A Tribute to Tony Wood, Former President and Vice-President of BirdLife Zimbabwe
t is with heavy hearts that we honour and say good-bye to Tony Wood, former BirdLife Zimbabwe President and Vice-President. Tony suffered a stroke at home late on Saturday afternoon 11th September and passed away on Sunday 12th September 2021.
By Julia Pierini
We will all have our own memories of Tony. He was widely known, has been involved with BirdLife Zimbabwe for many years and had many birding friends within the BirdLife Partnership. We will always be thankful to Tony. Tony was President and Vice President of BirdLife Zimbabwe from 2012 to 2018. In the tough times post 2012 when BirdLife Zimbabwe was struggling, Tony supported and participated in all our fundraising efforts and was a pillar of strength as we slowly got back to our feet. Tony was there when we needed him most for which we will always be grateful.
Soar with the eagles Tony, you will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. We extend heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Jan and all the family.
The COVID-19 pandemic over the last year and half has wreaked havoc in the lives of many all over the world. We are all still reeling from its affects and it`s not over yet. During this time, BirdLife Zimbabwe has experienced its share of trials the most heart-breaking of which has been the loss of not one, but three former Presidents in just over four months: Alex Masterson, Ken Wilson and this past Sunday Tony Wood. The tragedy has not only been their departure from this life but also owing to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, the impossibility of being able to gather to mourn their passing and celebrate the enormous contribution of each one of them to BirdLife Zimbabwe`s continued existence as an organisation. We salute them all with gratitude.