FIRST Robotics enjoys the support of more than 100,000 volunteers. Then, there is the incredible support of Tony Paxton who loved FIRST, and what it could do for young minds. He gave it his all in every sense of the word. Words are always inadequate in a moment in time such as this, but the people he touched through FIRST, and no doubt in his other philanthropic endeavors, were enriched by what Tony strove to accomplish with grace. If FIRST Robotics was a major league sport of the mind, his team jersey for FIRST Robotics would be retired in perpetuity.

I offer my deepest condolences to Tony’s family and many friends.

Jim Utaski
Vice Chairman
Board of Directors
FIRST

One of our all-time favorite pictures at the Foundation is this one of Tony on a volunteer trip to do rebuilding work in Sri Lanka. He was such a good and caring person. Though FIRST was certainly his first cause, he gave back in many ways. I think this captures a bit of that spirit, and I wanted to share it.

Stephanie Saylor
Credit Suisse Americas Foundation

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Tony had a genuine ability to inspire those around him including myself. He was a sounding board, that people sought and looked up to. He led by example and elevated those around him.

He seemed to have an endless amount of energy and devotion to Credit Suisse and the community around him – a community which seemed to have no boundaries from where I was standing. I know his energy was endless at home too as we talked about our home improvement projects from time to time, and his were much more challenging in my opinion.

We had many great and fun opportunities together at Credit Suisse and I’m glad we accomplish much of this together. He was open to new ideas. The values he shared and his actions defined for me a man of high integrity, and one I was able to trust. He gave credit for successes to those around him and communicated success widely amongst the CS community.

Tony also had a very good sense of humor. I will certainly miss him.

Joe Gallo
Credit Suisse

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Tony Paxton the Toronto years…..

I had the pleasure of working with Tony Paxton in Toronto during his tenure at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). He was my boss. Over the years we worked through several mergers, Trading Floor renovations and many, many, many reorganizations. Tony was a uniquely talented man. Staff members were eager to follow him as he was such a great leader. He exuded confidence even in the most difficult times, and always with a sense of humour. He tackled everything with energy and bravado, worked as hard as he played, and enchanted all who followed him. Tony was the first to donate the most blood in all the Red Cross drives and repeatedly over achieved in the United Way corporate fund raisers.

His annual BBQ at the Toronto Island for his 200 I.T. staff were legendary and included his “home” made beer, which was always a favourite. We received weekly “tasting” updates months prior to the event. He had many pool parties at his home and invited his family, neighbours, staff and friends. He loved his family, work, fishing, hockey, baseball, football and even endured a few Yo Yo Ma concerts.

We celebrated in the birth of his three children in Toronto and felt part of the Paxton Clan. We truly missed them when they moved on but they always kept in touch no matter what part of the world they moved to..

He was always charming, witty, gracious, engaging and endearing and will be sorely missed.

My deepest condolences to all the Paxton’s and their family and friends.

J.J. Johnson
Toronto, Ontario

One of the last times I saw Tony we were talking about his business trip to India. He showed me dozens of pictures and spoke highly of the people he met and the things he saw while traveling on the weekends.

He recalled a dinner conversation he had with an Indian business contact. During dinner the contact said, "Tony, you don't have to be so nice to the wait staff. They're a lower caste." Weeks after returning Tony was unable to understand his contact's perspective. That's one of the things I loved about Tony. It just never occurred to him to treat a person as someone other than as a friend.

I'll miss his laugh, his determination, and his poise when the chaos really hits. Most of all, I'll miss him as a friend.

My sincerest condolences go out to his family...

Kris Breton
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development

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This man’s goodness goes forward in the lives of all the young people touched by the FIRST program. As a mother of two such children, I know that I speak for many, many other parents in saying that we are very grateful for the gifts of Tony Paxton’s generosity and dedication.

Our hearts go out to his family.

Nancy Yabroudi
Stuyesant HS Team 694

I know we are all feeling the loss of our very dear friend, Tony, and I know we will all be there for one another during this difficult time.. I find that very comforting. Since I've been very open about my experiences with FIRST and how it has given my family and I great pleasure, I figured I'd share something with you all. As you all know, Tony had a gift of touching thousands of people. I remember when he first sat down with me to encourage me to volunteer with FIRST two years ago, I told him "Tony, when you get involved in something, the cause does not just get "you", but thousands follow you!". His excitement and encouragement sold me on FIRST and I'll always be grateful for that!

One person I had to break the news to was my son Peter. Peter, as you know, is a volunteer for FIRST and like many of us, looked at Tony as the heart and soul of the Javitz Ctr FIRST expo. When I told Peter last night, he looked at me with disbelief, eyes filling up with tears.. My husband immediately asked ' Tony who?" and Peter jumped in and said… " Dad, Tony , the big guy on the Segway with the big smile!".. I realized then how even just being in Tony's presence a few times for the event, he was also feeling the loss..the emptiness. Even with all the responsibilities of running the event, Tony would always slowdown on the segway to give a quick smile and wave to Peter. He would stop by the "pit' and ask me if he was enjoying himself or needed anything.

He was that kind of spririt, that kind of guy.

As we remember our dear friend and share in the stories and the tears.. We will all carry of piece of his memory with us always.

Augusta Sanfilippo
Credit Suisse

Tony was a bigger man in every way –

He was physically bigger

His smile glowed brighter

He was warmer and more forgiving

He laugh was heartier

His heart reached out to more people

He worked harder

He dreamed bigger

His Segway was larger than mine.

A person like Tony doesn’t appear on earth very often and I’m blessed for having known him. Most people live a full, long life without achieving a small portion of what Tony managed to do in such a short period of time. Tony was a big man and I know we all miss him a big way. I know I do.

Goodbye we love you and miss you.

Mike Dubno, co-chairman
NYC/NJ FIRST Executive Advisory Board.

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I only meet with Tony a couple of times over the past two years. It was truly a pleasure to have worked with someone who really knew how to do it right. You shall stay with me my entire life, Tony. A true giant among men.

Mark Lanctot
Underwriters Lab.
FIRST - Safety Coordinator

It's so saddening and shocking to hear about Tony's news. I'd like to share my condolences for his family with everyone.
I have a picture of the group of referees from 2004, when it was my first time volunteering for FRC. Please feel free to share it on the website.

Tony's positive personality has been an inspiration for me. He will always be remembered.
Warmest condolences to his family.

Sincerely,
Hnin Haymar
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

I worked for Tony at Citibank Canada during the brief period when we both planned to move to USA. His sense of humor and loud laughter will not go away from my ears. His no-nonsense attitude was easy to adjust and made you comfortable at any difficulty that one could face.

His stories about DIY, meeting Ara in the Home Depot store on Saturdays and the cost calculations about what he built versus what he could have contracted out was the entertainment of our lunch discussions.

It is sad that a man with so many talents and charitable work is no longer with us. It should only make every one of us work harder to achieve what he also wanted to reach for himself during his life time.

You will be remembered well Tony.

Tonguc Yaman
1994-1996
Citibank Canada

Reading all these wonderful and fully merited tributes brings it home to me how many lives were touched by the warmth,loyalty,generosity and kindness always shown by Tony.He never seemed to have a bad day!But there was one quality I admired hugely which in my experience one doesn't often encounter,especially from people who had reached the level of success in his career that he had.He was,quite simply,the most modest person you would ever meet and would never make you (or anyone) feel that you were in any way less able,worthy or successful than him ; he never seemed to take credit for any of his considerable achievements (when perhaps he in some cases should!)

I'll miss you buddy. Life will never quite seem the same.

Peter Lewis

 

Tony will be very missed. He was always so dedicated to whatever he did and was always willing to offer sage advice when asked. I've always been very jealous of Tony, though, as he's one of the few I've ever met that never let anything stop him from doing the things he enjoyed or wanted to try anywhere in the world. Whether it was Fosters at the Rugby Sevens, helping people in Sri Lanka, pints at the Corney & Barrow in London, a meal of pork shank & beers at Maloney & Porcelli in New York City, a few drinks after a long day at FIRST or beers in the local hotel restaurant in Pune, India, Tony was always one of the first to volunteer.

If you've never seen the video Tony produced about India, please take the time. To me, it truly captured him. One afternoon NY time (past midnight in India) we hatched the idea that he should put together a quick slideshow to show people at Credit Suisse what India and its Pune office was all about. Tony took it to a whole other level, showing us the beauty, the tragedy and the routine about India, its people, its culture and life there as a foreigner. When it debuted, the room was weeping and laughing all at the same time. I'll miss my friend, this world traveler who always had time to laugh.


Joe Larizza
Credit Suisse

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I only was in the warm presence of Tony Paxton 5-6 times in the year that I have been a member of the NYC/NJ FIRST staff. I first encountered Tony via phone conversations as he led the NYC FRC effort while stationed in India for Credit Suisse. He would call in at 4AM India time to lead the teleconference calls moving to prepare and organize the 2008 NYC FRC. His voice on the phone commanded your attention and his joyful and pleasant manner made the calls special. I first met Tony in person at the NYC FRC in April . . . and his physical presence, warm human spirit, can-do attitude, insightful thoughts, and jolly way were so engaging. I felt honored and privileged to have the opportunity to work with him for a program that meant so much to him - and me. As we approach Thanksgiving, I am thankful and grateful to have come to know and work with Tony and deeply appreciate and applaud all his efforts to advance FIRST. One can see by reading all the posted comments that he was loved and respected by all. His life of service to his family and the many communities and causes is a model for all to follow. He was a remarkable, extraorindary human being and his presence and service to others will be sorely missed. May the God of us all bless Tony and his surviving family in many wonderful ways. May he be an inspiration to all of us to always look to reach out to help and serve one another. His life made such a positive difference. Joy to us all who had the pleasure to know and serve with Tony!

Donald Bowers
NYC/NJ FIRST Regional Director

I worked with Tony at CIBC in Toronto and remember how much he enjoyed the Toronto Blue Jays world series years.He was a truly remarkable man who enjoyed live to the fullest.A celebration is exactually what Tony would want us to hold.I will miss him very much.
Joe Richter

Tony had such a great personality that it was infectious. Tony interviewed me at Credit Suisse over the phone. I hadn't met him till I joined weeks later. He stopped by at my desk and said. "So you have joined at last... I did not know that we were hiring such handsome face." True to his jovial spirit and friendly nature.

Amazing persona and a more amazing individual. Will miss him very much.

Karthik Ramachandran
Credit Suisse

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To Janet and the children, please know that Tony is a Hero to so many who he has touched......

As I recall the many places and events in which Tony & I were together, it seems that each one brings a happy thought. I'm quite sure that wherever our dear friend has landed since leaving our world.... that place is a much happier one for having Tony there.

For Karin and myself, Tony has always been the hallmark of spirit and enthusiasm. We only really knew him through our ties to FIRST. Karin and Tony stood side by side at many a NJ Regional as fellow referees. I was blessed to have him as a friend, a constant source of inspiration and true caring leadership. Tony simply had no clue of the meaning of the word.......obstacle. He met every challenge with a smile and was able to get the rest of us to laugh as we followed him through the gauntlet.

Could there possibly be a hint of good news as we reflect on Tony and FIRST ???? Being ever optimistic, Tony would expect us to look for such ideas. So here goes............to start with, we have been blessed to know Tony and are fortunate to have had his example to follow as we go forward. Next, we can imagine that if there is such a place where the afterlife celebrates the best ideals of FIRST from our world, think of the wonderful addition to the "bench" that has been made there, by adding Tony to the Volunteer Staff. Somehow , I'm sure his type of Spirit will find a place on such a team.

Sure we will all miss Tony, but that sting is tempered by his many hugs and happy laughter that we will remember him by the most.

Paul & Karin Kloberg
Friends of FIRST

Dear Tony:

Its been a few days.. I have been too mad to write to you.. Too mad at you for being careless, for letting go. Yes, I know, it was not your choice but fate who chose for you. It would have happened if you were laying on your bed, or on a flight to India, or crossing the street at Park and 24th , simply because your time had come.. Yet I am mad, for once we know someone so warm, so charming, so giving.. it is just so hard to “be” with your absence …

..Just when tears come up and anger turns into pain, though, your smiling face pops up in my mind, your voice announcing something witty and funny, reminding me not to be sad for you, for you are not sad, you are now just as happy as you were around us.-.happy for having had a rewarding life, … happy at knowing your life continues through three beautiful children - and through the actions of all the people you have inspired and will continue to inspire for years to come.

So now I realize.. how you turned things that looked .so hard for most of us, on things that are doable -- nothing seems too hard, nothing is unreachable.. … I see now how you made the hardest tasks look easy.. how you made a difficult choice look and feel as a “fun ride” to take ..why not – lets do it!…Lovingly.;;you did it lovingly, Tony, enjoying every single thing you did, and without wasting any minute.

I know if there were cells and emails wherever you are… you would call in and hook us all up and lead our meetings, and coordinate our volunteers, and organize our events.. and make us all feel we can do this and… more. It will take more than one guy to fill in your shoes, Tony. Your absence really hurts… and yet.. can you really ever be absent from anything we do? Is there any way you could be not there when we talk about VIMS? When we anxiously count the days left and the volunteers still missing? When we open Javits and wonder if it will all work? When we need crew shirts that you have discreetly saved?

No Tony, you are not going anywhere. You will be here with us, in every call we make, in every field we build, in every team that plays, in the emotions that run high in the pit, in all we do right, and better and more… we will make sure you are there.

Ana Martinez
NYC/NJ FIRST Regional Director

I knew Tony as a genial force in NYC FIRST and when I first met Janet at Javits last spring (while loading up goodie bags for the Snack Attack) I was struck by how easy she made her effort seem, too. Tony was truly a generous and amazing guy and he spread the amazing around. We'll miss him terribly.

Catherine Kunicki
Alumni Parent, Stuy 694

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Greetings from Reading England -

I knew Tone for some thirty years and have lost a best friend who always bought joy and fun to my life. Finding this blog has made me laugh and cry and you all capture the big guy so well. I was the Paxtons first visitor in Canada when they emigrated and went on to be their most regular visitor year after year in Toronto, Cranbury, Zurich and the Far East. With Tone and his family you truly felt as if you were at home.

As I remember the big guy, it's clear that whenever I was with him we laughed a lot. Time with him was always fun and never dull. He was simply as good a friend as it is possible to be.

David Weeks

Tony had the biggest heart, the warmest smile, the most helpful attitude of anyone I have ever met. I am truly honored to have considered myself a friend of his, honored to have worked alongside of Tony with FRC, FTC and FLL. Tony, thank you so much for everything you have done to make this world a better place. I will miss him. Very much.

Josh Walfish
Credit Suisse

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Tony was a true role model, always full of passion, and a source of inspiration. He was the “big” man. He was outstanding, kind, generous, and magnanimous. Tony taught me lessons in giving. He gave himself fully, to his job, his colleagues, and he gave back to the community and the young generation. It was a pleasure for me to have known Tony and have worked with him reconstructing houses to those devastated by Katrina hurricane in New Orleans, or in planning big events such as the FIRST Robotics at Javits. I will miss the big man!

Marcio Noguchi
Credit Suisse

Tony Paxton lived his life boldly and with exuberance. Tony was a great mentor to me and a true gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor.

As someone who took being an officer of the Bank seriously, Tony embodied the full complement of characteristics we come to expect in that professional caliber: honor, integrity and trustworthiness. Tony encouraged those on his team to do our best so that even the impossible deadlines and projects could be handled. He kept his management style long on praise and short on criticism so that I felt that my and my colleagues’ contributions were valuable in his eyes.

It was an honor to know Tony Paxton and I will miss him greatly.

Cynthia Arias
Credit Suisse

My favorite memory of Tony:

I hadn't registered as volunteer for the 2006 NYC Regional, because my schedule had been unpredictable. When I walked in to Riverbank on Saturday, the folks at the volunteer desk didn't know what to do with me. They radio-ed for Tony, and as soon as he walked into the room, he gave me a big hug.

He told the volunteer staff that of course there was a spot for me. I remember just being surprised he knew my name. He checked on me throughout the day, he even came over to eat lunch with me.

I remember thinking he was the sweetest, calmest, most organized volunteer coordinator I'd ever met. And he was the warmest, friendliest man I felt privileged to know.

I will I will miss hearing your voice on our conference calls, Tony. I will miss you taking photographs on your Segway, and most of all, I will miss your smiles and your hugs.

Sara Reffler
FIRST Alumn and Senior Mentor

I will never forget Tony's smile. That was his token everywhere he went. Through all of the years that I have known him, I have never remembered him to look sad or upset. I will miss this quality most of all.

My condolences go out to the Tony's family and to all those that knew him.

Mark Sharfshteyn
Credit Suisse
NYC FLL Planning Committee Chair

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The world will be a little less bright without you.

There are no words or actions that can wipe away the sadness - only time ....

My condolences to Tony's family. Although I knew Tony only a short time, I know there is strength in his family.

Tony's spirit and enthusiasm were infectious. He made my FIRST volunteer experience so valuable and so much fun; I didn't hesitate for a moment when Tony asked if I would be back in 2009. I didn't even hesitate for a second when on Sunday Tony asked me to stand at the exit and collect safety glasses - again : ) How could anyone say "No" to that smile and wonderful soul...

It was a deflating moment when Tony told me he would be moving to London and would have to give up being the Chair of FRC. I told him it just wouldn't be the same without him. In typical Tony fashion, with a flush of embarrassment, he told me he would be there in spirit.

I was fortunate enough to have an office near Tony's. He would always make me smile as I occasionally caught him going into or out of his office.

Thank you, Tony!

Kathy Cregan, Credit Suisse
NYC FIRST Tech Challenge Co-chair

Tony was a wonderful soul.

Tony & I crossed paths while we were working on the IT CoE initiative at Credit-Suisse. In classic style, Tony accepted a temporary assignment to Pune, India. When I asked how he was doing, he would often quip that he was surviving on fried food and bottled beer.

He never complained or had a negative word to say about anyone. He was always quick to smile and he stepped up to service when called upon. I admired these character traits.

The world will be less bright without his presence.

Take care Tony.... It was my pleasure.

Sean Guerin
Credit Suisse

Janet and Tony must have had a wonderful relationship. She told me how just a few days ago they were talking about his being transferred back to London and reflecting on their lives. They both felt that they were so very fortunate and satisfied with their lives.

I told Janet about the time three years ago Tony and I were having dinner in the Brazilian restaurant in Manchester drinking caiparinas. We were on our 7th or 9th, debating whether or not to go for Javits. Tony was for it all the way. He gave me the confidence to take the plunge. Janet said that Tony really loved FIRST and the opportunity of working with all of us. She and I were laughing as we exchanged stories - a tribute to Tony's spirit that we will miss so much.

I am sure you will agree with our plan to dedicate the 2009 New York City FIRST extravaganza at Javits to the big guy.

Randy Schaeffer
FIRST Regional Director

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As Chairman, Tony Paxton served very well and embodied great spirit throughout the tense Robotics competition. He will be missed by his family, and everyone that has ever met him and worked with him, and from all of my teammates at Brooklyn Technical High School Robotics Team 334.

Memories pass, but friends last forever. Pass on my condolences and that of my teammates to the Paxton family. Long live the chairman!

Tony gave of himself with everything. He was a major player in every task he took on. Here we were working planting trees as part of the 1 million trees initiative in the city.

We miss Tony!

Dan Guttman
Credit Suisse

My condolences to the volunteers and teams of the New York City Regional
who have gotten to know Tony over the years. He will truly be missed.

Warmest Regards,

Athena Lemire
FIRST

First, I want to take this opportunity to send my deepest condolences to Tony's wife, kids, extended family and friends.

It was truly an earthquake of a shock to me when the news was mentioned to me and I even had to call and confirm if what I was hearing was indeed true. I do not know how to describe in words the feeling of being around Tony all these years at Credit Suisse. I met Tony for the first time during one of many re-orgs we had at Credit Suisse when he joined the tower where the market data team was under. As I enjoy doing Philanthropy, I thought I would invite Tony join one of our teams of one of my favorite events the firm sponsored for charity; the Pub Quiz. We had such a great time and he tended to make the event even more enjoyable then I thought possible. He was always, smiling, laughing and just full of life and I not sure if I can even remember a time when I saw him upset or even down for that matter. He always took things in stride and would rather find the positive about a situation rather than the negative. One of the things I remembered was how highly he spoke about his wife and family. How much he spoke about how incredible his wife's photography was and how proud he was of all his children.

I remember hanging out with him while in the London office a few weeks back and trying to catch up on his life. He mentioned to me a few weeks back about his new role in the UK office and as usual, showed his excitement with the new opportunity. He was also happy (as we was about everything he did) about moving back to the UK and how happy he was that he would be in somewhat close in proximity to his family. There was a funny story where he was telling me on the way over on his flight to the UK how the airline ran out of beer and he just smiled and said.."how can that be? How can an airline run out of beer?.."..it was funny the way he described it and would probably be more funny if you could have heard it in person with along with his facial expressions and body language.

He will be missed..he was a mentor...he was leader...he was a giver...he is a great role model on how people should live their lives.

I was glad to have known you, but will be sad not to have your cheery personality around.

David Shapiro
Credit Suisse

Gotta love that big smile and hearty laugh! Tony gave so much of his time and talent to so many young people and others throughout the world. Even so, he always made the time to share with me his daughter's latest achievements on the football field as well as other tidbits about his wife and kids. What a great man indeed! Tony, you will be missed my friend.
Love,
Jen Bornemann
Credit Suisse Americas Foundation

Tony's laugh and cheerful outlook were infectious. The 2009 NYC FIRST competition will not be the same without his presence.

My condolences to Janet and his children.

Amit Kaul
Credit Suisse

Every year after three days of volunteering at the NYC Regional I feel a little burnt out. Tony on the other hand, beginning to end, always seemed to be smiling. He would usually get there before me and leave after. His energy, his smile, his presence will be greatly missed by me.

Jose Munoz
NYSE and FIRST Volunteer

I am the new advisor for the Fe Maidens, FIRST Roboticcs Team #2265.

The team and I are saddened by the recent event of Tony Paxton's death. We will keep his hard work and dedication in our thoughts and hearts.

We would also very much want to be kept informed about the arrangements concerning his passing away, if appropriate.

Sincerely,
Nancy Philip and Team 2265
Bronx High School of Science

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I worked for Tony for a couple of years when he was with CIBC in Toronto. I will never forget him for he was larger than life, an encourager, a mentor (without your knowing you were being mentored), an exuberant can-do person who never showed a negative or critical side—and I mean never.

I remember a particularly stressful time when the trading floor (the cash cow of CIBC’s Investment Bank, at that time) network was down for some reason I can’t recall. The problem was intermittent and difficult to find, and my group was feverishly trying to determine the source. Tony, of course, was under immense pressure from top management. Yet, despite his many visits to my office to see how things were going (with a slightly perspiring brow being the only signifier that he was stressed) he never lost his composure and good humour.

When we finally fixed the problem I walked into his office to relay the good news, and also to express my regrets that we had taken so long. His answer was typical. There was no recrimination, no anger, just relief and good humour. He said “When you’re traveling 600 miles-an-hour, 60 feet off the ground, things pop up pretty fast and you’re bound to run into them.” It had been a time of rapid expansion with everyone working flat out to install new equipment and expand the network. We were learning as we went along. Tony’s remark acknowledged the situation and was full of understanding and good will. Many bosses would chew you out, if for no other reason than to relieve their stress without regard to your own. Not Tony.

That and many other instances during my time working for and with him are memories I cherish. He was a remarkable man. Lately I had been thinking of him and how I might get in touch. Then I came across this site. A grown man, I burst into tears.

Douglas Ball
Mississauga Ontario