South Australia has lost one of its most respected business leaders with the passing of our founder, Anthony Toop

Anthony was admired not only for what he achieved, but for how he lived. A devoted husband, father and Poppa, he was known for his optimism, resilience and belief that “if it is to be, it’s up to me.” He never accepted limitations, in business, in life or in his health, and inspired those around him to focus on what could be done rather than what couldn’t.

Raised in South Australia’s Mid North, Anthony lived by the values of hard work, integrity, keeping your word, honesty and genuine care for people. They were at his core and fuelled everything he did. Over the past five years he loved being back on the land, spending time on his property in the Adelaide Hills - this was one of his favourite places in the world, surrounded by family, nature and always finding something to build, fix or improve.

First diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2012, Anthony was successfully treated and returned to full health. When the disease returned in late 2023, he faced it as he did every challenge, with determination, creativity and courage.

He defied the odds for more than a decade, working alongside his doctors with deep respect and gratitude for the world-class medical care available here in Adelaide. He often said how lucky he felt to live in a place with such outstanding people and care.

In 1985, Anthony and his wife Sylvia started TOOP+TOOP from their family home. Over the following decades they built it into one of South Australia’s most awarded and enduring family businesses, recognised across the country for its integrity, innovation and results. In 2019, they proudly passed the reins to the next generation, daughters Genevieve and Suzannah, and son-in-law Bronte Manuel, ensuring the business remained family-owned and future-focused.

Anthony’s leadership helped raise the bar for real estate in Australia. He pioneered innovative approaches to real estate, championed higher professional standards and mentored generations of agents. His contribution was recognised with the Sir Robert Torrens Award for outstanding service to the profession, alongside multiple state and national honours including induction into the REIA Hall of Fame in several categories.

His impact extended well beyond real estate. Anthony was the driving force behind the creation of the Variety V2 Motorcycle Run, bringing together his love of motorcycles and his commitment to helping children in need. He also gave thousands of hours on stage as a charity auctioneer, helping to raise millions of dollars for South Australian charities over his career.

Anthony will be remembered as a devoted family man, a visionary South Australian and a generous contributor to his community. His legacy lives on through his wife Sylvia; daughters Genevieve and Suzannah; son-in-laws Bronte and James; his grandchildren; and the entire TOOP+TOOP team, guided by the values he lived every day, integrity, excellence and genuine care for people.

Details of Anthony’s memorial service will be shared on the TOOP+TOOP website and social media channels in the coming days.