STEELE: Anthony “Tony” Franklin of London *Updated
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On May 26, 2026 @ 10:55 AM In Exeter,Obituary | 20 Comments
With deep sadness the family of Tony Steele announces his passing on May 24 2026, in his 72nd year.
Tony was born on October 29th 1954 to James (Jim) and Janice (Jan) Steele (nee Goodrich), Tony was their oldest followed by Tim and later Carla. As a young man, Tony attended Ridley College where he made friendships that lasted a lifetime.
From there Tony attended law school at the University of Western Ontario and was called to the bar in 1985. Shortly after, Tony formed a partnership with Andrew Camman and Bob Beccarea and the law office of Beccarea, Camman and Steele was founded. In 1999, the partnership reformed with Alexander Polishuk joining the firm. Polishuk, Camman and Steele was an institution in London until 2022 when it was rebranded as Spero Law. Tony had a 40 year career where he served many clients, some of whom would become his closest friends.
Apart from his career, Tony was heavily involved in both local and provincial politics. From years as an official “Young Liberal” to working on mayoral campaigns, Tony could always be found active and engaged in the political scene. He was also philanthropic in nature and looked for ways to give back to the community he served.
Tony was an avid collector, including books, watches, zippo lighters, antique firearms, and his pride and joy, his car collection. Tony loved to travel, particularly enjoying Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami and the rest of southern Florida. Apart from collecting he had many interesting hobbies including photography, art and screenplay writing.
Tony is survived by his three children; Laura (Mehrdad), Emma (Marie-Pier) and James as well as his two siblings Tim (Tammy) and Carla (Jim-2014).
He will also be greatly missed by his nieces and grandchildren; Aria, Isaac and Noah, who loved to spend time with “Old Tony”.
A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at The London Club – Grand Ballroom, 177 Queens Avenue, LONDON on Saturday, June 6th at 4 PM.
Condolences for the family of “STEELE: Anthony “Tony” Franklin of London *Updated”
Condolences to the Steele family. Tony and I were classmates in Grand Bend Public School back in the 60’s. I remember Tony as a good friend, seems like a long time ago.
Rich
Condolences to the family for the loss.
Thinking of all of you. Our deepest condenlences go out to all of you. We may not have known Tony but Tammy you spoke highly of him. Hugs!!
My condolences to Tony’s family. I grew up with him and my dad working together. My first job was as a court runner and cleaner for the law office.
I also remember cleaning and painting the upstairs on Talbot before he moved in. He was kind and generous with his time. He also took excellent care of my granny and grandpa with their businesses and wills. My granny spoke fondly of him, I think she favoured Tony over my dad!
Tony was incredible professional in everything he did. We go back a long way. His friendship will be cherished for a longtime. I used to enjoy our diners at the London club with our mutual friend in Mokhtar. My deepest sympathy to all of his family. His memories will be forever and I thank you for giving us a little piece of Tony.
Rip my friend, way too early
I am both saddened and shocked to hear this my condolences to the family. I am in disbelief may Tony rest in peace along with the souls of our parents and grandparents.
My deepest thoughts go out to all of you Tim and Carla we had many years of good fun together
I loved meeting Anthony at the London Club, he taught me lots about wine and I always admired how it looked, always put together and we shared so many great conversations.
I am very saddened to hear of his passing, he was a great great person with so much knowledge to share… I also, had the privilege to meet his daughter at one of the events at The Club.
It is a great loss for the Club and for London…. May he rest in peace.
My Deepest condolences to all his family.
Nadia Major (member of The London Club)
For the thirty years that my husband and I ran our business, Tony was always professional and cooperative in his legal advice and help. We were very very grateful and thankful that he took it upon himself to guide us through and complete the legal documents when we sold our business, as he was retiring, but he completed everything to ensure a smooth sale. On a personal level, we found him friendly and always willing to help us, no matter what the issue was. We are sure he will sorely missed by his friends and family and we extend our deepest condolences to all of you.
Many fond “liberal” memories with Tony and his “buddies ” at many election campaigns. Gone way too young.
Tony was our estate lawyer/friend. We always had interesting discussions about the law and life.
Tony answered his own phone (!) – that is the Tony we knew, no airs or graces and always had time for us.
We are very sad that his journey has ended.
I am shocked and I have deep condolences about Tony. He was good man. I will miss him.
I knew Tony for many years as a colleague in the practice of Law. He had a great disposition and his word was his bond. He was a wonderful gentleman.
I had the pleasure of working with Tony at Polishuk, Camman and Steele. I remembered the advice he gave for success; He was an astute lawyer. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Please accept our sincerest condolences.
We remember many wonderful conversations and connections with our former neighbour, and we remain deeply appreciative of Tony’s excellent legal support and kindness over the years. He will be fondly remembered.
Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Heartfelt condolences
I was deeply saddened to hear this news. I have cherished all our conversations and visits at the London Club with Mokhtar and Tony. It feels far too soon, my friend—you will be greatly missed.
May you rest in peace and be forever remembered as an amazing man. I hope you are enjoying all your dream cars—a different one each day—in heaven, just as you did on earth.
With sincere condolences,
It was an honour to know you, and to work with you, Tony. My condolences go out to his family and all those who knew him.
I was so sad to learn of the passing of a remarkable friend. I enjoyed so many special times with Tony, first through our mutual passion for politics and later just in sharing life’s events. We had some crazy times, and built a lot of special memories along the way. Though geography set us apart, I will never stop hearing that big laugh and seeing his smile. Rest in Peace my friend. My thoughts are with Tony’s family at this time.
My husband’s family had Tony Steele as a lawyer for many, many years. Tony was always such a character, effortlessly funny and extremely knowledgeable. He was always available for a call to chat about travel or cars, or just ask a question. He was such a strong advocate for us and our family. We will miss him greatly.
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I will so miss my many conversations with Anthony. Everyone at the storage place always commented on how friendly he was. Thoughts and prayers to the family. A great man.