Anthony Tupper, who died aged 80 on St Stephen's Day, was descended from a colourful and adventurous Channel Islands family. His grandfather, Sir Charles Tupper, was Chief Secretary of the Punjab, and his father is head of H.M. Land Registry in London.
Anthony chose a career in the Royal Navy where he served with great distinction in the second World War was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and attained the role of captain. He could have gone on to reach much higher rank, but chose instead to return to Leyrath in Co Kilkenny which he had inherited through his great grandmother, the daughter of Sir Jonah Denny Wheeler Cuffe, the first baronet.
Anthony became a complete Kilkenny man. He farmed Leyrath with great efficiency and dedication and built up a famous herd of Jersey cattle. He exhibited with great success at the RDS and became president of the Jersey Society. He pioneered the growing of hops in Ireland. A devout and committed churchman he did not parade his religion but gave hugely of his time in work for the Church of Ireland as a member of the Select Vestry of St Canice's Cathedral, as church warden, member of the Diocesan Council and episcopal nominator. He was also a generous benefactor of his local Catholic parish of Clara and one of the first to lend practical support to Bishop Birch's social services. For over 25 years he was chairman of the Co Kilkenny branch of the National Council for the Blind and devoted - endless time and effort to ensuring that the blind of Co Kilkenny enjoyed the best service with a very human face.
He was a Commissioner of Irish Lights, and was naturally chosen by his peers to serve as chairman - a post he filled with great distinction; his talent for personal relations and his naval background proving invaluable.
This record of dedicated public service might mistakenly convey the impression of a good man too busy to enjoy himself. Happily, this was not so. Anthony was the most convivial of men, an ideal and most generous host; a constantly sought after guest. He greatly enjoyed shooting, billiards, cricket and vintage port. He was extremely good with small children - perhaps because underneath that dignified, portly exterior was a small child eager to come out and play.
Anthony and his wife Anne celebrated 50 years of a very happy married life in 1992. Soon afterwards the shadow of Lloyds fell over Leyrath which was sold, ending over 300 years of family tradition. Their neighbours from every walk of life heard of this with sadness and great regret at losing the company of such good friends. Last March Anthony celebrated his 80th birthday in his new home in Cornwall but he and Anne remained in close touch with Kilkenny and Ireland.
Our great sympathy must go to Anne on losing so good a husband and companion. We shall all treasure Anthony's memory with great affection.