Industry icon Anthony Missenden recently passed away. Anthony touched the lives and careers of thousands of hairstylists. He was a past president of the EOHCB (Employers’ Organisation), an international competitor, trainer and juror, a salon owner, and an industry personality who was well known, highly respected and very well loved for his integrity, passion, great sense of humour, and dedication.
Below are tributes from some of Anthony’s friends and colleagues in the industry. RIP to one of our industry greats, whose presence will be sadly missed. From all of us at Hairnews, we send love and strength to your family.
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Raymond (Anthony) Missenden
Anthony was born in England on 20th June 1938. He spent his early days and school years in London.
He is survived by a sons Gregg and two daughters Antonia Grant and Bridget Heil. He passed away in London with his daughters and grandchildren. He travelled there from Singapore.
Becoming a hairdresser was an early passion for him and he started his apprenticeship with the famous Raymond Bessone of Mayfair. Raymond was also known as Mr. Teasy-Weasy, one of the first Bee-Hive stylists. Having the same name as your boss would not be accepted and Anthony used his second name as a professional hairdresser.
Anthony came to South Africa in 1971/72 as a young man and settled in Johannesburg
He quickly made a name for himself and got involved with the Hairdressing structures. He joined the Witwatersrand Master Hairdressers Association, this Association evolved into South African Hairdressing Cosmetology Association (SHACA) which again evolved into Employer’s Organisation for Hairdressing, Cosmetology and Beauty (EOHCB)
Anthony served on different structure as Committee Member, Vice-Chairman, Chairman and eventually National President EOHCB.
Anthony’s passion for our industry led him into competition work in Hairdressing, from a Local level to the National Level and eventually to an International level. He got involved with the South African Team participating in the world Hairdressing Championship from 1985 onwards. He later managed the SA Team and was an International Accredited Juror and was the South African Representative to OMC
With Anthony’s passing away comes an end to an era and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Condolences to his family
From Willie Pietersen, Past President EOHCB
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I worked for Anthony for many years and knew a lot of people in our industry who he helped and taught. But I had no idea just how far reaching it actually was. There were so many names I didn’t know who spoke as highly of him as people I knew well. That’s probably got to be what they talk about when they say ‘leave a legacy’. Anthony’s will to better our industry was mind blowing. He never tired of teaching people what he knew about hair. He never had a ‘bad day’ in our trade. His passion was unsurpassed... every... single... day.
That was a tough act to follow and he expected only the best from his staff. Some days you made him happy, and some days he demanded more. But he never broke the spirit of the hairdresser in you. He would always say he could teach you how to cut hair (and then point at his head) but he could never teach you how to use your real brain (and then point at your heart). He always spoke about putting your ‘love’ into your hair cut. That was what made a truly fine hairstylist.
As much as he brought competition work into this country, he taught you to never compete against anyone else but yourself. Anthony always encouraged every stylist to compete in competitions as it made you a better hairstylist. Not because you were better than the next guy, but because it taught you how to be humble and to push your creativity and discipline to the maximum. He was a firm believer that no matter how creative you are, you can never be successful unless you have discipline in your craft.
Anthony would often use his favorite acronym ...KISS... keep it simple stupid. Don’t complicate things. Don’t over sell yourself. ALWAYS over deliver. He also believed in the Buddhist way of life. Always be kind and always be gentle. Especially to yourself. That influence came from his life and business partner at the time Ivy Wong, who was most of the time his compass and comfort. They were a formidable team and grew a phenomenally successful brand in their salon Mai Lai. Mai Lai is the Cantonese word which means Beautiful.
So to sum things up, that’s how Anthony was. Always saw the beauty in his industry. Always saw the beauty in every staff member. Always saw the beauty in every client. He embraced life and lived it to its fullest. He never shied away from a challenge. He took risks and pushed boundaries every day. He was truly a beautiful man.
He was the Don of hairdressing in South Africa. May his soul rest quietly.
From Michelle Whittal: Mai Lai Hairdressing Studio 3
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Anthony was a dear long standing friend to me. We attended many seminars and fuctions and did a lot of shows together. We shared the same passion for this beautiful hair industry and I will always treasure his friendship in my heart. My condolences to his family.
Goodbye my friend, Much love.
From Isabel Forssman
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Many years ago, I had the privilege of working with Anthony as an Apprentice in his Mai Lai Hairdressing studio in Randpark Ridge. I enjoyed working with him and learnt a lot from Anthony. I worked there for approximately a month or 2 for experience, so I can get confidence to do the job. Thank you, Anthony, for giving me an opportunity to work with you and to be the person I am today. May you rest in peace and I hope your family get the strength they need to carry on your legacy and in this time of mourning.
From Nadine van Greunen
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Sincere Condolences To The Missenden Family.
RIP Anthony
From The Valjeaux Family & All @ Jeauval
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Anthony Missenden, what a privilege to know you – your love for the hairdressing industry, you are leaving us with so many great memories. Your boisterous humour and caring spirit will be sorely missed. Rest well dear friend.
From Andrew Todd
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What a shock... Anthony, you are such a legend in our industry and this is indeed sad news. We met two years ago at Twincare and I have learned so much from you. Condolences to family, friends and colleagues. RIP dear soul.
From Liza Visagie
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So sad to hear this. Anthony was the first salon owner I met when joining the industry in 1988. He was always kind, his nickname for me was “hot lips”, he had a great sense of humour. He was such a humble man and will be missed.
From Ursula Brett
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Condolences to Gregg and the Missenden family. May Anthony rest in peace... I was so privileged to have met him when I started working for Wella South Africa.
From Sybil Momple-Joharie
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Goodbye to an industry legend. Gregg and family, wishing you strength.
From Chris Stofberg
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Anthony was a wonderful inspiration for so many in our industry. He was a superb judge of skill and served us well as a judge of the Trend Vision Awards. RIP Anthony and condolences to Gregg and the family.
From Theresa Gouws
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Really sad to hear this news. Anthony gave so much to the hairdressing industry. He was respected and admired by many and he was always so keen to share his extensive knowledge. Even when he had hard times his passion for the hairdressing industry shone through. Thank-you Antony you did and gave so much to the SA Hairdressing Industry - may you rest in peace knowing that you left your mark and will be missed. Your commitment was invaluable and we will always respect and admire you for the hundreds of young stylists you inspired
From Carol Ann Jamison
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Anthony loved hair and was totally devoted to the hairdressing industry, attending every function and competition and launch! Since my start of technical work, from L'Oreal to Goldwell, Matrix to Redken to Pureology, Anthony was the stalwart, offering encouragement and interest. His dry sense of humor was always welcome in a frantic situation at fashion week.... You will always live on in the hearts of those lives you touched..... Godspeed on your journey..... With love... Xxx
From Heidi Flax
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To His Family, Ivy Wong and all who have been close to him over the past few years , my deepest condolences and prayers go out to you all - Anthony Missenden was a huge driving force in the Hairdressing Competition circuit he will be sorely missed.
From Andrew Young
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Bye bye my boss!!! So many wonderful years shared with you!!! Thanks for all you taught me!!! Condolences Gregg Missenden to you and your family!! Thinking about you all....very sad.
From Dee Kelly Kimble
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So sad to hear of Anthony’s passing. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
From David Bolon
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Such Sad news. My condolences to Gregg Missenden and Family May you forever Rest in Peace Anthony. You are gone, but not forgotten. I will remember you fondly.
From Yvonne Bryson
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Our deepest condolences to the family.
From Anita Baatjies
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Hugs to Gregg Missenden, thinking of you and the family.
From Jo Green
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Indeed you were a hero and icon who contributed so much to our industry and will be sadly missed. RIP and condolences to the family.
From Victor Algranti
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Rest in peace Anthony, you were a mentor to me in my younger years.
From Will Breedt
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I am so sad... my love and condolences. Your smile, your giggle, and your “Hello Mr H” will stay with me. I will miss you!
From Henry E Wakefield
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I will always remember you for saying, “Hugo, you are my best trained juror... on and off the floor.”
From Hugo Minnie
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Sad news, and sending condolences to everyone.
From Grant Jenkins
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This is indeed sad news. Condolences to family, friends and colleagues.
From Larry Le Roux
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Condolences to Greg and family, RIP Anthony
From Dennis Randall
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Very sad news. Condolences to his loved ones. May he rest in peace.
From Stephen Delport
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RIP Anthony and my condolences to the family.
From Debbie Nebbeling
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Sad news indeed, I grew up in front of him and he was one of my father’s great friends too. May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to Greg and family.
From Deepak Valla
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So sad to hear this. Condolences to his friends and family.
From Maria Gough
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Sorry to hear this – what an icon. You will be missed.
From Shawn Odendaal
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All our prayers and blessings to his family and friends.
From David Robbins.
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Anthony you will be missed buddy, hope you rest well!!
From Donovan Grove
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Such sad news... so many memories. Rest in Peace
From Francene Fick
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Anthony, you were a lovely man, and so kind.
From Taryn Bloem
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Sending love and light to the family.
From Gia Maestrami
