Tony - donor, NSW

Tony was a born leader who had forged deep connections with all his family and friends. To give in death is exactly what almost anyone who knew him would expect. 

‘Tony had a giving nature, so it was his last act of giving,’ wife Brenda said. 

Brenda lost her childhood sweetheart and beloved husband in October 2021 after Tony suffered a stroke. Tony, an avid football player and coach, loved fixing things. Most of all he loved playing with his grandchildren Harper and Nate, particularly their favourite game of ‘chaseys’. 

After serving in the RAAF for more than two decades working on fighter jets, Tony ran a cattle and crop farm with Brenda in Kyogle, in far northeast NSW. He also delivered mail, earning the nickname Postman Pratt. He was renowned for helping many people along the way, whether it be changing the tyre of a stranded motorist or helping a cow give birth. 

So, when Tony’s family were asked about organ and tissue donation, they didn’t hesitate. 

‘We knew it meant that someone had to be having a better day than us somewhere, getting the miracle that we didn't,’ said Brenda. ‘We know that he would have loved that.  

‘I miss everything about Tony, even the annoying things. If there was just a half-drunk coffee cup in our shed I promise I wouldn't be annoyed. I would be so happy,’ said Brenda. 

‘I miss his laugh, his cheeky smile. I miss how much he loved us all. I miss his ability to be able to do anything it seemed, and now I must do those things on my own.  

‘I am grateful that a 17-year-old boy loved me until he was 53 years old, for his confidence to say yes to everything.’ 

Amidst the waves of grief has been the consolation that Tony was an organ donor.  

Brenda, daughter Ebony and son Hayden have taken comfort knowing Tony’s corneal donation has given people the ability to see. While other people’s lives were saved thanks to organ donation. 

‘I like the thought of looking into a random person’s eyes knowing part of Tony might live on in them,’ Brenda said.