It is with huge sadness to have to announce the passing of Tony Lamberth on Friday 16th October. Tony made a huge contribution to CVCC over many years – as chairperson for at least 7 years and a kayak coach for many more. He must have introduced hundreds to our sport through Come and Try It sessions and general club sessions. Even when he had not put his name down for sessions he would always offer support to other coaches and always be there if a situation needed his help or advice. At Big Splash each year Tony along with Carol would run the BBQ and be happy to keep club members fed, whilst everyone else was having fun in the games. He may have been a bit grumpy at times, but you always knew where you stood with Tony, whether you agreed with him or not. He will be sorely missed by many. – Steve D
We asked some of those in the club who knew him best to share their thoughts.
I will miss our chats as we paddled down to the sea and back and his surfing tips as I walked back to the beach with my sunken boat. – Justin E
Having known Tony since last century I can say what a gentle, kind and patient person and coach he was. He had a lovely clear way of putting across skills that helped paddlers progress rapidly with his guidance. – Gordon A
I can still remember SO vividly the very first time I walked into the barn , a very strange environment being an assault on all my senses, then there was this big bloke with a smiling face who strode over and immediately Put me at ease and sorted me out a kayak . Tony , thank you for all the memories. – Nick BC
My memories of Tony go back to when I first joined the club in 2007 and he was a senior coach. He was constantly at the club – I hardly knew a Sunday when he wasn’t there. He always had words of encouragement and advice as I was learning to paddle in different environments. He was always ready to step in and coach if the club was short – always with a cheerful smile. I remember our chats about rugby and his passion for watching the English team. He will be sadly missed. – Pat O
Tony worked for me at the Canoe Centre for many years and was one of my most reliable Instructors. He would come out to help on very short notice if at all possible and was very professional with all the groups who visited the Centre from primary schools to University Students I am very sorry as he was a good friend and colleague and will be greatly missed. – Iain P
We have known Tony for nigh on 30 years – as a fellow paddler, as coach, as a master craftsman but most of all as a true friend. We will all miss him. Sleep well, Tony. – Liz, Colin, James and Laura
WELCOMING, always.
GENEROUS with time, knowledge and experience.
STALWART of the Club.
– Stephen W
Tony has know me since I started at the club 10 years ago. He was always a happy face to see around the club for me the best memory I have of Tony is that he would every morning that I was down come up to me and give me a hug and ask if I’d had a good week. He was always a happy person to have around. He will be missed by many. – Megan E
Tony’s paddling legacy will continue for many years to come by those he introduced to the sport, and those he coached – many who have gone on to become coaches. Thoughts are with his family at this time.
If you would like to add your own message to this post please email the committee – info@cvcc.org.uk with your message.
