Anthony “Tony” Hill (CO 1949-53), son of John Hill (SU 1916-20) and uncle of Barnaby Boss (CO 1986-91), Past President of the Marlburian Club and a stalwart of the Old Marlburian Golf Society, passed away peacefully at home on 27 December 2025. A trusted friend and consummate gentleman, he leaves behind a legacy of quiet integrity, devoted service, and enduring kindness.
Born in Norwich in 1935, Tony grew up in Wales and Somerset before attending Marlborough College. After National Service as a Naval Midshipman Electrician, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1961. He joined Bristol stockbroking firm Laws & Co in 1964, where his calm judgement, independence of mind, and unwavering commitment to his clients saw him rise to partner – a position he held until retirement in 1996.
Retirement brought no slowdown. Tony channelled his energy into golf, community, and charitable causes with the same dedication that had defined his career.
Golf was his greatest passion, and he was an influential and much‑respected figure in English golf. He served Burnham & Berrow Golf Club as Captain and President, represented Somerset in over 100 county matches, and reached the pinnacle of English golf as President of the English Golf Union in 1990 – an honour his father had also held, in 1974. He served on committees of the R&A, was deeply committed to youth development, and became a familiar presence as a referee at both The Open and the Masters.
A proud Old Marlburian, he was a player and Chairman of the Old Marlburian Golf Society, and a driving force behind the West of England Public Schools Golf Championship, founded by his father, regularly welcoming Marlborough boys and coaches to his Somerset home.
Beyond golf, Tony was a Life Member of the MCC, a founding figure of the Bristol Real Tennis Club, a long-time member of the Clifton Boasters Rackets Club, and a tireless supporter of Brent Knoll village and its church.
In his final months, he fulfilled a fifty-year ambition by publishing a book documenting the life of a remarkable ancestor, Henry Pilleau.
To the last, he remained a true gentleman.
