ANTONY (TONY) BISHOP

With sadness mixed with excitement we announce that Tony has passed to his next adventure at the age of 83 years. Tony believed death is another part of life and looked forward to crossing over to reconnect with that aspect of himself. Tony wanted those of us left behind to feel joy for him as he crossed this threshold to a grander life of purpose and freedom.

Tony was born in England to Gertrude (Lane) and Ronald. He was the second youngest of four children. As a young adult, he spent time in the army, explored life as an acolyte in the Carmelite Monastery and learned a trade as an upholsterer. At 25, he married the love of his life, Bedelia (Cowland), and a few years later, with a lick of his finger and a blind pointed landing, he chose Winnipeg to immigrate in 1968. Upon his arrival with $50 in his pocket and not knowing a soul, he was picked up by some “angels” at the airport and supported with a place to stay and a North American orientation until he got on his feet and his wife and two children could join him.

He worked in his trade for the first part of his career, while dabbling in all things carpentry and had another Canadian made baby (as he would fondly recount). His life branched off to uncharted territories when he and Bedelia made the decision to foster children. As per our informal count, Tony and Bedelia parented 39 additional children which added a whole new dimension to their life experience. Tony was a devoted father providing enriching experiences for all his children and spent the summers camping, fishing and making road trips which typically included 7 to 12 kids at a time.

Community was important to Tony and through early stages of his life he was fully immersed in supporting his church and neighborhood communities, volunteering in many roles. As his family matured, his career paths changed and he was able to apply his new found skills to support troubled youth as well as mentally challenged adults. His religion evolved to a unique level of self awareness and spirituality. He began learning about body work and integrated breath therapy to release past trauma and realize self actualization. He was an avid reader of self-awareness books and joined study groups for writings such as A Course in Miracles where he made many like-minded, soul friends. 

In 1987, Tony and Bedelia sold their belongings and moved to Findhorn, an intentional community in Scotland, where their new understandings expanded. After returning to Winnipeg a few years later, they continued on their journey to start a homestead, building their own home and living off the land in some forest land near Lac Du Bonnet. Later their path took him to travel on a 2-3 year detour moving to a house in Paisley, Ontario. Tony proudly renovated the house from top to bottom but alas, the Winnipeg community and family drew them back again. Tony eventually connected with the Sanctuary. He honed his skills as a healer and took on the role of Keeper of the Sanctuary/Light Worker becoming a channel for messages from energies beyond our known plane. Tony was considered Elder/Teacher/Healer by many, providing unique perspectives and insight to anyone that had an ear to listen and a heart open for a message of Love, Light and Healing

He leaves to celebrate his memory his beloved wife of 57 years: Bedelia; children: Anne (Fereidon), Paul (Sophie), David (Christine); grandchildren: Amanda, Aurora, Jason (Amanda) Alicia and Katie; great grandchildren: Zoria, Conner, Jonathon; brother: David; and dear friends like Holly, Rose, Audrey and Adeline to name a few of the many.

Even though Tony was challenged with dyslexia, he loved to write. After his stroke in 2018 leaving him paralyzed on his right side, his writings became less but among his belongings we found the following hand-written message that he had cherished from a teaching he had found and used in the past:

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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