Who was Tony Kraus
Yolanda, Jeff and Terry, and all of Tony’s family, your since of loss is absolutely unimaginable, I’m sure of it! But take comfort in the fact that Tony was a really remarkable man.
I have known Tony since he was 14 or 15 years old, I met him thru my kids, and once I did, I knew I wanted him a part of their lives and mine, and he was, I’m so grateful for that! Thanks for sharing him.
Tony was electrifying and always filled a room with his exuberance. You just always wanted Tony to be around! Tony loved many and many loved Tony.
Tony fit everywhere and with everyone, both young and old, he was a precious soul, he was thoughtful, kind, respectful and had a great since of honor, (Good job Yolanda)!
Like many of us he made mistakes, but unlike so many his age, he was able to persevere and step up to the plate, like a real man. Tony not only admitted his mistakes, but did his utmost to correct them and to make amends.
I know if Tony is listening right now and I were to say to him something like “now Tony why is that, why are so strong this way” he would say something like “ it’s cause I’m Mexican”!
Last Saturday I was one of the luckiest people on the planet. You see I spent some of Tony’s last hours with him. My granddaughter Cyanna and I picked Tony and Chase up and made a trip to Chuckie Cheeses, after 1 quick ride together in a 4x4 kiddy ride there were only three smiling faces and none of them were Cyanna’s. This thing was rockin Chase right out of his socks, Cyanna was jumping out of the ride and Chase, (the driver) was ear to ear smile, I looked at Tony and he too was ear to ear grin as well and cheering Chase on, “Go buddy go”
Chase and Tony quickly dumped the old guy, and the girl, and were off on their own. Cyanna and I were doing girl things, but as we searched around and around for more calmer things to do we would watch Tony and Chase, they were doing all the rough rides and stuff like that, but when it got right down to it, Tony ultimately had Chase playing games, mostly the ones where two players could play, I want everyone to know and understand of the joy and the happiness I saw in Tony’s face that day, that child was Tony’s new world and Tony was a great dad, and he knew it!
A few weeks ago I had customers in from Norway and Arizona, we had a couple of my good friends and sales reps in as well, but I had one last minute cancellation. This was too bad to because I mean we had a big day planned, we had a Limousine lined up and taking us to Tiger Stadium, Greek Town for dinner and then a Dave Matthews concert to end the night. Guess who was with me when I got the cancelation? Yep Tony was right there and said “I can go”. Now I had to think real fast because after all these were a couple of my biggest customers, I said “Tony, I don’t know dude, these are some of my biggest hitters” and then I stopped and said to myself, wait a minute this is Kraus, he’ll own em and he will represent himself and Viking Spas well, and DID HE EVER!
I have spoken to all of the out of town guest that rode in that Limo with Tony that night, and informed them of what has happened to Tony, and every single one of them had a story to tell me about Tony and the impression he had made on them, there were 13 of us total, but Tony sought them out, made his rounds and made friends that quickly with some of the most successful people in the pool and spa industry, I know reps in the business 20yrs that can’t do that!
All of these successful business people had one thing in common to say about their new friend Tony, and it came from every one of them, they all said how proud Tony was of his son Chase, everyone in that Limo saw a picture of Chase Anthony that night.
Tony was supposed to go to Church with me last Sunday morning, he was going to meet the Religious Education Director at my Parish, because he had made the decision to make his 1st Holy Communion and his Confirmation, I know he wants everyone here to know that. I had forgotten, but I suddenly realized how important it was to him and how serious he was when he left me that night and in shaking my hand he said, “I’ll see ya for church right”? I said oh that’s right, just make sure you’re up in the morning big boy, he said, “I will be”.
I, along with everyone else who knew Tony will miss him greatly, but I am comforted by the thought that he was looking to make a bigger commitment to God, he had the intent before God took him home, I know it my heart, I feel it, he’s there, probably cutting a deal for Chase to be able to live long and prosper. Tony, I love you, thanks for being my friend!