Tony Singleton

I first met Tony in Cape Town in the 1970s. My parents were friends with his parents, the lovely Aunty Becky and Uncle Steve. They started out as friends, but they quickly became so much more than that. After we moved to South Africa from the UK, we had very little family around us, and they embraced us as if we were their own. Becky and Steve naturally became Aunty Becky and Uncle Steve, and Tony and Mark were like the big brothers we never had.

Growing up, there were so many family get-togethers filled with laughter, stories, and wonderful memories that I'll always treasure. Those times together are such a special part of my childhood, and Tony was always at the heart of them with his warmth, kindness, and gentle nature.

One thing that has always stayed with me was the love Tony and Cheryl shared. Even as a young girl, I remember seeing how devoted they were to each other, and I used to think that one day I hoped I would have a relationship just like theirs. It was obvious to everyone who knew them how much they loved and respected one another.

Although the years have taken us to different places and life has become busy for all of us, we've always kept in touch whenever we could. No matter how much time passed, we've always thought of the Singletons as family because that's exactly how they treated us - with love, generosity, and open arms.

I can't begin to imagine the sadness you are all feeling right now. Tony was a truly wonderful man who touched so many lives. He will be remembered not only for his kindness and his infectious smile, but also for the love he gave so freely to his family and friends. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him and to have so many happy memories of growing up with him in our lives.

Sending all my love to Cheryl and the entire Singleton family. My thoughts are with you all during this incredibly difficult time. Tony will never be forgotten.
xxx

Tony Singleton – Born 19550602

I met Tony in 1984 after joining Ned-Equity, a life assurance company based in Braamfontein. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves in each other’s company due to our interests in sport and both being soldiers in the war against dehydration. We were both particularly interested in football, Tony being a Liverpool supporter who were riding high in Division 1, while my team Newport County had been relegated from Division 4 and would forever be known as the Exiles. Both of us had at one time played football at the Wanderers in Johannesburg and I wished we had been closer in age as we could have probably played together.
While working together at Ned Equity (whose name had changed to Sage Life), we were both heavily involved in the company’s acquisition of National Mutual. Tony (and Cheryl) moved to Cape Town so he could oversee the day-to-day activities of the newly acquired company. Takeovers can be ugly transactions, and I was always impressed by Tony’s handling of personnel issues and motivating staff members. This relationship led to many humorous situations that I was witness too.
Although I left Sage 4 years later, we remained close friends and probably saw each other at least once a week. If it wasn’t enjoying a libation or two or three….. it was on the golf course or (surprisingly) on bicycles. Riding side by side in events like the 94.7 or on our best trip with Clive Johnson on the R62, the road that runs from Worcester to Oudtshoorn. On that trip to add a bit of variety, we included 18 holes of golf in Bonnievale and Oudtshoorn, both nice courses….note no golf carts, clubs carried in a bag over the shoulder.
In recent years, Tony, Clive, Richard and I combined to form the Molly Brigade. The name was derived from a local Fourways pub named Molly Malones and it was our regular watering hole on Monday nights. Drinks were usually served by a gentleman named Joe, who shared Tony’s enthusiasm for Liverpool FC. So three of us had to listen to Tony’s and Joe’s boring ball by ball comments on the weekend game, much like listening to Bridge Players postmortems.
I think Tony’s involvement in the expansion of Turnberry is well known. The business has certainly outstripped all expectation and is an example of what can be achieved by vision and hard work.
At this stage, I would like to add a couple of comments about the Singleton family members. Apart from loving his children dearly, quite justifiably Tony was so proud of Lauren and Scott and their achievements. As for Cheryl, how many times has it been said “Behind every successful man is a ……… “. No man could ever have wanted more support.
This support since December has been amazing and Cheryl has done everything possible for Tony’s well being and made his last months’ so comfortable.
Tony touched so many lives and those who have been in contact with him have all benefited and his memory will remain in our hearts forever
RIP Tony
NLB 20260626

Tony and I are almost exactly the same age - in fact I was originally due on 2 June and Tony on the 4th but, as ever, Tony just beat me to it! Strangely, and in spite of lack of contact in the early years, our careers followed similar paths in the insurance industry although Tony stuck it out longer than I did and maintained his commitment to the business throughout. I’ll miss my exchanges with Tony and catching up with his trips. My family and I send condolences and sincere best wishes to his loved ones. I thought I’d share this old photo of my Mum’s - Uncle Steve, Auntie Becky, Tony and Mark before they left for sunnier climes.

To dearest Tony, I've known you for about 10 years and just loved your passion about football in the Cape. Allan Wilson told about the tight friendship the two of you had. From my side I couldn't have met a more friendly person than you and together with your great sense of humour, it made you the most special person that you were. Will miss you bud. Jules