Anthony ('Tony') Tharou passed away suddenly at home on Friday, March 11th. He was 100. Tony lived a rich and full life, surrounded by family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Jean, brother Henry, and daughter Kathleen. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Grace, daughter Debbie (Neal), grandchildren Jesse (Leah), Kristin (Jeff), Paul (Julia), and three great-grandchildren (Mackenzie, Annabel, and Elissa). Tony's parents had immigrated from the Basque country and homesteaded outside Castor Alberta. Tony served his country during World War II, and was stationed in the Navy at a base outside Comox. His time on Vancouver Island instilled a lifelong love of nature, fishing, and the outdoors. Tony was an avid outdoorsman and expert fisherman.
After the war, Tony worked for a time in Calgary as a policeman before working for the Alberta Pacific Grain Co. and later Cargill. In the 60's, the Tharou family moved to Lacombe where they built a home on a beautiful treed lot. Tony and Grace continued to live in that home at the time of his death.
In their retirement, Tony and Grace travelled widely - to California to square dance and golf, to Europe, Vancouver Island, and across Canada to visit friends and family. They were blessed with three grandchildren, and an expanding family tree of great grandchildren in Edmonton, Calgary, and the US. Tony remained active in the community well into his 90s - golfing, curling, volunteering at his Church, playing cards, fishing, and visiting with friends. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather in all the ways that count, and a friend to many in the Lacombe area. He will be missed greatly. The service will be held at a later date.
If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made in Tony's honor directly to a charity of the donor's choice.
Condolences may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
Wilson Funeral Chapel