Spent many a night playing spoof with AJ in the guild wine bar . Have a G and T for me .

It was with such a heavy heart that we said goodbye to Anthony yesterday. He was been our very good friends and neighbour for years. Always there to give practical advise about the lawnmower or jet spray and recently called me from his hospital bed to talk about tumble weed. We loved him dearly, always laughed and he will be so missed by me and all the Millars. Good bye Dear boy. I promise we will always be there for Deborah and the boys. XXX

I was truly honoured to have known Anthony, a like minded sprit with driven passion for the future of our nature and countryside. His smile was contagious and his wants were for the benefit of others. Anthony’s beliefs in conservation and helping others will be at the forefront of everything I pass on to future generations each and every working day. He was a man I knew too briefly but I will never forget. See you in the other side Mr Rhodes💔

I was lucky enough to spend the last year “working” with and getting to know Anthony. I say working, but actually all we did was share great story’s, have a lot of laughs and then spend 15 minutes of me frantically writing emails and opening post! Anthony had a huge impact on my life as he became someone who I would turn to for advice and share my worries with. One of the greatest things I learnt from Anthony when worrying too much about the little things was when he turned to me and said “listen Mia, you need to learn that opinions are like arseholes, everyone has got one!!” This really helped me to put things into perspective. I will remember that and many other sayings for the rest of my life. It was so amazing to hear about all of his life experiences and how proud he was of his family. He would always tell me great stories such as him and William swimming with sharks, how proud he was when he could watch Archie’s hockey and football matches and how lucky he was to have met Deborah - or “Debbie” as he liked to say to tease. I’m so grateful to have met such an incredible person and I will cherish the memories forever. Rest in peace Brussel Sprout.

From the first moment I spoke to AJ I thought hey up here comes trouble. Trying to persuade him not to fly, his response was 'Listen darling I'm taking the flight and I'm having my family break. I know you don't know me and I don't want to sound like a show off, but honestly I'm at the front of the plane. If I was any nearer to the front I'd be the pilot.' Even though he was sticking to his guns he did it with panache and style. He could easily disarm you that way. We had many more conversations over the years by phone and by email. In some we laughed, in some we mused, in some we wrangled, in some we cried, and in some we put the world to rights. He was one of those people who just found a way into your heart. Honest, charming, funny and kind, with a big heart. Just a huge perfect personality who loved life and all those that were in his life. Whatever came at him, he took it and dealt with it, and still managed to find humour, kindness and courage. He will forever be in my heart and has taken up a piece of my soul. I hope the love and light that was in him will carry Deborah, their beloved boys, and the rest of his family through the darkest of times. AJ will be running the joint when we get there but I'll know where to find him. So AJ, save me a seat in the garden with the chickens and the dogs and we'll have a 'fag' and a good old natter. Fly safe and free my friend. xx Gaynor xx

The most generous friend, I loved your rebel spirit..Go Big, go now or go home ! Remembering some great parties, fabulous fireworks and special animal encounters...especially your loyal lab Buster , thank you Anthony for enriching our lives, rest in peace dear friend Nikki Parry

RIP my friend gone but will never be forgotten had some good time up here in Scotland rest in peace love is with the family at this time Robert &family

For 20 years, I had the huge good fortune to be able to call AJ my friend. Behind the City bravado was a kind man with a huge heart. He had time for everyone and would never let anyone down. He certainly never let me down and I’m not sure that I can say the same. There was hardly a dull minute when you were in AJ’s company. He could be ridiculously generous and he was fiercely loyal. He was an irritatingly good shot. He was disarmingly funny.. all the time. Under normal circumstances, they would have had to build a bigger crematorium to accommodate everyone who would have wanted to come and pay their respects. Even then it would have been standing room only. If you knew AJ then you couldn’t help but love him. I certainly did and I know that I will never meet his like again. Rest in peace my friend. Tony Moorhouse