I first met Tony Raisin just before I was 16 some 53 years ago. I went to a Church of England youth club in Romsey. Some of us had scooters, mostly rust held together with wire, and then bold as brass up rides this guy on an immaculate new red Vespa, his pride and joy - it was Tone. Tone was a Roman Catholic but it didn't make any difference - he just came right on in and carried on as if he had always been a member.

He was a little older than us, hence the nickname "Uncle Tone". He worked at the University in Southampton, very useful; Tone could get into any dance or event, easier than the Vice Chancellor! He met a girl who worked there, Marilyn and every Saturday night we could go out as a foursome - usual plan, beer then a curry.
Tony's favourite things were his pipe, beer, and latterly wine, partying and sometimes Marilyn!

They married a bought a house in Dimond Road, Bitterene. Tone was a great DIY fan. He had a great selection of power tools that the University had "loaned" him. He was always busy. Some nights we would meet and he would say "I'll just put another coat of paint on this before we go out".

In the 1970's the 4 of us went on holiday to France and Italy. I can still see Tone on the beach under his black umbrella, smoking his beloved pipe looking at the topless cabaret.

We had things in common. We had both lost our fathers when we were quite young and Tony's life had a few hard times. He was ill with meningitis in his 20's and he lost his charming sister Daphne far too young.

Tony and Marilyn decided to buy a run-down nursery at Saxonbury in Bournemouth . I remember him showing me the photos - a collection of derelict green houses on some waste ground. Tone was not deterred, he was a grafter and he and Marilyn set about turning it into the successful business it became. That was Tone! I well remember sitting in their lounge in the winter and Tone shrieking with joy as the boiler fired up to heat the greenhouses!

Always ready to give advice, mostly to those who didn't want it, but it didn’t deter him, to tell the world where it was going wrong.

Tone was a party animal - who won't remember him, shirt unbuttoned to the waist, music as loud as possible, lights flashing - or light bulb removed - and as ever glass in hand, one of a kind.

When Tone gets to the golden gates he will knock and St. Peter will say "Who are you?" and Tone says "I'm Tone Raisin". St. Peter says "Oh yeah, I have got your name - you can come in - but you can leave that bloody pipe outside!"

God Bless you my good friend, it was a pleasure knowing you.