In Loving Memory of Anthony John Mackman
Friday 2nd December 2022
11.30am - Bledlow Ridge, Bledlow Ridge St Paul, Chinnor Rd, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, HP14 4AJ
(The live stream is at the bottom of this page)
Anthony ‘Tony’ John Mackman was born at home in Askett, Monks Risborough, Buckinghamshire on 8th April 1946. He was the first child of Cecil and ‘Rene’, two years later he became the elder brother to Colin. Tony grew up in ‘Cerene’ the family home in Askett, attending the local school and then going on to Wycombe Technical High School.
Upon leaving school he took employment with a specialist fastening company later joining the Fire Brigade and then working as a foreman Welder at Austin Hoys in Saunderton. The demise of Hoys led Tony to self-employment as a motor mechanic. His technical acumen, friendly personality and honest nature helped to make his business a success until his retirement in 2007.
He married Jane Walker in 1967, they honeymooned on the Costa Brava. Together they were a strong happy couple, spending much of their leisure time at motorcycling events such as trials, speedway, motocross and the Isle of Man TT. Jane and Tony had two sons, Steve in 1976 and then in 1979 Ian came along. Forever the family man Tony was a devoted husband and father, always having time for his ‘Boys’. Caravan breaks to the Dorset coast and occasional trips to Spain were always holidays filled with smiles and fun. His first thought was always for his young family whether this was with attentiveness and patience, a simple hug or plastering a grazed knee he was always there. Later this stretched to restoring old cars and building race bikes with his boys. Weekends were typically with family at motorcycle Trials events, Tony and the boys riding the sections and Jane marking scores. Tony was key committee member for the Wycombe & District MCC for many years.
The sad and untimely loss of Jane in 2002 was a huge blow to the whole family but particularly Tony. It came at a time in his life when the couple had their well earnt retirement years to look forward to and enjoy together. Despite this he continued to support and guide his boys as they found their own paths in the world and started families of their own. The arrival of grandchildren brought some joy back to his life. He excelled as a grandad to Steve’s children Jordan and Eleanor and Ian’s son Ted. They all loved him dearly as did his two daughters-in-law Lou & Jo.
In 2007 Tony started another chapter of his life marrying Anne Jones. Together they moved to a newly built house in Los Montesinos Spain. Leaving the British weather behind them for sunnier climates the couple made friends and enjoyed their life in Spain together. Unfortunately, this was cut short as Anne became ill resulting in Tony becoming her full-time carer for the last year of her life. Anne sadly passed away in Spain in 2011.
Tony continued his life in Spain, the warmer climate suited him and he made good friends amongst the Golf society and motorcycling groups he was involved with. He regularly returned to the UK to spend time with his boys and grandchildren. He also travelled to the Isle of Man each year for the TT motorcycle races which Ian regularly competed in. Tony although happy missed the love and companionship of a partner.
In 2015 while attending his niece’s wedding in South Africa Tony met Shelly Immenga. Despite living in different countries they soon became a couple. Tony split his time between his house in Spain and South Africa with Shelly. He quickly became an integral part of Shelly’s family, he was loved dearly by her and her two daughters Christine and Nathalie. His time with Shelly and her family in South Africa brought another period of happiness to his life. He continued to enjoy golf and motorcycling in South Africa just as he did in Spain and the UK. South Africa became another adopted home to Tony.
Tony’s sudden passing on 30th September 2022 while in South Africa was a terrible shock to all his loved ones in his three home countries. His love, warmth, humour and support will be missed dearly by all that knew him. This loss is truly great, rest in peace Tony. Go Well.