Tony Painter

My “ Big Brother” Tony was a man with unusual talents and distinction and I have always been proud to call him my brother. He stood by me when we lost our Father at such a young age, he was my soul mate and my link to the past has now gone and I will miss him more than anyone can know. His little sister as he called me, Jennifer

My “Big Brother” Tony was a man with unusual talents and distinction and I have always been proud to call him my brother. He stood by me when we lost our Father so young, he was my life line and I will miss more than anyone could know.
His only sister, Jennifer

Tony worked as a trading standards officer in England and East Africa for half of his working life before becoming a food law consultant. He became one of the UK’s leading food law experts as demonstrated with his editorship of Butterworths Law of Food and Drugs and O’Keefe’s Law of Weights and Measures and his authorship of such publications as Butterworths Food Law. He joined me in establishing Law Laboratories Ltd (Lawlabs) and he led our Food Law division as Food Law Director and latterly became Chairman of the company until finally retiring in 1995. Tony was a consummate professional and mentor to not only me but many of the food law professionals we at that time employed. Many of our then food industry clients valued his advice and support as I did.

Rachael and Barrie, I was so sorry to hear about your Father.

I worked with your Dad, first in Suffolk and then here in West Sussex, after he appointed me as Inspector of Weights & Measures in 1971. I can honestly say he was the best boss I worked for in my 40 years in Trading Standards. I shall always remember him sitting at his deck in 47 West Street with pipe in mouth, often typing away on his typewriter (probably penning a piece for the Institute Magazine or Yachting Monthly!).

He was an inspirational man and always encouraged his Officers to achieve their potential and try new approaches to the job. He obviously saw in me a knack for investigating; as once I had cut my teeth on the basics of the job, he appointed me as Special Investigations Officer with a small team to concentrate on the most serious cases and take a more proactive approach to catching offenders. He even appointed me as one of his Advocates to prosecute departmental cases in the Magistrates' Court. His approach to the job was widely admired and there was no shortage of Inspectors wanting to work for him in West Sussex.

Tony was a sad loss to the profession when he moved on to pastures new, but he continuing to serve the public in many ways, and I'm sure many more young people were given the chance by Tony to succeed in their careers.

It was a privilege to work for him and later on in my career to hold the post of Deputy Chief in Suffolk - the post Tony himself held back in the '60's, where he was based in Lowestoft. Tony always had a great love for the water and you could bet he would never be far from the sea and his love of sailing. I was so pleased he lived such a long life to enjoy his passion and his family.

Rest in Peace AAP