Obituary of Antony John Herbert

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother and uncle, Tony Herbert. He was born in Fairford, Gloucestershire, England and immigrated to Canada in 1968, living in Ontario, Alberta and finally settling in White Rock, British Columbia. Tony graduated from Earl Marriott High School in 1985, where he met the love of his life, and future wife Cynthia Martin. He began his career as a Police Officer as a reservist with the Delta Police Force while pursuing Criminology at Simon Fraser University. Upon graduation from University, he joined the Vancouver Police Force, later to join the Abbotsford Police Force rising to the honourable rank of Sergeant. During his time with Abbotsford, Tony was a member of many different teams, and was a proven leader. Throughout his career he received multiple commendations for bravery and earned the respect of his peers. He was an expert marksman and a member of the SWAT Team. As a Sergeant, Tony’s team was his main concern and he felt it was his duty to ensure their well-being. To serve and protect was a motto he lived by and strived to uphold and teach. Growing up Tony was active in many sports, including floor and ice hockey, but his true passion was soccer where he both played and coached. Tony was a member of the Police Force soccer team where he continued to live his passion for the sport. After one particular soccer tournament, celebrating a victory, he returned home not only with a trophy, but with a tattoo of a dubious looking Maple Leaf. As an adult, Tony was a self-taught builder, plumber, electrician, mechanic, landscaper and all around handy-man. He had a tireless work ethic not only when it came to his family, but for all his friends as well. In 1991, Tony and Cynthia (Cyn) were married, soon settling in Langley where they started their family. Tony was a devoted husband, friend and partner, helping to raise two wonderful children, Kelsey and Zachary. Tony and Cyn shared a love for spending time with family and friends. They opened their home and hearts to many and touched the lives of all. Tony was a dedicated father, always putting Kelsey and Zach first. He watched with great joy and pride many dance recitals, soccer games, ice skating competitions and floor hockey. He was a great role model and his spirit will live on through his children. As a son you couldn’t have asked for better. Tony was loving, thoughtful, kind and always there when you needed him. He filled our hearts with love and pride. As a brother, he was a protector, a shoulder to lean on and a true friend. Neither time nor distance could break the sibling bond and the love that was shared. As a friend, Tony had many long-lasting friendships. He was a true and genuine ‘mate’, sharing many laughs, drinks and good-times. Tony will be greatly missed and remembered by all the lives that he touched. His spirit will live on with shared memories of laughter, fun and love. He will be survived by his wife, Cyn, his children Kelsey and Zach, his parents Geoff and Diana, his sister Vikki and her husband Dave. He will also be remembered by his extended family, Jim and Jean, Theresa and Rob , Steve and Jacqueline, Rebecca and Scott, many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. Services to be held on June 3rd at 1pm, at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly Church located at 3145 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford, B.C. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Children’s Hospital in Tony’s memory.