Anthony John Cave (3 May 1947 - 23 Jul 2017)

In loving memory of Anthony John Cave (Tony) who sadly passed away on 23rd July 2017. A much loved dad of Alex, Dan and Laura and granddad to Oliver, Erin, Finn, Reuben and Lyla.

Tony was born to parents Freda (Joan) and John in 1947 in Winchester UK and then spent some of his early childhood in Singapore. He returned to the UK for his formal education.

His sister Pam shared these memories of Tony and 'the early years':
Tony was my eldest brother in a family of six children. He was eight years older than me and I looked up to him especially after our dad died leaving Tony to take on the roll of 'head of the family', a huge weight to bear for a teenager.
He made us, as a family very proud- having come from humble beginnings and a real struggle for our mother, bringing up six children single handed. After his formal education he trained and qualified as an architect and went on to have a successful career.
Tony was a 'fun person to be around super 'cool' as they would say these days and very handsome' he had lots of friends and acquaintances, and ADORED football and Portsmouth FC all of his life.
One memory I shall never forget is when he purchased himself a 'canary yellow Lotus Elan -WOW, he had definitely arrived!!!!!
Another lasting memory is: he was always great to his mum-and she adored him too.

He went on to marry Sue and initially lived in Southampton with her, it was in Southampton that Alex, their first daughter was born. Shortly after they moved to Springfield Road, Verwood where Daniel and Laura soon came along.
The family had a great social life, and many friends in Verwood. As the children got older they stayed in Verwood and moved to Dewlands Road, where Tony lived until he separated and subsequently divorced from Sue. The family enjoyed many foreign holidays together and have lots of memories of these special times.
He went on to meet and spend some years with Barbara.
Unfortunately in his early fifties he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and at this time went full steam ahead with his ongoing desire to live life to the full!! He bought a flat in Bournemouth and lived between this property and Thailand, for around fifteen years. During this time he lived the ‘good life’ plenty of fine wines, gin and tonics and everything else on offer!!!! He battled hard to limit the impact the disease had on his life and sought to make every day count!
Unfortunately in 2012 he returned to the UK a different dad to the one we had previously known. He was often anxious and confused and struggled to undertake basic self-care needs. It became clear he was unable to live independently and in 2013 he was hospitalised and diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. The following few years began a terrible journey for dad and us as his carers, which resulted in him, being placed in several care homes and hospital placements in a struggle to find somewhere suitable for his complex needs.

In March 2017 he moved to Fairmile Grange Nursing home and we were happy and confident to know he was well cared for in his final months. Whilst there he was also able to enjoy his beloved TV and Sky Sports again, a pleasure he was denied for so long in hospital.
Throughout these difficult last five years we will always be eternally gratefully that dad always knew who we were, and was able to recognise us…..even if he did tell us to B****r off often!
We can only hope now that wherever he is, he is laying on his sunlounger, with a G and T, and his suffering has ended.
Rest in Peace Dad love you always xxxx