Friends,
Please forgive our long delay, but after a long and difficult battle, complications have made the unthinkable, a reality. I'm completely heartbroken to share that our dear Tony was taken from us on Sunday afternoon at 4.26 PM.
We are completely devastated by the loss.
We still cannot believe that after the incredible battle he fought, our invincible superman was force to concede on May 4, 2008 - just 25 days short of his 62nd birthday. We take solace in knowing, that he at least passed peacefully, with his beloved partner, Ann, by his side.
It has been the most horrible two-weeks watching Dad fight so damn hard. And I know, he tried. He tried harder than any guy could, but they just kept changing the rules on him. As he conquered one thing, another problem surfaced...then another...and then another. He was fighting blood infections, bowel infections, and all their complications -- not to mention that all the while, his leukemia and Merkel Cell cancers were spreading viciously through his poor, battered body.
You know there is no other guy who would fight harder for his wife and his family - but even heros have their limits. Dad always went above and beyond and, I know, he gave this one more than his usual 110% -- but still, it wasn't enough.
How much can a man be asked to give? Well, typical Tony gave it all for us...and for that we will never forget his amazing strength, courage, generosity and love.
You been with us all along the way - the ups the downs, the highs the lows - and we can't thank you enough for your love and support. It is thanks to your words of encouragement that we have been able to cope with these very difficult times. We are especially grateful to all of your for thinking not only of Dad but of us. From emails, texts and calls, you have shared so much sage advice and words of wisdom. You have all been so concerned for our well-being -- we feel so fortunate to have such a supportive group of family and friends looking out for us.
Many of you have expressed your condolences and I just want to say how much it means to our entire family; your generous words and abundant outpouring of love for Tony has brought great comfort to us all. We will post information on his memorial very soon, here on the blog. Please help us share this information for those who do not blog or email.
In the meanwhile, the family has agreed to keep the legacy and spirit of Tony alive by asking, in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation in Tony's memory to either Magicana (www.magicana.com); or, to a yet-to-be-determined fund to benefit a racquetball-related
program or tournament in Tony's name. Because Tony's deep passion for both magic and racquetball we feel these are fitting tributes to honour his memory.
As most of you know, I'm the Executive Director of Magicana which is a charity dedicated to sharing magic as a performance art. Our site (www.magicana.com) allows you to make online donations and receive a charitable tax receipt. Funds collected in Dad's memory will be directed to a youth program to teach underprivileged children the art of magic. Though we currently do not have the details for the racquetball fund, we will post the details on this blog, and eventually, onto his website.
On behalf of my family, I sign-off with a heavy heart and with our deepest thanks,
Julie
for Ann, Sandra and Suley
4 comments:
A great man has passed from this life. He is the epitome of what the brotherhood of magic is all about. He was a friend to all and willing to share his knowledge just for the asking. He will be sorely missed.
We have lost a good man, but heaven has gotten one great entertainer. You will be missed by all who met you Tony. Thank you for all you gave, I cannot repay you for what I learned from you.
I find it hard to accept that Tony Eng has passed this level of consciences and has moved to the next. I was always taken by his generosity, patience, and encouragement whenever I met him. This rank amateur magician taking lessons in the back of his store twice a week for several years. Rushing home to practice in front of a mirror and remembering the soft spoken words of Tony.
I always recall him telling me about one evening at the Japanese Village restaurant where he was doing the flying eagles for a group of people, one person a blind man. As he was putting what everyone thought was three silver dollars into the hand of a participant and asking how many coins do you have. The person receiving them said, three but the blind man said, no, four, I heard four coins go into your hand. Tony, looked at me and said, my luck, Ray Charles with his great hearing was at my show!
I am sure Tony would want us all to laugh, but today I cry, for I have lost a great mentor and friend who has left a void in my life. Tony has done the greatest disappearing act of all, lived a great life although too short and has vanished.
Tony, I know where you are, now come down, please... the trick is over, I miss you!
May you rest in peace, today I cry but tomorrow will bring a smile to my face as I think of what a great person I had the opportunity to know.
I thank you for gracing my life with yours.
Dennis Bater
We miss you, Tony! You were a remarkable human being. You were our friend and Micheal's wonderful magic teacher. No wonder Micheal is so good. He learned from the BEST...THE VERY BEST! We cannot thank you enough for the encouragement, respect, honesty, wisdom and friendship you shared with Micheal. He will do you proud.
We are thankful every day to have had the honor of having you in our lives, not only for Magical Micheal but for all the Machek family. Pete was looking forward to fly fishing with you. Pat, well he just plain liked you, and was looking forward to camping with you and Anne again in Port Renfrew and me, well I was looking forward to being fed awesome treats at the magic lessons (ha)
You were a remarkable man. Thank you for letting us share part of your life with you.
Diana Machek
for: Micheal (Magical Micheal), Pete and Pat
Good-bye
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