Anthony Thomas Ford Curnow was born 7th January 1949 in Stoke Orchard to Violet and Wilfred Curnow and became baby brother to Dorothy, Margaret and Colin. He lived his early years mainly in Bishops Cleeve, spending a brief period in Liverpool. He moved to Tewkesbury in 1968. Shortly afterwards he met Margaret Green. He married his “wonderful Margie” in 1970 and enjoyed almost 40 years of the most amazing marriage. He was a devoted father to his two children, Mark and Ruth. It’s fair to say that the passion of music lived in Dad. After picking up a guitar and teaching himself to play at age 11, he never put it down. In the early 1960’s with his brother Colin he joined a band called The Neutrons. In the 1970’s Dad and Colin were part of several bands including Eleventh Edition, Korpus Kristie and the John Steve Sound. During this time Dad met another musical partner, Smithy, who became a lifelong friend. They enjoyed playing many local and national venues supporting acts such as Leslie Crowther and Eddison Lighthouse. After 20 years of not performing in a group Dad, Colin and Smithy got together to form Sapphire. They provided music and entertainment for many people up until the end of 2008. Dad is probably best known in Tewkesbury for being a driving instructor. It was a job he put his heart and soul into ,providing professional tuition. He served Tewkesbury for 33 years only finishing work 3 weeks before he died. He became a driving instructor in 1976 working with Pittville Driving Academy. After a brief period of working with Colin as part of the Mobile School of Motoring he went alone as ATF Curnow Driving School. His first car was a blue Vauxhall Viva. Where Dad’s heart could really be found was within his Christian belief. Dad became a Christian in the mid 1970’s. His heart remained for Jesus and he kept his belief and joy at all times even in the last hours of his life. He served in many churches using his passion for music within the church. He organised many worship teams and ran many youth groups. He really had a heart for young people to help them grow and mature within the Christian faith. He had a heart for the greater community too. Within the last few years he volunteered at night supporting and speaking to the homeless as part of inner city projects. He lived most of his adult life in Canterbury Leys. He moved there with Mum at the same time as many others who still live there and with whom they have become lifelong friends. His heart for the community resonated through his actions as he helped to organise and participate in many community events including firework displays and BBQ’s. During the floods, with his inflatable boat, he transported people and delivered shopping to those who were stuck in their houses. He was the man who would do anything for anyone and do it well The man who laughed hysterically every time at programmes such as ‘Dad’s Army’ and ‘Laurel and Hardy’ The man who genuinely loved God, his family, his friends, his community and his job. The man who could rebuild a car, install a kitchen and basically fix anything The man who saw selfish gain as empty and unfulfilling, but delighted in the joy of giving to others. The man who succeeded in much more than he ever knew or would ever admit to. The man I give thanks to for having such an amazing life with. The man I shall never forget. The man I am privileged to call my Dad.