6 June 1939 - 19 October 2023

Air Cdre Tony Wober, who died on 19 October at the age of 84, was an RAF doctor, international oarsman, jazz pianist, Queen's Honorary Surgeon and, in retirement, a successful and knowledgeable tour guide at Henley’s Rowing museum and Sydney’s Maritime and Powerhouse museums. 

He was born in 1939 in Calcutta, where by the age of five he had contracted ailments including typhoid and rickets, any one of which could have killed him. This ‘never give in’ attitude served him well throughout his life. His early childhood in India gave him a love of travel and particularly the Himalayas as the family had a summer house in Darjeeling. At school at Bryanston, he developed his life-long love of both jazz and rowing. A talented jazz pianist, he loved to play for his own and others’ enjoyment. As an oarsman, he competed for his school and Thames Rowing Club at Henley Royal Regatta (where he also later coached RAF crews) and won Bronze with the England eight at the 1958 Commonwealth Games.

After training at St Mary’s Hospital, London, his RAF career included general practice, learning to fly and aviation and space medicine. He became CO RAF(H) Wegberg, PMO RAFG, and finally Dep DG RAF Med Branch. His two exchange tours, at RAAF Williamtown, and with the USAF at HQ SAC, Offutt Air Force Base, were perhaps his most enjoyable. His family certainly thought so as they had many adventures in both countries.

Other notable experiences included playing the Tsar’s piano on the Russian Battleship Aurora while visiting the Russian Air Force medical branch, and a private meeting with the
Queen whilst a QHS. He is survived by his wife Priscilla, his children Nicola, Jonathan and Daniel from his marriage to Pamela, two step-children Vanessa and Antony and five grandchildren.