July 29, 1937 – April 17, 2026
It is with very heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Anthony (Tony) Aidan Charles Staples of Moncton, NB, born July 29, 1937 in Devon, England to the late Olive and Alfred Staples.
Growing up in Bristol, England, dad attended Bristol Cathedral School, graduated from the University of Bristol, and then The Royal West of England Academy School of Architecture. In 1968, Dad was hired by Architects Four Ltd of Moncton to design a new wing for the Moncton City Hospital. He brought his young family to Moncton for what was supposed to be a temporary stay. Moncton became their new home and a young architects career flourished.
Mathieu-Martin High School, Moncton Police Department, Dieppe City Hall, Dieppe Fire Station, Miramichi Regional Hospital, Moncton Flight College, are just a few of the many projects of which dad was very proud. And, yes, he did eventually design a new wing of the Moncton City Hospital! He became a partner with A4 within that time and then branched out on his own to be sole proprietor of Tectura Inc. Architecture was one of his deepest passions and retirement didn’t come until 2022.
Dad was very proud of all of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments and activities, even though none of them took up cricket, rugby or tennis as he had. He became particularly involved in figure skating when his daughters were competing. He was very proud of having been an announcer for countless test days and competitions, as well as a national CFSA event.
He followed curling and was often found glued to a soccer (sorry, dad, football) pitch, or tennis court whenever they were televised.
The arts were a very large part of dads life. Trained as a classical pianist, up until a few years ago he could often be found playing his beloved piano. Even recently while living at Spencers Nursing Home, he “tinkled the ivories” in duets with his eldest. Theatre was another passion whether as an audience member or amateur actor with Stage Door ’56. Ballet, opera, the classics and local productions, he loved them all.
Dad had a very dry, quick wit which was sometimes misconstrued but he was just so very quick with a quote, comment or joke that most of us could not keep up. “What?, Eh?, Hi!” – a conversation that had special meaning, no one else really ever understood, and will be treasured always with a single malt scotch (neat) in hand!
In addition to his parents, Dad was pre-deceased by his wife, Nita, and son, Peter. He is survived by his sister, Christine, daughters Sarah (Jeff) and Rachel, grandchildren Benjamin (Emma), Katherine (Elijah), Aidan, Evan, Hannah, Lincoln, Tiffany and Megan, and 3 great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place and per Dad’s wishes, there will be no visitation.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday April 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm at St George’s Anglican Church, 51 Church St, Moncton. Reception will follow at the church. Interment to be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Fergusons Funeral Home & Fergusons Crematorium 1657 Mountain Rd Moncton, NB (506-858-1995).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian Cancer Society, The Moncton Hospital, Kenneth E Spencer Memorial Home Inc, or a charity of your choice.
