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 Colin Perfect DTM
Colin Perfect DTM was a friend, mentor, and motivator to many Toastmasters. Right throughout District 72 Colin’s friendly face was recognised, and his willing helping hands were felt with guidance.
I met Colin many years ago. It was at a District Conference. He was like me, a relatively new member eager to find out what could be learnt. Eager to meet the senior role players in an organisation that seemed so vast! Later, on three occasions, we were district officers together. I found him patient and supportive and ready to listen.
Colin grew to become one of those senior members that we were in awe of, and grew to completely understand what made the organisation tick and to eventually lead, New Zealand District in 2004-2005. Riding high on the success in leading the District to distinguished status Colin became a Candidate for International Director from Districts not assigned to a region 2006-2008. He was unsuccessful in this venture.
Colin was a member of seven Toastmaster clubs: The Gourmet, WOW (Wairarapa on Weekends), Victoria University, Ohariu, Newlands, Public Service and Mt. Victoria. I belonged to two of those clubs, WOW and The Gourmet, both meeting monthly. Many of his speeches were told with wry humour, sometimes on a personal level and others educational and always captivating.
Colin loved using the word 'marvellous' and I remember mentioning this in numerous evaluations. He finally got the message and replaced it with 'splendid'. He was a 'splendid' bloke, a man to aspire to. I particularly remember a speech he gave to WOW club about the cable car restoration. He took us to the back-of-beyond of the Wairarapa and we held the meeting in the craftsman’s premises where the cable car was being restored. This presentation combined his skill in conservation architecture and his expertise in restoration. It was a project he was particularly proud of and the love of it showed through. This 104 year old vehicle is now a tourist icon in Wellington.
Colin you will be missed. You have left us with a legacy to live up to.
Trish Gray DTM
Funeral Service - a silent applause!
 Colin's funeral service was held at Old St Pauls, Mulgrave St, Wellington on Tuesday 7 October.
Many people spoke eloquently about Colin, his personal life and his professional achievements, including Past District Governor Warwick Lowdnes DTM.
The setting at Old St Pauls was very befitting of Colin, and after the service, I realised that, despite a church full of Toastmasters, there was no applause. It was like we were all clapping in our hearts for Colin, but just couldn't bring ourselves to clap out loud for him. It just didn't seem right! A silent applause for such a popular, respected and esteemed person like Colin matched the beautiful and historic surroundings of Old St Pauls.
Goodbye Colin, till we meet again! Your friend Dale.
Place a Tribute on Tributes Online
and read Toastmaster Tributes sent to the
District Governor for forwarding on
to Colin's family (12 page pdf)
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