Arnold Tonkin

13/3/1907 - 12/7/1981

Dr Arnold Hugh Tonkin died in Grahamstown on 12th July 1981 in his 75th year. With his passing South African Scouting lost a friend and supporter of long standing. After service as a Cub and Scout, Arnold became a Scouter in the 1st Rosebank Troop when that Group was formed in 1929.

He was appointed District Commissioner in 1947, Deputy Divisional Commissioner in 1953, and Divisional Commissioner, Cape Western in 1955. In 1958 he became Deputy Chief Scout to Col Arthur Johnstone, a position he held until 1968. Thereafter, although he held no active rank, he maintained his interest in Scouting and contact with his many friends in the Movement.

He was appointed Emeritus Commissioner, South Africa in 1971.

As a life-long Scout, Arnold was one to whom the principles of the Movement - the Promise, the Law and the religious basis - meant a great deal, and by example and precept he always upheld them. His interest in people, especially young folk, made him an approachable and sympathetic Commissioner.

As Secretary of the Medical Association of South Africa he was elected as a member of the World Medical Association. On the occasions when the duties of these positions took him to foreign countries he made valuable Scouting contacts wherever possible.