Anthony "Tony" Ewart John Mitton

Anthony “Tony” Ewart John Mitton decided to call it a day on April 28, 2023, at the tender age of 94 under the loving care of his wife Kathy, daughter Francesca, caregiver Alexah, the Big Bend Hospice team, and finally, his loyal dogs Louie and Joe. Born September 2, 1928, in Birmingham, England, Tony lived in England, South Africa, France, Spain, Scotland and finally landing in Tallahassee, Florida. As the family patriarch, he is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathryn “Kathy” Mitton, his children, Alastair Mitton (Paulette), Nicola Wilson, Francesca Mitton (Javier), Michael Mitton (Shirley), Shaye Roland (Stew), Tamsin (Terry), 9 grandchildren, Joanna, Martin, Robin, Robert, Danielle, Jess, Jackie, Seth and Sarah and 6 great grandchildren Clark, Henry, Summer, Adelynn, Celia and Gabrielle along with innumerable nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Eric and Grace, his sisters Rose and Elizabeth “Liddy,” and his daughter Oriana. Educated at Cambridge, UK, with advanced degrees in Economics and Modern Languages, his careers were multi-faceted. He ran the family hazardous chemical valve design and production business “Hunt and Mitton,” was in British army intelligence, was a politician, an editor and translator of books and an author in his own right, an actor, and a massage therapist. Tony’s massage practice was largely focused on caring for individuals with developmental disabilities and the truth was the individuals and staff adored him. He was very successful in his practice redefining the definition of massage therapy for the mentally challenged for the Medicaid Waiver Program. As a civil servant, he was a grant writer for the Department of Corrections and served on Governor Martinez’s task force to develop solutions for recidivism. Ever humble, Tony changed the course of history by having a hand in saving Nelson Mandela’s life. Known for his intellect, passion for reading eight books at once, and an all manner of interest in people, consciousness, and philosophy, he was at heart an ardent history buff, especially the juicy parts! He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, in particular the British countryside, researching the Arthurian legend and searching for Camelot. Fishing, both fly fishing in England, Ireland, and Wales, as well as offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, remained a lifelong passion. To cast a rod, and fly fish on a river or lake with a ghillie patiently waiting for a stray hungry trout to find an interest in one of his special flies brought him joy and reminders of his childhood with his father. Tony loved to spend Carrabelle days on the water in “Sanity” off the coast of Dog Island with Kathy, family and friends catching grouper for dinner. Ever astute, Tony took advantage of a deal for an old Florida beach cottage looking out over the Gulf of Mexico. After adding, with the design help his daughter Oriana, a one-bedroom attachment with a large, screened porch, it became a true haven for he and Kathy, and they hosted many friends and family over a 40-year period. A steadfast friendship grew with the neighbors, Tim and Ellie, and numerous fun times were had, Julia Mae’s Restaurant, and the Tiki Bar being the most memorable! Tony and Tim were in their element there. Possessing a raucous laugh, and a quick-witted sense of humor, Tony (and Tim) was famous for his unique performance in grass skirts on top of the tables; Tony reciting long poems from memory, in particular “Lord Lundy” and Tim “MCing” as only he could do to the chagrin of some family members, but the appreciation of other witnesses. Last but not least, Tony loved his dogs over the years, especially Max, Sophie, Louie, and Joe. Sophie passed at 13 and Louie at 17 so there were many years of ‘sharing love’. Tony understood and was published on his personal experience of Unconditional Love both giving and receiving. It is the only kind of love ultimately that dogs know how to give. It is no wonder then that they got along so well, and that Tony was loved by so many. Friends and family are invited to join celebrate Tony’s life at 11:00AM on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the Retreat at Bradley’s Pond, 9002 Bradley Road in Tallahassee, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tony’s name may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Mitton family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Anthony "Tony" Ewart John Mitton

September 2, 1928 - April 28, 2023