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The Australian advice sector has lost two of its pioneering leaders in the space of a week.

Tony Carlyon lost his battle with a long illness on 29th September, followed one week later by the sad passing of Melbourne adviser and business pioneer, Tony Bongiorno, following an event while participating in a charity bike ride.

Both advisers were very well-known and devoted decades of their working lives to the life insurance and financial advice sectors. And while tributes have been offered from all quarters, perhaps the strongest outpouring has been extended by Australia’s MDRT adviser community, with whom both Carlyon and Bongiorno had forged deep ties over many decades.

The outpouring of condolence messages shared by MDRT colleagues for both ‘Tonys’ bears witness to the impact each had on the lives of their peers in Australia and across the world, and on the lives of the thousands of clients they served over their many active years as financial advisers.

These messages combine to collectively reflect that both gentlemen left behind them a lasting legacy – manifested in the way they gave back to the life insurance industry and in the positive difference they made in the lives of so many of their clients.

While the sad passing of both gentlemen within a week of each other may give some readers pause to consider how their own legacy might one day be perceived by others, scroll below to view a selection of the many messages and tributes paid to both men by their MDRT colleagues – tributes for two people who made a significant impact while leading full, productive and rich lives:

Tony Carlyon

• One of the greats.
• When I think of Tony, the first thing that comes to mind is his enormous heart.
• Taught me a lot and was always so kind to me.
• Tony was still a passionate MDRT member, a former Zone Chair, who served on …many MDRT committees.
• We are all going to miss the big fella who had a wonderful generous heart.
• He will be missed.
• He was always very good to me when I was starting on my MDRT journey.
• He will be missed but remembered.
• He helped me in my MDRT journey and business.
• Those of us who had the privilege to know Tony will miss him immensely.
• Tony, you were such a massive contributor to MDRT.
• He was a great man.

Tony Bongiorno

• He was always out in front and trying something new, pushing the boundaries.
• Tony has inspired many, and I’m aware of the significant positive impact he’s had on numerous MDRT members.
• A person who lived, breathed and practiced the MDRT philosophy daily.
• Very generous with his time and expertise to anyone who would ask for help.
• Tony was an uplifting presence and a true balcony person to countless individuals within MDRT as well as the wider financial services community. His generous spirit and inspiring nature touched many lives. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy endures through the invaluable insights he shared with so many of us.
• A great loss to the MDRT community and all connected to such a selfless and giving person.  …It was such an honour to spend time with you and learn from you.
• …very sad news for someone who embodied the MDRT spirit with giving to the profession through his mentoring of many of us and his work he did with charities… Tony, I’m glad I got to spend some time and learn from one of the greats.
• Only met him a few times but he showed me that legendary kindness that everyone talks about.
• I had the pleasure to have some coaching sessions with Tony over the past year, and his passion for advice and teaching was truly inspiring to witness.
• A great friend, mentor and role model.
• Tony exemplified all the values of MDRT, an incredible person who never stopped giving back and in doing so touched many lives.
• His life was one of teaching but equally importantly learning.
• Tony was always keen to share his wealth of knowledge with a generous spirit.
• Tony was a trailblazer and a legend already in those distant times.