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
Tony Paxton the Toronto years…..
ReplyDeleteI 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
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.
ReplyDeleteJoe Richter
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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