IT was with sadness and shock that people in the surrounding villages of Corse heard of the passing of Mr Anthony (Tony) Houldey, aged 70, who died at Gloucester Royal Hospital following a stroke at his home in Bromesberrow Heath.

Tony was born at Green Farm, Hartpury, Corse into a large family of ten brothers and sisters. He was educated at Corse Church of England School and Newent Grammar School. On leaving he began work on the farm, before moving onto lorries and eventually building up a very successful haulage business. He and his future wife Muriel met at a dance in Castlemorton, and were married at Ashleworth Church in 1954.

They moved to Grangebrook, Corse in 1960 where they brought up their three daughters Jill, Ann and Jennifer and from where he ran his haulage business.

Tony was a very keen sportsman. He was a boxer in his younger days with the Forest Cadets Boxing Club, and was also a keen Cross Country runner, being a member of Cheltenham and County Harriers. His other interests included steam engines, and he was a great car enthusiast, being a member of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. At the time of his death Tony was still president of Gloucester City and Sporting Club, and a member of Lord Taveners which he had been for over 40 years.

Moving from Grangebrook, Muriel and Tony lived in School Crescent, Corse for 14 years before finally moving to Bromesberrow Heath where they have lived for the past 3 years.

The funeral and service of celebration for his life took place at St. Margaret's Church, Corse on Saturday, July 26, conducted by Canon John Evans.

The church was filled to capacity with family and friends, with many people standing in the churchyard where the service was relayed. Tribute was paid to Tony by his friend of many years Roddy Smith and by Canon John Evans. Both spoke of his life, his warmth and affection, a quiet unassuming man of integrity who would be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Burial followed in the churchyard, where he was laid to rest just a few fields away from his birthplace.

Deepest sympathy is extended to Muriel and her family in their great loss. Donations in memory were given for St. Margaret's Church, Corse and The Stroke Association.