( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( August 2022 )
TONY WILL BE mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall, Surry Hills
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
In his short 61 years with us, Tony made such an enormous impact, as a foundation player for the Newcastle Knights, he also played for St George Illawarra Dragons, was a soldier, worked in the timber industry and later worked with NSW Police Force as prosecutor and finished his career as Officer in Charge at Maitland.
Tony was self effacing and humble, intelligent, dedicated to keeping our community safe and always took time to engage with everyone.
This photo was taken just few months ago in May, at a community event to provide positive play spaces in one of our local neighbourhoods.
This little girl came up to Tony and they had a very in depth conversation where he demonstrated the very best example of community policing.
We have lost a great one.
Rest In Peace.
Helen Ping: Such sad news. He was a wonderful man. He gave my husband an award for his volunteer work he did with Raymond Terrace Police with cell watch. And also escorted my husbands hearse to the church and organised police cars to block the traffic for him to get through. He was a very nice man , my family and I will never forget him for what he did for my husband My thoughts go to his family , friends and work Colleagues.
Mayor Philip Penfold: Vale Chief Inspector Tony Townsend. Tony was most recently officer in charge at Maitland Police Station and passed in recent days after long battling cancer. I had the opportunity to spend time with Tony twice this year as he reached out to engage with our community. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and workmates. Rest In Peace.
Sonia Hornery MP: · I was shocked to hear of the passing of Chief Inspector Tony Townsend. Tony was one of the first players for the Newcastle Knights, a great police officer for nearly 40 years, and a beloved community figure. My thoughts go our to his family, friends and colleagues who are so deeply affected by his loss. Rest in peace Tony. Photo credit: Newcastle Herald
1 Across: Bloody Great BlokeMelissa Henshaw: He presented my son with his Community PBL award. Was able to have a chat with him afterwards and he was such a lovely man. Condolences & prayers of healing to his family, colleagues & friends
Kate Washington MP: · Devastating news today, with the passing of Port Stephens Hunter Police District Chief Inspector Tony Townsend. Tony was respected by all. Gone far too soon. Tony was dedicated to our community. In his own humble and genuine way, he made a difference to the lives of many. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and colleagues – I can only imagine how deeply this loss is being felt by all. We’ve lost a good man. Rest In Peace.
The Newcastle News: · Stoic, courageous and one of nature’s gentlemen. Tributes have begun pouring in for one of the Newcastle Knights foundation players – highly respected police officer Tony Townsend – after he died on Tuesday night.
Lloyd Stanimirovic: Shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Tony Townsend. I first met Tony when I worked at Newcastle Court and he was a police prosecutor. At that time (about 30 years ago) I found Tony to be such a humble man. Even when I spoke to Tony about his rugby league career, he passed it off with modesty and integrity. Last year I met Tony again after many years at the Maitland Anzac Day service. He was still humble. Earlier this year, I was helping youth at a Police operation, when some officers spoke so well of Tony. They described him as someone they could speak to about anything and trust. At this year’s Anzac Day service, Tony spent time speaking to my daughter about her interest in the Police Force. Not surprisingly, when I thanked him for speaking to Gracie and how much he was appreciated by others, Tony just smiled and passed off with humility. From what I saw, heard and experienced, Tony had a positive impact on others, something we all need. Thoughts and prayer with Tony’s family and friends.
https://www.australianpolice.com.au/vira-helen-dew/ Vira Helen DEW nee JENKINS Widow of Retired Superintendent Eric DEW # *** Local Caption *** NSW Police Legacy 7 April 2021 Congratulations to NSW Police Legatee Vira Dew, who last week turned 103! Vira was one of the first policewomen to work in the Newcastle area. After retiring at the age of 56, she lived on a farm in Maitland with her husband, retired Superintendent Eric Dew, for several years. Vira is pictured here with Chief Inspector Tony Townsend, Snr St Alyssa Willetts, and Det Snr Sgt Maree Maynard, who all visited to wish her well. Happy birthday Vira!
The nib Newcastle Knights extend our sincere condolences to friends and family of the late Tony Townsend, who passed away overnight.
Townsend, Knights Old Boy No.11, played hooker in the first ever team in 1988 and continued a strong association with the club through the Once a Knight Old Boys and his work in the NSW Police Force where he rose through the ranks to Chief Inspector.
Tough, resilient and one of the nicest blokes you could meet. Tony epitomised the Knights early culture, which set a standard for unparalleled later success.
He didn’t complain, despite his various health battles over many years, he just smiled and got on with life.
Rest In Peace TT, Once A Knights Old Boy. Always a Knights Old Boy.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
