Goodbye, Tony

Anthony Peter Conway, 36, ended his relationship with ALS on Friday, February 20, at his home outside Lexington. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland and grew up in southern England. He loved sports, and played rugby and soccer while growing up. He was also a member of the Royal Air Force Air Training Corps. His love of soccer and interest in the military brought him to Virginia Military Institute where he was a varsity letterman and soccer team captain. 

He had a broad range of talents and interests, and was good at almost everything he tried; he had a special talent for making others feel important. After graduating in 2001, he worked in construction and then taught English and technology at Rockbridge County High School for several years. He was then able to use his computer skills as a database manager at Rockbridge County Schools and then the Washington & Lee University Office of Admissions. He continued his love of soccer by following Celtic FC, coaching at RCHS, playing pick-up with the Lexington Vultures, and becoming Assistant Coach of the VMI men’s soccer team.

In 2011, he was diagnosed with ALS and devoted himself to making the most of the time he had. He had many incredible adventures, and encouraged everyone who knew him to make the most of every day. He wrote about his adventures and his illness on his blog, which touched many. The example he set made an impact around the world, especially in the Celtic FC and Rockbridge communities and within the VMI family. The outpouring of support during the Ice Bucket Challenge was a testament of the strength of his presence.

Tony is survived by his wife, Amanda Tardy Conway, and daughters Cora and Louise Conway; his parents, John and Pauline Conway of Charlotte, NC; brother, Martin Conway, his wife, Julie, and children, Clare, Ryan, Norah, and Ella Conway of Huntersville, NC; his wife’s family, Claudia Huffman, David Tardy, Phyllis Bennington, and Renata and Brian Kleinchester.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Rockbridge Area Hospice and the PackardCenter for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins. Arrangements will be handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory and a memorial service will be held on Friday, March 6^th at 11:30 AM in Jackson Memorial Hall at VMI, which a reception to follow at Moody Hall. By Tony’s special request, no one attending the service should wear black.