Tony Blackford died peacefully in the West Middlesex Hospital last week after suffering a short illness.
After gaining his licence and meeting his wife when working for London Transport in the early 1960s, he joined the family business, Isleworth Coaches. From there he went on to run Bestways Coaches of Hanwell, also part of the family business. He then saw an opening in the south of France shuttle coach market and started Albatross Travel with weekly runs to the sun.
After that Tony went on to hold office positions at Travellers Coaches, Redwing Coaches and finally Westbus, before semi retiring and taking on school route driving duties. He is survived by his wife Kate of 32 years, son Wayne, two grandchildren, his brothers Andy and Nick and sister Jakki.
Anyone who wishes to send floral tributes is kindly asked to forward them to Andrew Holmes and Son, 239 Powder Mill Lane, Twickenham, TW2 6EH by 1400hrs. His funeral will be held this Friday, 5 May 2017 at 1600hrs, at Hanworth Crematorium, Hounslow Road, Feltham, Middlesex, TW13 5JH.
