Colin Jones' service to his community spanned decades, covering a wide range of areas, from school to sports committees, to the Young Farmers Club as well as local charities and the fire brigade.
Colin passed away on June 27 this year, just a few days after he had received a letter from Stratford district mayor Neil Volzke telling him he was to receive a 2022 Stratford District Citizen Award in recognition of his many years of service to the community and district. Colin's family will accept the award on his behalf at the awards evening in August.
Colin gave years of service to a wide range of groups and clubs over the years, taking on many voluntary roles in his community.
While farming in Toko, Colin was a member of the Toko Domain Board for 26 years as well as serving 14 years on the Toko Hall Committee, six of which he was the chairperson. He was elected to the Toko School Committee in 1975, chairing it for four years and he was also an integral part of the organising committee for the last two jubilee celebrations of the school.
In 1955, Colin joined the Young Farmers Club, remaining a member until 1972. Over the years he served in a variety of roles within the club. Colin represented Stratford on the original veterinary services committee, which was set up by members of the Stratford, Cardiff and Midhirst dairy companies. He was chairperson of the group when the dairy companies amalgamated, and played a vital role in leading the group through the changes until it became the Taranaki Veterinary Centre.