Saturday, January 29, 2011
The Circus Fans of America are very sorry to learn of the passing of Antoinette "Toni" McIntyre. Toni and "Doc" McIntyre were active in our organization for many years, attending and supporting virtually every state event and several National Conventions. Toni and Doc were participants, not merely members. They enjoyed the circus and circus fans equally. They would support our Kid's BackYard Circus annually, manning the bandstand, and even braiding big top guy ropes till their fingers were raw. They were, as we say in the circus biz..."with it and for it". I get a lump in my throat as I relate to you that Toni made it a practice to remember her favorite animal performers.... I can still see her crossing the highway with a bag of apples for "Lisa", an elephant on Robert's Bros. Circus. Toni loved Lisa and Lisa loved Toni. (Lisa is still performing...currently on tour with Kelly Miller Circus) I know that tonight Toni is somewhere where flags fly over a big top, and I'll bet she has a bag of apples for the elephants... She was a thoughtful and wonderful lady. She made every one of our events more enjoyable in the fellowship she shared. We shall miss you Toni! Because you're CFA, you know we shall see you down the road. At the Tuesday evening meeting of the Circus Fans of America, Tent No. 24, Hartford, CT....a chair will be left empty for Toni, the roll will be called and when Toni's name is read and there is no response, a moment of silence will be observed ... Our sincere condolences. We love Toni dearly. She will long be remembered by her surviving fellow circus fans...and by at least one very special circus elephant, name of Lisa! Gary C. Payne Eastern Vice President Circus Fans Association of America President - Tent No. 24 Hartford, CT
