Anthony VerHey III
June 8, 1963 – January 19, 2025
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. To honor Tony’s memory, his family requests everyone enjoy a quiet moment in nature. Memorial contributions may be made to your charity of choice.
Obituary
A traditional obituary would not go far enough to express just how untraditional Tony VerHey truly was.
Born June 8th, 1963 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Tony was a one-of-a-kind, eccentric and vibrantly colorful character. He spent his younger years running feral in the neighborhood with his siblings and childhood friends and walking the woods of Al Sabo. Tony first worked as a Paramedic and Firefighter in Texas Corners where he earned the nickname “The Whistling Fireman”. Indeed, helping those in need was something Tony took pride in and continued to do often even after leaving the force to work as a handyman extraordinaire. If you ran into an emergency, Tony was who you would call, and he poured his all into helping others until the very end.
When he wasn’t tinkering with projects or saving someone\'s day, you would find Tony on the lake or in the woods, the two places he felt most at peace. Hunting and Fishing were his form of meditation and he relished the time he spent amongst the wildlife and nature. The silence shared in a fishing boat or tree stand will never feel the same again without him.
Tony’s greatest joy and source of pride in life was being a father. His love for his family and friends was palpable and the immense unconditional love he had for his children will forever be a source of strength for them. The compassion and empathy he exuded to loved ones and strangers alike has brightened countless lives. The quintessential life of the party, you couldn’t help but crack a smile at his incessant jokes. Many have acknowledged he missed a serious calling for stand up comedy, and his captivating stories and memories of his hilarious antics will be treasured for years to come.
Another pivotal moment in Tony’s life was when he became a grandfather, or “Bappa”, to his two precious granddaughters, Aurora (5) and Atlas (2). He poured every ounce of love he had into those girls; sharing adventures, magic, and wisdom amongst the giggles and laughter. They will be forever changed for the better having had him in their lives.
Not a stranger to sorrow, the hardest moments of Tony’s life occurred when he lost his father in 2005, and his wife to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2016. He is preceded in death by his wife, Cathy VerHey; his father, Anthony VerHey; and many friends whom he missed dearly. Knowing he has been reunited with his father, friends, and the love of his life brings his family a great deal of comfort.
Tony passed on January 19th, 2025. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Gisela (Keck) VerHey ; his siblings, Frances Glass, Barb Krouse (Bill), Heidi Cameron, Eric VerHey, and sister-in-law, Michelle Kounelis; his children, Sarah VerHey (Kevin George), Ashley Massey (Nic), Anthony VerHey; and his grandchildren, Aurora & Atlas Massey.
Tony, there aren’t enough words to express how much I love you and how much you’ll be missed. Thank you for sharing your caring heart and remarkable knowledge with Mom and me on such a regular basis. No one could ever take your place. Although I’m in great pain at your loss, I’m enormously grateful that you are no longer in pain. We will meet again. (I need to stop because my heart is hurting again) I love you forever, to the moon and back.
I only had the pleasure of talking with Tony probably something like four or five times, but he made quite the impression each time. I can just hear him describing his childhood as “running feral in the neighborhood” from his obit. That and so many unique entertaining comments while he was getting stuff done. A real standup guy!
I only got back to visit once a year, but I treasure the times I got to visit with Tony– and Cathy too. We had some marvelous, freewheeling conversations, those ones about God, the universe, and everything. He was sharp as a tack and I will miss being able to chat with him. But now he is reunited with Cathy, whom he loved most dearly, and his dad Mr. VerHey, my awesome 6th grade teacher. Fair skies and game-filled fields to you, Tony, give those coyotes hell !!
still trying to process this loss. Tony was a way cool dude. It’s hard to believe that his weekly visits, filled with laughter and stories, are now just a memory. I’ll never forget him. Actually, the first year I knew him…I thought he was a brain surgeon! I had misheard when I was being introduced, it wasn’t until later that I discovered he was actually a first responder. He was just that kind of guy, a wide array of talents and knowledge. Tony had some of the craziest, cool, and intriguing tales from his time here on earth. I was always in awe during his stories…He had a way of making me feel like I was right there with him, experiencing every high and low. But Tony was more than just a great storyteller – like I said, he was a master of all trades, a fellow “recycler” (dumpster diver), and a kind soul who always had what I needed to finish a project. He was a true friend, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement. I’ll miss Tony’s stories, his laughter, and his weekly visits. Seems so weird not seeing him pull up my drive, it’s something I anticipate to happen. Most of all, I’ll miss the man himself – his generosity, his kindness, and his unwavering optimism. Rest in peace, Tony. You may be gone, but your memory will live on in my heart, inspiring me to be a better person, to cherish my relationships, and to never stop exploring and creating.
Tony had a way of always making me feel a part of his inner circle. The first time I met him was when they need an extra for the family volleyball game. This was back when Cathy and he were dating. I was not exactly a physical sports person. However, they all made me feel like I could do anything. I can remember how impressive all of his family are, and he would laughing say that he did not measure up. I figured out quickly he had such a high and loving opinion of this wonderful family of his. When he and Cathy decided to get married, I was so happy to include him and his wonderful family into our own. I never hung out daily with them but was blessed with many wonderful moments of enjoying events with such a remarkable man who had a heart of gold. I will never forget the weddings, forth of July’s, Christmas, and many other gatherings that I got to spend in his company. I will miss seeing your smile Tony and hearing your stories.
I had occasion to hire Tony a few days ago to fix a bathtub faucet leak. I could hear him in there humming rhythmically, but he was not humming a tune, and I was not surprised. I smiled to myself as I knew that the machine whisperer was at work. Tony was a genius at fixing things; cars, plumbing, furnaces, you name it, and could often be found relieving others of their machine problems. But Tony was not only a master repairer of human devices, but he loved and respected Nature and people as well. I was not family but wish I was, and will miss him very much. He was unique in a marvelous way. I do hope he is united now with Kathy and his Father.
Tony was one of a kind, jack of all trades!!! Hard worker and always willing to help!!! He loved to tease our dogs, (our late Amber) and new Gracie!! He will be missed by many of the people he helped and friends. Our hearts go out to Fran, his sister and mom, Gisela (our neighbors). May all the memories keep Tony alive in your hearts! He\’s now with Cathy.
I will always remember Tony as being an authentic a rare gem. A kind, compassionate soul who was always ready to help, sometimes even at the drop of a hat. A great storyteller with the fantastic gift of humor to boot. Excellent handyman who loved and cared about his family and others. He will be be greatly missed but never forgotten – Tammy H