Tony Burgess (1946-1989)

Forest and Bird, Volume 20, Issue 3, 1 August 1989, Page 8

Tony Burgess (1946-1989)

Stan Butcher

Lower Hutt Branch has lost one of its most active members in Tony Burgess, husband of Maureen, Chairman of the Branch and member of the Society’s Executive Council. He leaves two young sons, Gavin and Robert. Tony was a tireless worker for conservation who displayed great talent and skill in research, writing, advocacy and in getting others to work beside him. He took to heart a wide range of issues particularly coastal protection, clean water and the development of the Hikoikoi Reserve on the Petone foreshore. Tony and Maureen worked as a team in constantly urging the Borough Council to remove temporary industries as their leases expired and to proceed with planning. When the Reserve is eventually opened many people will see it as a memorial to Tony and will recall his patience, quiet determination and generous spirit. Tony Burgess spent all his life in Lower Hutt. He was dux of Naenae College, took up motor rallying, enjoyed photography and recently completed the Fletcher Marathon in Rotorua. He worked for IBM for 22 years. The Society extends its most sincere sympathy to Maureen, Gavin, Robert and their wider family.