Posted by Mark L. Brown on March 15, 2015:

Toby and I served together in the Gonzaga University ROTC Det., 4th ROTC Region, in Spokane, Washington from 1972 to 1975. Toby was a Captain (later Major) and I was a young Cadet with much to learn. I had regular contact with Toby in his capacities as the S4, Drill Team Advisor, and Instructor (both in the classroom and field) where he worked long hours that were hard on him (and his family). Toby was a tough taskmaster, and caring mentor, who demanded our best. I rarely saw his humorous side, but did benefit from his instructive criticism and example on many occasions. Due, in no small part to his efforts, I graduated (with honors) in 1976 and went on to enjoy a very rewarding 30-year Army career which culminated with my 2006 retirement in Hawaii. Recently, following my reading of the obituary for Toby's youngest son (the late Honolulu Police Captain Neville Colburn) in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, I located Toby on the USMA Class of 1964 Memorials website and learned that Toby had passed away in 1993. I regret that I never had the opportunity to tell him what a big difference he made in my life and Army career. Undoubtedly, there are many others with similar stories to tell. Colonel Mark L. Brown, U.S. Army (Retired)

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