Fond farewell

Dear Classic American,

I met Tony Oksien more than 40 years ago, we became firm friends who weaved in and out of each other’s lives. Although our contact wasn’t always regular, whenever we got together or chatted, it was like we had only spoken the day before. A kind and soft gentleman, with a passion for Mopar that matched my own, we came up with the idea of starting a Mopar show run by the MMA (Mopar Muscle Association) which he’d founded. Tony and I put our heads together and after a lot of time and hard work, we had organised what is now known as the annual Chryslers at Brooklands event, which was set up around 16 years ago.

The show was a success and went from strength to strength, there is no doubt that without Tony’s help and support, it wouldn’t have got off to such a successful start. I have so many memories and tales of times with Tony but they are in my head and heart, I couldn’t begin to put them into words.

Today, Tony was laid to rest. Due to Covid restrictions, only 30 people could attend his funeral. I, along with Nipper (who is recovering from a terrible bike accident he had in the summer) were both proud and privileged to be a part of Tony’s day. Although it poured down all day, there was no way we weren’t going in my Charger. So after picking Nipper up, we headed to the church. Tony’s family really did him proud considering how difficult the day was. Joe, Tony’s son, spoke with pride for his dad and I know Tony would have been proud of him.

Keep it Mopar my friend… and save me a parking space.

Derek Carter

MMA public relations officer MMA South London and Surrey Area Rep

Unfortunately Derek’s tribute arrived after our January issue containing our tribute to Tony had gone to press, but we still wanted to include it in this month’s magazine.