'A kind man' (From Penarth Times)

'A kind man'

A FORMER mayor of Penarth - one of just three survivors of a torpedo attack on a Merchant Navy vessel during the war in which 42 crew members perished - has died aged 87.

Harold Toye, of Pill Street, was mayor of Penarth Town Council in 1976-77 and chairman of Penarth Urban District Council in 1960-61 and 1970-71.

AM Lorraine Barrett said: "I remember Harold from the time I joined Penarth Labour Party in 1976.

"He was a kind man and well respected within and outside the party.

"He gave a lifetime service to the people of Penarth, not only through his time as a councillor but also working with voluntary organisations in the town.

"He will be missed by many friends but particularly by Joan, his lifelong partner."

Mr Toye represented the old North Ward and was the councillor responsible for the Parks Department.

He retired from local government in 1982.

Mr Toye, who was born in John Street, joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 14 and was at sea for 12 years.

In 1943 he was sailing on an open boat which was torpedoed, killing all but three of the 45 crew members.

A very keen gardener, Mr Toye had a passion for growing dahlias.

He was a founder member of the Penarth Horticultural Society and vice-president of the Cardiff Dahlia Society.

He was also a good bowls player and captained the Windsor Bowling Club in 1985.

Mike Fullbrook, present captain of the club, said: "Harold was captain of the side in 1985. He was a very well respected member of the club and will be sadly missed."