While visiting with Tony's mother, brother, uncle and other family this afternoon I got a lot of stories to add to the ones I already had. His mother talked about Tony being the first to solo in a glider in his CAP cohort. She told me how he came home from his first Auxiliary meeting not sure if he was ready and she told him it was an honor and he must join. His brother David recounted how Tony always vehemently insisted they stop and help people on the roadside.
Bottom line, Tony was a Guardian. It wasn't something that he grew into in our company - it was something he WAS! Having spent time with Tony's mother I know exactly where the drive, the commitment, the honor, the respect and the devotion to duty came from. We were very lucky to be one of the places Tony's passion could shine.
Last Wednesday at our Flotilla meeting Tony got an ovation after describing his plans for the future. On the way home I thought about how much I looked forward to Tony to make Chief or become an Ensign in the coming years.
Sector Portland, Station Portland, Division 7 and Flotilla 76 will be there on Sunday to help lay Tony to rest with his family and his Harley Davidson buddies -- but as my friend Jon James said tonight "I know Tony isn't resting, he is already qualifying as a Guardian Angel." A Guardian Angel indeed.
Fair winds and following seas Tony.
Sunday 19JUL2009 1200-1600
River View Cemetery Funeral Home
8421 SW Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97219
503-246-6488
Uniform: Tropical Blue with combination covers
Anthony "Tony" Touch
Coast Guard Unit Commendation
Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation with Operational "O" Distinguishing Device
Coast Guard Auxiliary Operations Ribbon
No comments:
Post a Comment