Sunday Toi celebrated his 80th birthday at a function which packed out the Ōpōtiki RSA lounge on Friday.

A former member of the NZ Army’s famous Victor 5 Company, which fought in Vietnam, and later of the New Zealand SAS, Mr Toi is best known locally for leading formal proceedings on Anzac Day.

As parade MC he has only had four years off in the past 36 years.

He and his wife, Sue, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary earlier this year.

A Lance Corporal while serving in Vietnam, comrades described Mr Toi’s strength, which enabled him to tackle one of the hardest jobs on jungle patrols.

The tropical heat and dense vegetation were tough for everyone. But a machine-gunner Mr Toi had to carry a M60 machinegun and 2000 rounds of ammunition, in addition to his own personal gear.

The memories of jungle warfare were limited to humorous ones, of course.

Mr Toi’s commander recalled one jungle patrol when a high-tech gadget supplied by American Allies began “beeping” to signify the approach of enemy soldiers.

As the intruders drew nearer, he gave orders to unleash a barrage of bullets, grenades, mines and flares … but when everything died down the result was just three dead cows, the animals having innocently wandered into the path of the Kiwi soldiers’ ambush.

It was among many stories shared in an evening comprising affectionate speeches, songs and waiata.

A moving song describing Mr Toi’s home in the Hokianga was sung by members of his whānau. This one to the tune of the John Rowles hit, If I Only Had Time.

Presentations included a specially commissioned painting to commemorate the men of Whisky Company; a key carved with in the shape of the ‘Who Dares Wins’ NZ SAS Logo and Mr Toi’s old footlocker, which he had taken overseas. This had been restored for the occasion.

Mr Toi’s time with the SAS began following his service in Vietnam.

He was also a corrections officer based in Ōpōtiki and worked rehabilitating people.

Colleagues from each stage of his career were to be found at the birthday celebration.

“I was blown away to see so many of my old comrades, friends and whānau. Even though I knew they were coming it was special to see everyone.

“The opportunities we have to get together are getting fewer as the years go by,” Mr Toi said.