Colin Toop

Colin Toop (1918 - 2006)

 Colin Toop was born in Wanganui and grew up with a younger brother Howard and a sister, Fay. On leaving school he lived with family in Wellington and worked for Toop & Neilsen, an importing business. Colin belonged to the Territorials and was called up when WWII was declared (Regiment Number 35011). He served as a gunner in the Artillery and had a successful Army career, rising to the rank of Major. Colin was awarded an M.I.D. at the end of the war.

Upon his return from the War, Colin married Patricia and began his own successful importing business. Colin and Patricia had one son, Clive, who was tragically killed when he was only 23 and about to be married. They moved to Tauranga for the last twenty years of his life and built at Greenwood Park.

Colin had a lifetime passion for photography. A camera was part of his Army kit during his time in Syria and Italy and the photos he took are now highly prized. They are displayed in the War Memorial Museum in Auckland.

Colin elected to name his Acorn fund in honour of his wife Patricia and son Clive