Our Civil Service Squash community was recently shocked by the sad news that Tony Claydon had died. Tony, one of our best known senior squash players, had only recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away peacefully in his sleep on 15th February 2016.
Tony's involvement with Civil Service Squash stretches back nearly 20 years and having spent an active and successful career in both the Navy and the Army it was little surprise that this lifestyle would produce a squash player who could "mix it" with the best of us. He has represented the Gloucestershire County Squash Team in various age groups, was part of the GB Vets Team and also played for our own Civil Service Representative Team in numerous fixtures. Tony also played and was successful in many of our own National Squash events - he was, for example, the Over 55 Champion on several occasions and a winning member of the successful DSRA Team in our Team Event. Tony was also a keen motivator to introduce our Over 65 Event - last year Tony won this for the second time whilst also being the Over 55 Runner-up.
Tony was however more than just another great player - he was undoubtedly a great bloke. His competitive nature on court was always tempered by his acute sense of fair play, his sense of humour was always evident, he was reliable and a good friend and companion to many of us. He had also had a short spell serving on the Committee, keen to give back something to other players. Sadly Tony's name won't be on the draw sheet this April when this year's Over 65 Event is played but his name will be on a new Trophy to be called the "Tony Claydon - Over 65 Cup". Tony will be missed but not forgotten. Tony’s family have asked that anyone wishing to make a donation to his memory can do so by visiting either of the following websites:
www.memorygiving.com/anthonyjohnclaydon_pancreaticcancerresearchfund
www.memorygiving.com/anthonyjohnclaydon_theroyalbritishlegion
