In Loving Memory of Anthony Barron 1940- 2023
Tony's daughter, Rachel, has shared the details for watching the memorial service online for anyone who would like to join and pay their respects:
12:00 October 30th 2023 https://watch.obitus.com Username: vifu1879 Password: 363490
A much loved father, ice dance champion, and esteemed skating coach, Tony Barron passed away peacefully on October 2nd 2023 at the age of 83 after a sudden and unexpected diagnosis just 4 weeks earlier of advanced kidney cancer. Tony was born in Southampton on May 7th, 1940, and was renowned not only for his accomplishments on the ice but also for his expertise off it.
Tony leaves behind his two children, Rachael & Jonathan, and grandchildren Harry, Tabitha & Cosmo, along with the many friends and skaters whose lives he touched. A man of many talents, as well as his love for ice skating, Tony found joy in cooking and gardening and loved the thrill of cycling and the adventures to be found on ski slopes.
Tony started skating in the early 1950s, joining the National Skating Association in 1952. He passed his Bronze Dance in 1952 but initially concentrated on Figure and Free, competing at the Wembley Junior competition in 1955. In 1956 Tony passed his Inter Silver Figure and Free, and decided to concentrate on Ice Dance to Gold standard.
Tony competed at both Junior & Senior level in Ice Dance. Initially partnered by Iris Lloyd-Webb & Andrea Johnson, he teamed up with Christine Sleeman in 1964, enjoying success at both Junior and Senior level, representing Great Britain internationally and finishing 3rd in the British Junior Championships in 1965.
In 1965 Tony joined the judging panel for both figure and dance, and judged many of the tests of coaches still active today.
He then decided to change direction and became a coach, coaching at Oxford and Milton Keynes mainly. Amongst his pupils was Tammy Sear, whom he coached to win a British Ladies Championship.
Tony was also mentor to many coaches, who frequently sought his advice. This was always freely given, with Tony being unfailingly kind and generous with his help; he additionally advised the NISA Recreational Skating Committee, and was an active committee member for the British Ice Teachers Association (BITA) for many years.
He will be missed in Milton Keynes, his home for the last 20 years, where he was a well-known part of the Bradwell Parish community and spent many hours tending to neighbour’s gardens and litter picking in the locality.
A service to celebrate Tony's life will be held at Test Valley Crematorium at 12 pm on October 30th, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to Nigel Guilder Funeral Directors, which will go to Cancer Research UK and The National Ice-Skating Association Charitable Trust, honouring Tony's lifelong passion for ice dance.