Obituary – William Anthony Essex “Tony”

William Anthony Essex, fondly known as Tony to his family and friends, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Saviour on Saturday, June 1, 2024 in Hospice House, Kelowna at the age of 74, after a lengthy struggle with a condition resulting in liver failure. He was predeceased by his wife Marlyse in 2015, his father William (Bill) in 2009, and his younger brother Michael (Mike) in 2007. He is survived by his mother, Sheilah, age 99, his brother John (Mary-Ellen), and his sister-in-law Pamela Essex (Haydn Acheson). He is also survived by three stepsons Wade (Heather) Nicholson and their children Riley (Emma), Kyle, and Amy (Sam) of Salmon Arm, Boyd (Bev) Nicholson and Dean Nicholson, of Fort St. John and brother-in-law Doug (Gail) Parker, sisters-in-law Cheryl (Ralph) Likes and Sandy Parker, together with nieces, nephews and many other much loved family members. Tony was particularly overjoyed when he was blessed with a great-granddaughter Alyssa, thanks to Amy and Sam.

Tony was a well-educated, credentialed minister and leaves a rich legacy of service in both the Anglican Church of Canada and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, having held pastorates in both denominations over a 35-year period. His last place of service was at Princeton Pentecostal Church, where he ministered for ten years, before retiring to Kelowna. Tony remained very productive during his retirement years by freely sharing his pastoral gifts as appropriate. He strongly believed we should not die before we die, but we should continue to use the gifts that God has endowed us with. He sang with his friends who led worship for Sunday morning services at Evangel Church and at the Mission Springs Church of God. He ministered on a team that presented a church service twice a month for the residents of Missionwood Independent Living Complex. He officiated at funerals. He led a weekly prayer group and often expressed that his major calling in life was to pray for others. He frequently visited shut-ins and those in hospital. He loved the Bible and studied it regularly to gain a new perspective on 21st century issues. He could discuss both complex and simple ideas that confront everyone on this planet.

Everyone who knew Tony described him as a man of humility and kindness, who was scholarly in his field of study. He always provided generous interpretation for the foibles of others. By his example he taught us all how to dwell on what matters the most, simply by being a conduit of love to the world around him. Even as he struggled with end stage liver failure, Tony exuded contentment and gratitude in the difficult circumstances, never complaining about his pain and suffering. The fruit of his gratitude was freedom from fear of death. To him, death was no big deal! He believed even the end of our lives was to be celebrated. In the last few months of his life Tony and his friend Anne presented two public talks—the first on Dying Well and the second on Heaven: A Real Place—Our Final Home. Tony did not want to waste this period of degeneration, pain, and suffering, but wanted to serve his Lord until his very last breath.

How do you sum up a life like his? Tony modeled excellence as a disciple of Jesus, demonstrating humility. He was more interested in serving God and others than in seeking his own comfort, esteem, and achievement. He challenged all who knew him to live at their best by his quiet, modest example of service. As we watched him suffer in his final days, we were all challenged to rise above the circumstances that beset us. He was an inspiration until he took his last breath. He finished his days on earth strong and well in spirit. Now Tony has entered into the joy of heaven and has been given the crown of righteousness that the Lord Himself will bestow on all the faithful.

Tony was very thankful for the wonderful medical team that served him in his final days. He expressed gratitude for his GP, Dr. S. Motsiri, his gastroenterologist, Dr. P. Michieletti and her amazing administrative assistant Heather Mills. He was grateful for the excellent care at KGH Palliative Care and the Kelowna Hospice House. In the last nine months of his life, he was especially grateful for the help of his caregiver Cheryl and his dear friend Anne Rauser and her family, and the myriad of other friends and his family from out of town who took time to visit him and care for his needs.

A Celebration of Life Service followed by a celebratory tea will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 1:00 p.m. at Mission Springs Church of God 3705 Mission Springs Drive, Kelowna, BC to remember the life of Tony, with Pastor Rod Tribiger officiating. Everyone is cordially invited to this Celebration of Life. As Tony often said, “Everyone is welcome to the table. Everyone belongs.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Canadian Liver Foundation.