John Anthony “Tony” Dyson

18 April 1936 - 16 February 2021

Tony Dyson grew up in Portsmouth and joined PGS from Boundary Oak Prep School.  Academically able, Tony (known as John at school) was also spirited, illustrated by his ‘borrowing’ a school sailing dinghy to ‘inspect the fleet’ for HM Queen’s 1953 Coronation Spithead Fleet Review.  Unfortunately, he capsized and had to be rescued.  Although Tony is not listed on the academic honours boards, in the Easter of his final year he won a flying scholarship and passed his solo pilot’s licence in a Tiger Moth, ahead of his A’ Level exams.

From school he opted for National Service, joining the RAF and becoming a Pilot Officer. A burst eardrum put a stop to his flying, and a possible career in the RAF, and instead his service was spent as a Radar Supervisor watching for soviet planes from over the North Sea.  He then took up his place at the Royal Veterinary College in London and, in 1960, before qualifying, he married Mary Davies, a Portsmouth High School girl.  

Having qualified, Tony and Mary and their growing family moved to Cornwall in 1964, via Kent and Somerset.  From Truro, he ran a mixed veterinary practice and loved the diversity of work, from large dairy herds to small-holdings and small animal work. One of his clients was his brother David (OP 1949-56) who had studied agriculture at Wye College.  Tony was a talented vet, highly respected by his clients and colleagues.

In his spare time Tony enjoyed sailing, both dinghies and a yacht in which he sailed to the Scillies and across the Channel.  He was a dedicated Rotarian for over 50 years, a keen gardener, and a member of Devoran Church community.  In retirement he flexed his competitive muscle taking up croquet, enjoying the strategy of the game and camaraderie of the club.

In the summer of 2018 Tony was thrilled to return to PGS with his family, walking us through the buildings and his memories.  He loved life as a vet, tending his beautiful garden and living beside the sea in Cornwall.  He died after a short illness, leaving Mary, his four children and six grandchildren.