Tony Dewey, who was well-known in the timber industry, died peacefully at his home on October 3. He was 79.
After completing his national service Mr Dewey was commissioned in the Royal Artillery, spending much of his two years in Hong Kong. For many years he served as an officer in the TA.
After discharge he began his long career in the timber trade at Montague L Meyer Southampton where, as a young man in his early 20s, he was given the job of building a sheet materials business from scratch. This he did with great success and soon became one of the characters of the trade.
At the height of his achievements Mr Dewey left the company together with Bernard Granville to open a southern office for CF Anderson. Seven years later they set up their own business, Wessex Wood Products, selling sheet materials and softwood.
After 15 years they closed the business, Mr Granville retiring to East Anglia and Mr Dewey joining Sydenhams for a brief period.
In the twilight years of his career Mr Dewey joined Tim Dobby on a part-time basis at Capital Softwood and was still working up to the time of his death. His young spirit and comradeship, not to mention his vast experience, were appreciated and he became a trusted friend to all at Capital.
Since 2000 he was secretary of the Hants and Dorset Timber Trade Association and was largely responsible for the surge in membership and the increased popularity of the annual Bournemouth dinner. At meetings his often colourful minutes were awaited with baited breath.
Away from work, Mr Dewey had many interests. He played cricket for Meyer Southampton, hockey for Trojan’s, played the occasional round of golf and enjoyed his shareholding in a racehorse. Looking after his dog, Fisher, was another of his daily pleasures.
Mr Dewey’s resilient nature and upbeat outlook helped him survive cancer during his mid 70s. He saw much of his large family and was clearly a well-loved father.
He touched many people’s lives in and outside the timber trade and will be missed by many.
Mr Dewey’s funeral was held today.
