Anvil Magazine
Tony Gonzales 1951 - 2000
Home
The Calendar
Article Index
Back Issues
TheMarketplace
Resource Guide
Reviews
Subscribe
Submissions
OurAdvertisers
Bulletin Boards
Links
Accessories
About Anvil


IN MEMORY OF ANTHONY ZACHERY GONZALES

- from a devoted friend -

King A. Lamadora

Tony Gonzales, 49, passed on in San Diego, California, July 6, 2000. He was born in Kailua, Hawaii, January 28, 1951 to Tony and Margaret Gonzales. He was previously married to Robyn with whom he had two daughters, Carrie and Sherry.

Tony began shoeing horses with his father at the age of 13. His life as a horseshoer and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) at such a young age began with witnessing many lameness problems in horses. His observations and discoveries were shared with his brother Moses. After years of doing extensive problem-solving on lameness, the brothers developed the "Proper Balance Movement" technique, a method which today is utilized with great success by many farriers.

Tony later moved to Virginia in the heart of horse country with his family. He wrote a book, "PBM: A Diary on Lameness." His discoveries on the problem of lameness and his methods were ahead of his time. Those farriers who were exposed to his teachings and methods will, in my opinion, be the next generation of healers in the theories and new discoveries of Proper Balance Movement.

...At the news of Tony's passing, I contemplated the years I spent knowing this extraordinary and devoted man. At the very end he donated his organs for transplant. Tony's liver went to a man in need of a match, and his heart valves went to a children's hospital. My mind will find peace and feel compassion whenever I think back to all he accomplished personally and all that he did for others as well as the horse -- every deed by Tony was given with such incredible kindness.

In 1998 Tony told me that the year 2000 was the beginning of the new spirit of the horse. I see farriers and practitioners embarking on discoveries of their own and all the winding trails they go through is a most worthwhile trek. As a young man, Tony wrote: "From the hand of God to the hand of mankind, a horse was delivered." All of us who care for such a wonderful creature become the keepers, and are responsible for the health and well-being of this most noble animal.

I would like to convey in memory of Zachery Antony Gonzales the following sentiment by an unknown author:

"Through this toilsome world, alas!
Once and only once I pass;
If a kindness I may show,
If a good deed I may do,
To a suffering fellow man,
Let me do it while I can.
No delay, for it is plain
I shall not pass this way again."

Our industry lost a great man; Tony will always be remembered in our hearts.

Surviving Tony are his wife Carolyn, daughters Carrie and Sherry, the mother of his children, Robyn, his sons-in-law Jonathon and Paul, and grandchildren Dreyke Anthony, Lucas and Sierra.

A memorial service will be held in Kailua, Kona, Hawaii, for family and friends in late July, 2000.

Editor's Note:

A service for Tony will also be held Saturday, July 15, at 5 pm; location is 4461 Ocean Blvd. #54, San Diego, CA 92109. Call 858/272-4239.