The untimely passing of Tony Allison is a measureless loss not only to those of us who had the privilege to work with him over the years, but for journalism and the broader world of public affairs. With dedication, professionalism and skill, Tony made Asia Times Online a unique and indispensable voice in online news. He touched the minds and the lives of hundreds of thousands of readers, and his sure hand and editorial instincts will be missed more than we now can gauge. My deepest condolences go to his family. We his colleagues also are diminished by his absence.
David P Goldman
"Spengler"
New York City

I am shocked and saddened by the news about Tony. Please pass on my sincere condolences to friends and family.
Chan Akya

How sad that Tony died so early. I remember him as one of my most reliable lieutenants at the South China Morning Post. He was a good professional who got things done, no nonsense…you could trust him to deliver. I also recall him being fit and muscular, so the news of his heart problems was a surprise. Please pass on my sympathies to family and friends.
Phillip Crawley
Publisher and CEO of The Globe and Mail

I feel numbed with a profound sense of loss over the passing away of Tony. Although I never had an opportunity to meet Tony personally, he stood out in my esteem as perhaps the finest editor I've known as a writer. His charm and wit in encouraging his columnists was seamless and it spoke of a large-hearted and generous man. I have also witnessed the growing prestige of Asia Times Online under his stewardship as the editor-in-chief. I convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved family. 
M K Bhadrakumar 

Oh, that's just too awful and sad. I'm crying here in Exeter, as the rain drizzles outside. I never met Tony, but for a decade or more he was my favorite, nay dream editor. Though I rarely got an e-mail from him longer than 10 words, it felt a very warm and good relationship. He always liked my work, hardly changed a thing, paid promptly, and urged me to write more. I feel so much for his family. Please pass on my condolences.

Asia Times Online has suffered more than its fair share of tragic loss, what with Allen Quicke, Saleem Shazad and now Tony too. I do hope the good ship will still sail on, nonetheless.

Corny as it is - and I imagine Tony didn't do corn, or schmaltz - it seems only right that his e-mail address should be special@atimes.com . Because he was.
Aidan Foster-Carter

I remember Tony as a mentor, colleague and sometime brother. He was a great news editor who anticipated the future of newspapers and other media in desktop publishing long before the term was in common usage and widely understood.

Some of the best times with him were those gathered around with other newspaper colleagues, whether it was in South Africa, Hong Kong or somewhere else, discussing the news, life and sport. Tony is the only  "Iron Man" I have ever known personally.

Unfortunately, I hadn't seen him for ages but in relatively recent years we talked on the phone a few times and he was the same old "Ant". When I heard he was in hospital, my e-mail to him was met with glee at hearing from an old friend. As it turned out, this was just two days before his untimely passing. My heart goes out to Simon, Don, Sorne, everyone.
Grant McCool

Moments before writing these words, I had the singularly eerie experience, limited to our Internet age, of receiving a favor from a now-deceased person: on opening this rarely checked email box, I learned of Tony's positive response to a payment-related query I had sent months ago. It was fittingly characteristic of the man: honorable and curt - always curt. Tony never wasted a single character of communication even if the characters were digital.

I heard the bad news yesterday from an ATol reader at my workplace, and I am finding it difficult to process, and genuinely upsetting. Operationally, Tony was ATol, especially after Allen Quicke's death. Deeply skilled and ruthlessly efficient as an editor, he also exhibited a quiet, yet firm, style of leadership that was universally respected by every staff member there during my tenure at Hua Hin.

It all seems very unfair, and another hard blow to an organization that has seen too much tragedy in recent years. My condolences particularly to Simon and the rest of Tony's family. If I might share a brief anecdote, when I started at ATol in 2004, I inherited a PC that had been used by Simon on trips to Thailand, and set up with his instant messaging address. I knew this because of the very frequent flirtatious IM messages from Simon's numerous female admirers. I didn't know how to switch off the application back then, so I had to repeatedly explain to these ladies that I was not in fact Simon! I'm glad to see that Simon has "picked one" and I know that Tony would have wanted his son to get on with the wedding as did.

Tony was a good man. I will miss him, and whoever takes on his slot will have some big running shoes to fill.
David M Lenard
Former ATol business editor 

I have seen the sad news about Tony Allison on the front page. For some one who usually writes articles that are too long, I am shocked to the point of speechless. A great loss.
Henry C K Liu

I am shocked over the tragic death of Tony Allison, which is an irreparable loss not only for his family but also to the organization. Please convey my condolences to the bereaved family. May God rest his soul in peace and give patience to his family to bear this loss.
Syed Fazl-e-Haider

I am extremely shocked by the news about the passing away of Tony. Can't believe it. My sincere condolences to his family members as well as to colleagues who had had a chance to closely work with him. Although I did not have a chance to meet him in person, his tips, suggestions and advice have immensely enhanced my journalistic skills.
Dhruba Adhikary

 Like other contributors, I'm very sad to hear about the tragic passing of Tony Allison, who was one of my favourite people in journalism.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tony when I was working on a book and living part-time in a village near Hua Hin between 1997 and 2003. Rang Rockestra and his band, playing at the Rockestra club beside the Hua Hin temple, were creating a magical vibe that night, and I will always remember Tony in that warm and affectionate light.

He was a dream editor: courageous, open-minded and supportive. When other editors would reject my work from places such as Mindanao, Myanmar, or Tokyo, I could always find refuge in Tony. He saw Asia from the ground up, and he really cared about what was happening in the world, and about the well-being of his contributors.

Though they both passed away far too soon, it's amazing what Tony and Allen Quicke were able to accomplish in such a short time. Through sheer determination, they built Asia Times Online out of nothing into one of the most informative, in-depth and independent news sites in the world. With the decline of Asiaweek, the Far Eastern Economic Review and others, Tony and Allen had the foresight to envision the need for a Pan-Asian site with a perspective beyond narrow national interests. In the age of Murdoch and other press barons, as editors and marketing departments assumed greater powers over writers, ATol developed very much into a "writer's" outlet. Like others, I felt I could really write what I wanted to say, thanks to the support of Tony and his editors.

As others have noted, Tony had a quiet, steady form of leadership, which seems quite rare in our industry. Growing up in South Africa, working around the world, perhaps he saw himself as leading his tribe out of apartheid, or leading his kayaking team from Hong Kong to the Philippines. Thanks to his stewardship, ATol has created a vital community of writers and readers across Asia, a legacy which I hope will continue for years to come.

I hope his friends and family can appreciate what a huge inspiration and important influence he was for all of us. He will be missed, and remembered in a very good light.
Christopher Johnson

I am really sorry to hear about Tony. I pray and wish the best for his family and him. This was a huge shock. My condolences to everyone at Asia Times Online
Syed Tashfin Chowdhury

I just read the sad news. I am so sorry. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing away of your colleague Tony Allison. My thoughts are with you and his family at this difficult time.
Hossein Askari

I was very sorry to hear of Tony's passing. He took pieces from me for eight years and I was always impressed by his replies and unfailing courtesy as an editor. It was a pleasure to file for him. May he rest in peace.
Ronan Thomas

I had the privilege of working under Tony at Thailand Times when I was just starting out and he was already a seasoned pro. In spite of that disparity he was a kindly and non-condescending mentor who always exuded true professionalism at its most low-key and least dictatorial.
Jim Algie

I have belatedly learnt of Tony Allison's passing last month. I am taken aback and deeply upset as this is a serious loss to free and independent journalism. I have known Tony since 2004 and came to admire his efficiency and his minimalist approach to electronic communications. Whilst I never met the man in person - and never got an e-mail that was longer than a short sentence - nevertheless I felt I had a deep bond with Tony Allison. Rest in peace Tony!  
Mahan Abedin

Tony was a good man in the best sense. I had the pleasure of working with him at Asia Times in Hua Hin and his calm guidance, editorial judgement and quiet humor were unmatched. He is missed around the world and rightly so. Godspeed, Tony.
Justin Mitchell

What sad news.  Please accept my sincerest and deepest condolences for Tony's passing.  Although we never met in person, it is still a strange feeling for me.  Even through communicating with him remotely, he seemed like a great guy.  May he rest in peace.
Chris Zambelis

I'm crushed by the tragic news. I am stunned; Tony being one of those you expect to last forever. Be strong in what must be some trying times.
Charles Mcdermid

I have worked with Tony since 2007, covering North Korea. I confess, at one time, I suspected him to be working for an intelligence apparatus of a country because he often had a better grip on the North Korean story that I was writing. I was very lucky to have such a gifted editor. I will miss him dearly.
Sunny Lee

"Hi Debs, was due on Fri to fly to SA and then Zambia for Simon's wedding, but back in hosp. Have managed to change flights so provided docs do their biz, will just make the wedding on the 23rd. Speak to u when running about again.”

That was his last email to me, on June 13. God clearly had other plans. Tony will never be running about again, neither will he be going on his solitary cycling trips and discover new dirt tracks, nor play soccer with Don and Simon, nor do light dumbbells while watching TV.

All of us who have been lucky enough to have known Tony will in our own separate ways struggle to come to terms with this very personal loss. But for those who have worked with him in that close-knit Hua Hin office and shared space, thoughts and laughter with him, it will be particularly difficult. There are so many memories of Tony from my one year at ATimes, and after, that I don't even know where to start - Friday pub crawls, the lazy dinners, watching cricket matches on Anantara grounds…I will always cherish those moments.

A natural leader, a solid journalist, an amazing worker, a real pro, yes, he was all that. But more importantly, he was a friend who would always be there for you, with his zen-like persona and sage advice. Wherever you are my friend, I will always miss you.
Debasish Roy Chowdhury
Hong Kong

I was shocked to hear of Tony’s death.I met him at the South China Morning Post and we worked together in Bangkok at Asia Times. I had enormous respect for his professionalism, particularly in the early days of Asia Times. Away from work he was engaging and good company. I did dragon boating with him, the sedan chair race and played squash. He loved sport. His premature death is terribly sad.
Howard Winn

This is terrible news indeed, I'm so sorry to hear that. I am shocked and devastated.
Francesco Sisci

I worked at Asia Times as a summer intern in 2002 and, at the tender age of 19, learned more than I could have imagined from great editors like Tony. Tony stood out for his sharp editorial eye, his wit, sense of irony and hysterically funny stories. Indeed, my fondest memories of those days are of the team sitting outside in the evening at some pub in Bangkok, sharing stories and talking about the news and news business. Tony's sense of humor, encouraging words and ever-steady bearing made it a joy to know him and also created a wonderful learning environment for budding writers and editors. Kedar Deshpande

Tony was the best of editors and a great mentor, I will miss his guidance. The journalism community has lost a man of great importance. My sincere condolences to friends and family.
Yong Kwon

Heartfelt condolences to Tony's family and friends. What stunning news and what a loss for all, including Asia Times Online. In all my years writing here, I've admired Tony's even keel as much as his solid professional advice. The best way to remember Tony, of course, is to carry on in his spirit, and I look forward to doing so as part of the team.
Gary LaMoshi

Tony helped Asia Times Online beat the odds from the beginning to become one of the region's top news sources. How tragic that he had such bad luck with his health. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Tony was one of the good guys and will be greatly missed.
Muhammad Cohen

I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Tony's untimely passage and pray for his soul and his family including his extended family at Asia Times Online. Tony and I had a working relations stetching over nine years and I had the highest respect for him. What a wrenching loss for all of us who contributed to atimes and saw its impressive evolution under his capable stewardship. My sincere condolence to his family and assurance that I deeply share their grief and he will indeed live in our memory.
Kaveh Afrasiabi

What a tragic loss and an exceptional shock. I'm so sorry for you and the Asia Times Online team and especially Tony's family. What an awful blow and at what should be such a joyous time for the family. My thoughts are with them and all of you.
Nick Turse

Please add my voice to those who will miss Tony, and condolences to those touched most deeply by the loss. Like Allen Quicke, he was always fair and encouraging. I know it must be a blow also to the close-knit organization to lose them both in such quick succession. I wish you all at ATol well during these times of troubles.
Robert Cutler

I am shocked and deeply saddened to read of Tony's demise. I started writing for Asia Times Online in 2001 and thanks to Tony's guidance and encouragement became a regular contributor. I enjoyed working with him; he was a terrific editor and someone with whom I could discuss story ideas easily. But more than a colleague, he was a friend. Deeply regret not having met him. My condolences to his family and to all of you in the Asia Times Online editorial team. I share your grief.

I never met Tony.Yet his death has left a void in my life. If it wasnt for him, I wouldnt have ever found the confidence to write, the freelancing experiment wouldnt have worked. Regret so much for not having met him or thanked him. It must be so much harder for all of you... 
 
I lost my parents a long time ago. I still miss them and it still doesnt make sense to me. But there is a verse in the Bhagavad Gita that I turn to often...
 
Weapons cleave the Aatman (soul) not,
Fire burns It not,
Water moistens It not,
Wind dries It not.

Indeed, certain is death for the born,
And certain is birth for the dead;
Therefore, over the inevitable,
You should not grieve.
--- Bhagavad Gita

Sudha Ramachandran

I am very saddened by Tony's death. I never knew him in person, but for the past five years, always communicated with him, almost daily, discussing ideas for Asia Times Online. He was always ready to listen, always supportive of new ideas, and a very kind and understanding editor. Tony was a "virtual friend" and not just a business contact one deals with via e-mail. His death leaves me in prayers for solitude for his wife and children.

What strikes me was an e-mail I sent him a few months back, saying that because of the situation in Syria, I find that it is very difficult for me to continue writing about Syria, from Syria. He replied asking me to stay safe, saying that my top priority should be to stay alive in times like these, noting how one of our colleagues had been killed in Pakistan. "Do what it takes to stay safe" he wrote to me, "and we support and welcome any non-Syria related stories you want to send." He understood the dangers of reporting from hotspots, and yet, placed my safety as a priority. I survived the madness in Syria, to date, and yet he left this world to a place that I am sure, is far better. May his soul rest in peace. He should be the one alive, and I am the one who should be, given that situation around me, dead by now.

My deepest condolences to his family, and to all our colleagues.
Sami Moubayed

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to Tony's family. He was my first boss as a journalist at Asia Times in 1995-97, and remains one of the best I ever had. I am greatly indebted to Tony for all that he taught me. His ability to pull a story out of the fire and whip it into shape mere moments before deadline while maintaining his cool was matched by few. I count myself very lucky to have worked for him.
Jeff Cranmer

The news is really sad. I offer my deepest condolences to Tony Allison's family and Asia Times Online.
Saransh Sehgal

I am sad and shocked at the sudden lose of Mr Allison. May the Almighty provide eternal solace to this brave soul.
Debanjan Banerjee

“Old walls that echo to our cries,
Our oaths and prayers and laughter,
And echo now to cries of those
Who follow after.

When earth has taken back to earth
Our unremembered bones,
Preserve the echo of our names
About your stones.”

Alan Paton
At Maritzburg College: 1914 – 1918

To the family of Anthony Allison. May the heartfelt thoughts of friends who understand your sorrow be a source of strength and comfort.
From The Old Collegians of Maritzburg College,
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

I was very sad to hear of the death of Tony Allison. I worked with him on the South China Morning Post in 1985-86 and on Asia Times Online from 1996-97. Apart from his humour and professionalism, I prized his sense of decency and integrity. My sincere condolences to his family.
Simon Martin

Very unexpected and stunning ... I had thought he was just away on a routine break to South Africa. Deeply wishing Tony's family and everyone in ATol all the strength and calmness to cope with this sudden shock.

Tony was without doubt one of the nicest people I have never met - since all our communication in the past eight-odd years has only been through e-mail. I know, for sure, with absolutely no doubt, that Tony's passing away is a promotion for him, and feel with total conviction that he is peaceful where he is. Death is only a change in direction in the journey of existence, and for good people like Tony, the direction is only to more happiness and serenity. Even as I write this, I can sense his smiling presence, and him saying the two words so often found in the Gmail "Inbox" "cheers Raja". You're just taking an innings break, Tony. May it be most peaceful.

Once again wishing all strength, equanimity to all in Asia Times Online, and particularly to Tony's family.

"When a traveler at last comes home
From a far journey,
With what gladness
His family and friends receive him!

Even so shall your good deeds
Welcome you like friends
And with what rejoicing
When you pass from one life to the next."
- The Buddha

Integrity and sensitivity made Tony a truly special editor. As a person and professional, he lived up to the e-mail address through which Asia Times Online communicates with contributors. I cannot remember any inconsiderate, irritated word from him in the nearly 10 years we worked as colleagues in Asia Times Online. Some of the articles that he published in AToL would beneficially influence the lives of many, as long as the Internet exists. And Tony, his family and friends would continue to reap the merits. Like Barry Richards or AB de Villiers when in full flow, have a most joyous, peaceful innings where you are now, Tony. And may you be liberated from all impermanence to experience enduring infinite happiness.
Raja Murthy

I was saddened to hear about the passing away of Tony Allison. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family.
Daniel Leussink

I am shocked to hear the terrible news. I have been interacting with Tony for the last 10 years. He was the one who accepted my first piece for Asia Times Online and I think it was in 2003 when he wrote to me saying that it was a challenge to be noticed as an online news site given the proliferation of information all around. Despite the odds he (and Allen Quicke) managed to create a content hub that is truly world class. He was thoroughly professional, impartial, fair and one of the best editors I have interacted with. My condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace. He will be missed by all those who had the opportunity to know him.
Siddharth Srivastava

I wish to send my condolences to his family and everyone at Asia Times Online. I worked with Tony on a bunch of articles, going back about a year. I'm saddened to hear of his passing and wish you all well in this difficult time.
Steven Borowiec

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Tony was a great editor who supported and encouraged me for nearly a decade. I'll miss him dearly.
Kent Ewing

I am so saddened by the news and shocked, given Tony was so young, but an excellent editor who got me started in opinion journalism at Asia Times Online.  I'm sorry that I never met him personally. I'm sure he will be sorely missed. 
Dinesh Sharma

That is indeed deeply shocking and saddening news. He was one of the best - open to ideas, adept in editing, diligent about payment. What else could you ask. He will be much missed by all his contributors as well as by staffers and those who knew him personally. Please extend my deepest condolences to his wife, son and all others who knew and cared about him. With great sadness, farewell to a good man.
Don Kirk

I just can't believe that Tony is no more with us. I have been an irregular contributor to Asia Times Online since 2001. Tony was an extremely efficient editor and was always very prompt in his response. I did not have any response to my recent emails and I wasn't sure what might have been the reason. Now I know it. My sincere condolences to his family and colleagues.
Purnendra Jain