Anthony 'Tony' Lovell (29 Sep 1931 - 15 Jan 2023)

In loving memory of Anthony 'Tony' Lovell who sadly passed away on 15th January 2023.

Relatives and friends are all invited to Tony's Memorial Service to be held - 1.30 pm, Monday 27th February 2023 at St. Mary's Church, Boreham Road, Great Leighs, Chelmsford, CM3 1PP .

Friends are invited to a wake in Tony's memory at the Pakwaan Indian Punjabi Restaurant, 1 Bridge Street, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM1 3EY from 2.15 pm, Monday 27th February 2023. Family will join friends after they leave the Committal Service.

For Tony's family, there will be a short Committal Service, for him - 3.00 pm, Monday 27th February 2023 at the North Chapel of Chelmsford Cemetery and Crematorium, Writtle Road, Chelmsford, CM1 3BL .

Anthony George Peter Lovell -

Tony was born in Murree, India, on the 29th September 1931.His father was stationed there whilst in the 13th/19th Hussars of the British Army and his mother, a Children's Nanny. Before the 2nd World War his father’s regiment returned to the UK. His father was posted as the Regimental Sergeant Major to the Scottish Horse Regiment at Dunkeld. Tony, with his family including sister Angela, spent the war years in Lanarkshire, Scotland whilst his father served, from D-Day in Europe.

Having started his senior education in Lanarkshire, Tony later attended Aylesbury Grammar School. In July 1948, was awarded the Oxford School Certificate for his educational efforts. Tony was described by his Senior Master as being of, "pleasant manner, works hard and conscientiously. He is trustworthy, honest and truthful. He can be relied upon to do his best." These comments would echo throughout the rest of his long and illustrious life.

Shortly after leaving Grammar School, Tony joined the 12th Royal Lancers. He worked diligently in training and was awarded 66th Intake 'A Squadron' Best Recruit. In 1951 the 12th sailed for Malaya where it was employed for three years on security duties, during which time Tony saw action in the jungle on a number of occasions. On its return from the Far East the Regiment, with Tony, was sent to Germany.

Tony met his wife to be, Kathleen, whilst stationed in Germany. The couple married in ‘Kathy’s’ home town of Oldham on the 19th December 1955. Shortly after the start of their marriage, Tony having served 7 years in the army, was demobilized, at which point he was to join Her Majesty’s’ Customs and Excise. In the early years of his service, Tony was stationed at both Fleetwood and Manchester Airport. Whilst in Lancashire, Tony and Kathy started their family. First born was son Simon, in 1957; and daughter ‘Suzie’ in 1958.

In 1965 Tony was to be promoted and appointed as an Officer of Customs and Excise, by which time the family had moved to Chelmsford, Essex. Tony became a member of the HM Customs and Excise Drugs Investigation Division. Through the 1970s and 1980 he was to be involved in a number of large, far reaching and high profile investigations to fight the importation of drugs into the UK. This service was to see him travel to many countries, including Brazil and South America, the USA and India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In 1986 Tony was appointed by the British Government the first Drugs Liaison Officer for India and Pakistan, from New Delhi. Whilst living in the country of his birth, he was to travel widely, obtaining intelligence and to assist HM Government and law enforcement agencies fight the illegal drug trade. He returned to the UK in 1990. On his return, he served with the National Drugs Investigation Unit and the National Crime Intelligence Service in London until his retirement, on the 31st March 1995. Throughout his service, Tony was recognised as being a dedicated, keen and very competent senior investigator; prepared to run operations to get the best results possible. But also having the interests of his staff at heart.

Following retirement Tony lived in Great Leighs, Essex with his loving wife Kathy until her death 10 years ago. He was a keen golfer for many years and was a long serving member of Chelmsford Golf Club. Tony was a devoted family man, being a constant helpful and loving presence in the lives of his son and daughter to the end of his life. Tony continued living in Great Leighs, with help from his daughter, neighbour's and the staff of Farleigh’s Hospice until shortly before his death from bowel cancer. He will be forever missed by his daughter Suzie, his family and friends, from around the world.