Kentville, NS
December 20, 1939 - December 18, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family of Tony Bentley, age 84, of Kentville, announce his peaceful passing on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 in Valley Hospice, Kentville, surrounded by his family.
He was the son of the late Elizabeth Bentley, of Stoke-On-Trent, England.
Tony was born in Stoke-On-Trent, England on December 20, 1939. At the age of 15, Tony had three important goals: to manage his own pub, to play soccer for Stoke City and then to play for England. Tony achieved two of his wishes; as he succeeded in managing his own pub in Birkenhead and he did indeed play for Stoke City, at the age of 17. First he played in the Reserves and then later for the First Team. Besides soccer, Tony took an apprenticeship in cabinet making before he signed up for a full-time professional soccer career. In 1961, Tony transferred to Southend to help bring back Sir Stanley Mathews, one of the greatest players in the world at that time. He played 460 games for Southend, during which he was Captain for 5 years. Tony was made Player of the Year in 1965-66.
In 1974, Tony moved to Nova Scotia, where he continued to be very involved in the sport of soccer. Tony was Director of Coaching for Soccer NS for a number of years. His lifelong love of soccer and the "Stoke City" football club, was always at the forefront and he was a constant fixture on the soccer fields, playing, coaching and refereeing both school and adult teams. He was always willing to volunteer anytime he was asked.
In terms of employment, Tony was fortunate enough to have secured a job at the Sunset Beverage Room in Digby for a number of years, after a short stint with the Mountain Gap Inn, and after moving to Kentville in 1985, he managed The Kings Arms Pub for a period of 10 years. While in Kentville, Tony was the Sports Facility Manager for 10 years and he was kept very busy at the rink, the soccer fields and the parks. In addition he enjoyed his role of Kentville Town Councillor for eight years. Finally, Tony was a school bus driver for Stock Transportation in the Kings County School Board district for eight years, before retiring.
Through his soccer involvement, Tony had the opportunity to visit Morocco, Tangiers, Spain, Ireland and Gibraltar. He also enjoyed travelling with his wife Judy. They especially enjoyed their European vacations, socializing with family and friends, and watching soccer whenever it was played.
In addition to his mother, Tony was predeceased by his wife, Judy (Hunter); and his sister, Christine (Ray) Barker. He is survived by his son, Neal (Laura), grandson, Sean (Lilly), and his great grandchildren, Adalynn and Aubree.
Tony and family so appreciated the tremendous outpouring of love, concern and support given to them during this difficult period. The family wishes to thank Dr. Rebecca Clarke for her exceptional care and compassion throughout the years, and the staff and volunteers at Valley Hospice for the care in his final days. There is no doubt that Tony will be sadly missed by those who knew him
.
Donations in Tony’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, Valley Hospice Foundation or a charity of your choice.
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