Tony Rawlinson 25.10.1944 – 27.5.2020

Tony Rawlinson grew up in the West Country. The eldest child of Reg and Mavis Rawlinson. Jane his only sibling came along 11 years later. Tony loved the West Country and the life of sea and fresh air, spending time with his Dad on a little sailing boat that they owned. Tony had a deep love and respect for Reg and Mavis and a special relationship with Jane, loving and taking care of his little sister, also with Jane’s two sons Mathew and Mark as they were growing up. Both now married. Mark to Hannah with Laurie and Rowan and Mathew to Denise with Emilina and Milianna.


At age 11 he gave his life to Jesus when he heard from a man called Ray of the way to salvation. Ray used to run an after school football club and took the boys under his wing, sharing his house and biscuits along with the Good News of Christ. Tony’s commitment was a true one and as he went on to choose a career in teaching he made R.E. his main subject. About the same time, Tony, whilst on holiday in Blackpool, begun his life long support of Blackpool Football Team. Never wavering in his dedication to the boys.
Tony’s early years in teaching were at the Grange School in Aylesbury.
Arthur Sara recalls:-

“We had some really great times together. He and I were appointed at the Grange together at the same time as Toni Redman and for almost two years the three of us shared a house, played rugby together and were constant companions. Tony was my best man although it seems almost strange to call him Tony as he was known as Rock or the rocket in those days due to the fact his parents lived in Rock Cornwall and he was a winger for Aylesbury first team and set off with the ball like a rocket. I think the thing I would mention is our faith. Tony was a Methodist Local Preacher and so am I and in the knowledge of God’s saving grace I can thank God that I knew Tony Rawlinson and that he was my friend.”

He was a keen sportsman and through his early teaching years he was involved in prison reform, visiting prisoners and using his teaching skills.
Now married to Alison and with his two beloved children Ellen and Ben Tony led a busy life teaching and preaching the Methodist Circuit. His sermons were well loved and he was known as the greatest story teller, with clever insights and humorous anecdotes. He loved his God and that love and devotion was a constant source of blessing and encouragement to all who heard him speak.

Tony secured a teaching position at Bromfords School Wickford, Essex, where he soon became Deputy Head and taught for 27 years. On Tony’s retirement the Head writes:-

“When I came here in 1998 you made my transition as Head Teacher at Bromfords an easy one. You have given me unstinting support in leading the team of staff towards success. The school’s two Achievement Awards are in part your achievements and are a result of your quiet and calm encouragement to me and to staff. I have always had complete trust in your judgment, been assured of your support and had absolute faith in your integrity as Deputy Head.”

When sadly his marriage to Alison was dissolved, the children now moving on to university, he devoted himself to his teaching. Some time later he attended New Life Church who were hiring the school hall at the time. Meeting his second wife Susan who came with a ready made family, Suzanne and Diane, two girls that Tony had taught in the school.

Then began the years of the new wine where he found a deeper relationship with his God and loved again, helping to support the family and see the delights of grandchildren. The children all getting together for birthdays and Christmas whenever possible. Now with four children and four grandchildren. Liam, Toby, Imogen and Ethan, he loved them dearly.

Tony was a very brave and gracious man. He will be greatly missed.