Anthony James Pryor
Our dearest Anthony,
Do you remember the time…
You saved the windsurfer from drowning on that cold windy day? Without hesitation you swam out in the freezing water to help the man. How relived was he when you showed up. Braving the cold ocean water you reached out your hand to help him.
You were there his hero for that moment in time.
Do you remember the time…
You swam out into the ocean to save a drowning dog?
The dog had swum too far, had become tired and was in the process of drowning. Without hesitation you swam out, grabbed hold of the dog and began swimming back with the dog scratching and clawing at you all the way to shore.
You were there his hero for that moment in time.
Hey!! Do you remember the time…
Of the Melbourne flood’s back in the 90’s? You were at the right place at the right time when a lady had decided she would battle the elements of nature and found herself being washed away under a flooded bridge holding her guitar high above her head. Without hesitation you swam in reached out your hand and swam out.
You were there her hero for that moment in time.
A life filled with adventure. Always there, always ready, always sincere.
Do you remember time…
It was a school camp. A group of friends ready for a white water rafting adventure. The rapids were as white as snow, with a display of strength and power. The boys could hear the rapids calling their name. Smiles a go, you were all ready and so the fun began. When a boy fell in, this adventure changed from fun to dangerous. This time it was a friend. Without hesitation you were there. It was like a movie, no sooner had you brought the boy to safety, that you were caught in the rapids and also nearly drowned.
You were there his hero for that moment in time.
Do you remember the time…
You got the news that you were to be crowned Melbourne’s own Prince of Moomba? On the day of the parade you were like any other young boy, apart from tall and lanky, you were bursting with excitement you stood next to the King of Moomba waving your royal salute to the crowds of people smiling. You were living every young boys dream.
You were their hero for that moment in time.
Do you remember when Jesse was born? You found yourself with the cards turned; he had become your hero.
From the moment you son was born and for the following two and a half years he was your shadow. Wanting to be like dad. Walking in between your legs not letting you get far, sitting on your lap, asking you to read his favorite book over and over and over again. Eyes wide and holding on to every word when listening to your life stories. Singing songs, and sharing many special adventures together on the bike, riding with the wind or the warmth of the sun and wherever the forces of the universe took you.
You taught Jesse to feel passion from his heart, the excitement of a challenge and the tenderness of a man.
Do you remember the time…
You helped Jesse climb his first tree? I do. He reached the top, looked down at you and smiled. We felt something that day so much that when we reminisce we look down and smile.
You were his hero for that moment in time.
That was the day we felt it, for you were the wind beneath his wings, he would fly high and you would always be right there by his side…all the way.
You lived with a song in your heart and music in your soul. The forever sparkle in your eyes was the stars of heaven and your voice was one of God’s angels. You moved to the groove of love and traveled the earth with passion.
You are still here with us for we feel the warmth of your breath in every conversation. We feel your sadness at times of grief and we feel your joy when it is time for an adventure.
We love you, we miss you, our hero, our dearest Anthony.