Tony Acker
Tony Acker taught the Graphic Arts subject in the broadcasting program at Confederation College.
1932 – 2018
Anthony Laird (Tony) Acker
Mr. Anthony (Tony) Acker passed away at home on August 28, 2018 at the age of 86. Tony began life in the fast lane in Toronto but after moving north to teach at Confederation College he fell in love with Lake Superior and until his passing continued to praise the peace and beauty he found in this community.
Tony was an aspiring actor, spokesperson with a New York ad agency, friend to leading performers in the Toronto Area and at one time was room mate to one of Canada’s most famous artists Ken Danby. Tony first saw Port Arthur when he arrived to perform a levitation act for Esso at the Lakehead Exhibition. He could not have foreseen that he would one day marvel that he had spent the majority of his life as a resident here in the Lakehead.
Tony was a world traveler who spent part of his early 20s living on the French Riviera. He said he was trying to get an introduction to Bridget Bardot. Later Tony focused on a career and studied graphics at Ryerson Polytechnic. His artistic skills and production design placed him in demand in Southern Ontario, but his love of the Northwestern Ontario landscape proved to be Confederation College’s gain. Tony was an excellent professor in the Media Arts area at Confederation College. His graduates have spread out across Canada praising his skills and knowledge.
To know Tony was to marvel at a man with unlimited natural ability, a vision of greatness and a pleasant personality who had time for all. He truly was a Renaissance man!
Tony’s artistic ability was shared far and wide through his gifts of personalized whimsical character. They are fondly referred to as “Ackers”.
As per Tony’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. A scholarship has been set up in memory of Tony. Donations to the Anthony Acker “Tony Award” may be directed to the Confederation College Advancement Office or on line at
confederationcollege.ca/advancement
Friends are invited to an informal drop in luncheon in the Cafeteria at Confederation College on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you have an “Acker” or a memory to share it would be appreciated.