The obituary notice of Keith TOPLISS

As a young constable PC Topliss had the enviable task of guarding Prince Andrew at Gordonstoun. He carried out this role with sensitivity and humour.

He was unsupported and without a car. He was liked and respected.

He was replaced by two sergeants with cars doing a regular rotation.

It is perhaps an indication of my lasting respect for Toppy that I found the sad news of his leaving us. The best guvnor I ever had by a long way. Supportive, talented, not just a boss but a true friend . When Toppy retired the police service lost a great leader. Now the world has lost a great man. I will never forget him.

I have just seen the sad news of Toppy's death. I worked with him in the 1980's in Lewisham. Honest, hardworking, and loved by his troops. Those who worked with him know what I mean., he had a wicked imagination, made you feel at ease and ensured his men were looked after. There is a statement I have used since I retired it goes something like this.
My best boss was Keith Topliss. You hear stories of one guvnor that was head and shoulders above the rest. He was miles in front. Brilliant sense of humor, great joker, perfect gentleman. I'd have walked over burning coals for him, because I know he'd have done it for me. He was simply the best and I am glad to have had him in my life. Rest In peace Guvnor.

Am greatly saddened at the news of Keith's untimely death. We were pals from the mid 60's and had the most irreverent,wild and amusing of times. I was very touched to read the heartfelt comments from some of his Police colleagues who saw and experienced a different side of Keith I was never privy to and he clearly left his mark as a first rate senior Police Officer. I'll never forget the times and adventures we had together.

Millfields will certainly miss your smart wit and kind manner. Whenever you spoke you managed to put a smile on my face, we had some great conversations. I wish I had known you longer. You certainly will be missed.
RIP

So sorry to hear this news as a young PC in 1980 I joined a shift at Holborn where Toppy worked. He was such a lovely guy to have on the relief, never flustered never intimidated and one on the funniest people I ever knew. I met him a few years ago at a reunion and he was just the same nice guy.
Gone too soon my thoughts are with his family and rest assured he lived a life worth living.

I don't think that you could have realised what great regard you were held in by those you led. No matter how serious the incident you ensured your team were looked after and was always supportive. How sad that I didn't get to tell you that for many you were the greatest Guvnor anyone could have hoped for. From the first day on team when you asked me to keep an eye out for a colleague going through a hard time to the day I moved on I can honestly say you made it enjoyable despite some of the matters we dealt with. News is just filtering out to your ex colleagues. I last worked with you in 1994. You will never be forgotten.

I don't think that you could have realised what great regard you were held in by those you led. No matter how serious the incident you ensured your team were looked after and was always supportive. How sad that I didn't get to tell you that for many you were the greatest Guvnor anyone could have hoped for. From the first day on team when you asked me to keep an eye out for a colleague going through a hard time to the day I moved on I can honestly say you made it enjoyable despite some of the matters we dealt with. News is just filtering out to your ex colleagues. I last worked with you in 1994. You will never be forgotten.