Sarah, Julie, Kirsti, Kendelle, Ryan, Taylor, Nicole, Carson, Sydney and Kyle, and was predeceased in 2005 by his granddaughter Mia Alexandra Petrovic. He also leaves behind his 8 great grandchildren, Jack, Russell, Poppy, Brooks, Luke, Elyse, Mac and Marcus, all born in the last 3 years, with another on the way. We know they would have all loved to have grown-up spending more time with their special Grandpa.

He leaves to mourn his sisters Yvonne (Allen), Marian, and sister-in-law’s Colleen (Peter), Catherine and brother-in-law Don (Suzanne), and his 95-year-old mother-in-law May Magee of Penticton and their families. Tony was predeceased by his parents, Roger Brinkhurst, Gwen and Terry Hodge and his brother Barry, along with many other relatives. He was predeceased by Karen’s twin Carol in 2018 and her brother Earl, Catherine’s husband, in 2012.

Tony was born on June 7, 1941 in Chelwood Gate, Sussex England to Gwen and Roger Brinkhurst. He immigrated to Canada with his mother Gwen and stepfather Terry Hodge in 1947 at the age of 6. They settled in South Burnaby where he spent his childhood. He moved to North Vancouver for a few years and then it was off to North Burnaby where he raised his family. He moved to Port Moody in 1985 where he spent the next 30 years. In 2015 Tony and Karen moved to Penticton to enjoy retired life.

Tony worked as a commercial fisherman at the young age of 19 spending many days/nights at sea. In 1968 he altered his career path to spend more time with his young family. His lengthy career of 35 years was spent with the City of Burnaby in the Engineering Department, retiring in 2003.

Tony’s many loves included hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Tony loved the many visits from all the children and grandchildren and all their planned and impromptu visits to see him in Penticton. He was proud of all his children and grandchildren and loved supporting them in all their athletic endeavours. He was always on the sidelines, either coaching or cheering on the kids at their soccer games. He was very involved with the Norburn Soccer Association where he spent many years as President. In his later years he could also be spotted at the hockey arena supporting all his budding hockey stars.

Tony’s travels took him to many wonderful places including: his visits with Rodney and his family in Phoenix on many occasions, his fishing trip to Prince Rupert with his sons in 2016 for his 75th birthday, the weddings of 2 of his granddaughters in New York and Cabo San Lucas both in 2018, his cruise with Karen through the Panama Canal in 2019 and his visit to Vancouver after the cruise to spend time with all his children, and meet his first 2 great grandsons, are all wonderful family memories we will cherish.

The family would like to thank the numerous medical teams of Doctors and Nurses at Royal Columbian, Eagle Ridge and Penticton Regional Hospital who assisted with the special care of Tony in his last 13 years. With special thanks to Tony’s family doctor, Dr. Kilian, for his constant care and friendship. Tony’s dialysis team at Penticton Regional were so kind to Tony during his treatments this past year and for that the family is eternally grateful.

Although Tony struggled with health issues his death came quite suddenly and was not expected. His long-fought battle with his health took its toll on him and his strong heart couldn’t take anymore and stopped beating. Even through all his medical challenges he never complained and was light-hearted joking with the nurses up until the very end.

Although Tony did not want a formal celebration, we invite all that knew him to take a moment and remember this immensely loved man. Please raise a tall glass of Lambs Dark Navy Rum & diet coke (easy on the ice) in memory of Tony.

Soar with the Eagles, until we meet again “AND WHAT NOT”