28-11-1956 to 17/11/2023. Tony slipped away in the early hours of Friday 17^th November, 11 days short of his 67^th birthday. As his life partner, Sharon McCusker, the light of my life has been cruelly extinguished. He fought bravely, hanging on to life, but this was one battle he would not win. Strong of intellect, and personality, he approached life head on, but had a softer side. This gentle giant loved our pets; they were family and they adored him. He would always say, “Go home to Binny” when I left. Hope you catch up with Tess, Rose, Hazel, Little Boy, Fluffy, Skinny, and Fifi. A much loved only brother of Caroline, Anna, and Elizabeth. Only son of the late Maria and Arie Versluis, who left Holland post war for a new life in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where Tony was born. At two years old, he and the family emigrated to Invercargill, (and) then to Christchurch, where he lived out his life, with a passion for engineering.

Tone, we will never get to take that return trip to Holland, and South Africa, your birthplace. Your loss will leave a great void in our lives. My family, Peter, Sally, Richard, Michael, Katherine, and Emma share my devastation and deep sadness. Thank you to Rose, Alfie, and Ruby for their doggy visits which brought him smiles and joy through the pain. One last thumbs up from Tony to all those who cared for him at Nurse Maude Hospice.

‘You flew high in life, soar like an eagle and
watch over me – and Binny
your beloved tortie.
She’s still looking out
for you’

Messages may be addressed to The Family of the late Tony Versluis, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. As Tony wished, a quiet exit, no service. A private farewell has taken place.