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TUESDAY, March 28, 2017
www.kamloopsthisweek.com
Obituaries & In Memoriam In Loving Memory Of
Joshua William Pollard Zapf – “JZ” September 11, 1987 – March 29, 2015
Paul David Toporowski
Toporowski, Paul David, 55 of Kamloops, British Columbia passed away from pancreatic cancer on March 23rd, 2017 at Kamloops Hospice surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Melanie and their four sons: Tyler (Laura), Shane, Christopher and Riley. He was predeceased by his father Carl Alexander and father-in-law Gilbert Fraser. He will be greatly missed by his mother Stephanie, his brothers: John (Nicole), Steve (Yvonne), Michael and Tom and sisters: Carla (Ron), Leanna (Gary- deceased) and Annalise. He is also survived by his mother-inlaw Agnes and eight in-laws: Gail, Carver, Terry, Tim, George, Nathalie, Darren and Elston. His 79 nieces and nephews, and many dear friends and past clients shall fondly remember him. Paul was affectionately known as “TOPPER” to everyone he met. Paul was born in Fort St. John on January 16th, 1962 and soon moved to Vernon and then Richmond in 1967. He attended James Gilmore Elementary School followed by Vancouver College High School where he excelled at academics, athletics and leadership. Paul was honored to be chosen as Captain of the Fighting Irish Basketball and Track and Field teams and graduated as Class President in 1980. He was truly a gifted athlete setting many track and field records that stood the test of time for many years.
Your life was a blessing. Your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Always in our minds, forever in our hearts. We love you, until we meet again.
Mom, Dad, Justin, Jamie, Jason and Marcus
Paul had various jobs during his formative years: Woodwards Sporting Goods Dept, Hydraulic Shop (heavy duty equipment operator), HY Louie (Longshoreman- driving front-end loaders), and working for his father in the mining business running compactors and bulldozers in Montana and Arizona. After Langara College (playing basketball), Paul attended SFU with good friends Damian Botteselle and Stewart Bailey. He graduated in 1986 with a Major in Criminology and a Minor in Business. He then completed a practicum at a local law firm and became a stockbroker at Yorkton Securities (and personal assistant to the Chairman of the firm, Mr. Lal Gondi). Paul met his wife Melanie Fraser in Vancouver, 1988. They were married in 1989 and welcomed their first son Tyler, in August of 1991. Moving to Kamloops in 1992 they soon welcomed their second son Shane, in November. In 1993, they opened Toppers Fun Town Amusement Park (previously located in the current Summit Shopping Centre). In September 1994 they had their third son Christopher.
250-374-1454
First Memorial Funeral Service Richard “Rick” Douglas Embury
Born October 14, 1953, Rick successfully conquered his addiction to life on St. Patrick’s Day, 2017. Rick loved his partner, his children (and grandchildren!), his brother, his darts and the city of Kamloops…not necessarily together or in that order. Rick strongly disliked peppers, leaches and being wrong, not necessarily in that order.
Unburdened by asinine political correctness or meddlesome doctors’ orders, Rick enjoyed life to the fullest until his final moments (which naturally included a couple of drinks, a game of darts and a seat in his shorts beside his beloved Carol). Rick will be greatly missed by his partner of 22 years Carol, brother Don (Joanne) and their family, his daughter Lorna (Kim), his son Richard (Shannon), step children Theresa and Johnathan (Hwa jung), grandchildren Jasmin, Christopher, Katherine, Connor and August and many cousins and friends. While the memorial will be held at a date yet to be determined, all friends, family and enthusiasts of life are invited to celebrate the existence of a genuinely good soul at your earliest convenience. The family would like to express its gratitude to the EMS, RIH and Kelowna General Hospital staff who worked so hard in providing compassionate care during all of their best efforts for Rick. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Fund (729 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B5) would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.
For 13 years, Paul was actively involved with St. Ann’s Academy where he fundraised for the new wing and playground. Paul coached numerous basketball teams at St. Ann’s, Steve Nash Youth Basketball and Sa-Hali Secondary. Topper will be remembered by family, friends, business colleagues and everyone he met, as a man of incredible generosity. He was a man of faith, loyalty, honesty and integrity and was so proud to pass these gifts onto his four sons who will continue to emulate his good nature. His lifelong commitment to his wife and sons will be his true legacy. Paul will be missed by all who knew him. Please join us for a Mass and Celebration of Paul’s life on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 12:00 noon at the Calvary Community Church (1205 Rogers Way, Kamloops, BC). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the BC Cancer Agency at www.pancreascentrebc.ca indicating “dedicated to Pancreas Centre BC” and/or the Kamloops Hospice Association at www.kamloopshospice.com. Condolences may be emailed to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577
Memory Portrait on Canvas
Schoening Funeral Service 250-554-2429
Paul was a proud member of the Southwest Business Association for a number of years and in 1999, he made a career change and became a successful realtor with RE/ MAX. While at RE/MAX, Paul was well- known for his “Talk to Topper” ads and for his presence at Home Shows and Santa Claus parades with his Hummer, Smart Car and $100 dollar bill business cards. He was recognized for his marketing and advertising creativity and was proud to be one of Canada’s top producing realtors. In September of 2000, Paul and Melanie welcomed their fourth son Riley.
www.dignitymemorial.ca
Preserve a special memory or create a lasting tribute to your loved one with your favourite photograph reproduced in the style of an oil painting on canvas. We have several styles for you to choose from. The portrait can be of the deceased or a family photo. The possibilities are endless. We have samples at both of our locations.
Elsie Rosalie Ring
April 1, 1923 - March 16, 2017 Elsie passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Elsie was a caring wife, mother, friend and a loving grandmother to her three grandsons Justin (Michelle), Todd (Lesley) and Kent (Deanna). Her “boys” were one of the great joys of her life. In addition to her grandsons, Elsie is survived by her daughter-in-law Phyllis, eight great-grandchildren Avery, Paige, Hudson, Allison, Morgan, Jenna, Tanner and Jonah as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Elsie was predeceased by her loving husband Victor, her deeply cherished children, son Duwayne and daughters Diana and Donna. Throughout her life, our grandmother found pleasure in being an active member of the Lutheran Church and rarely missed her weekly quilting group. She loved socializing with friends and family and taking her daily walks down the hill to the grocery store. She was an unbelievably strong lady who used her faith to show us all how to overcome hardship and find gladness in life. We would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Ponderosa Lodge for the loving care that they provided to Elsie. A Funeral Service will be held for Elsie on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church (2481 Sunset Drive, Kamloops, BC). Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneralservice.com Schoenings Funeral Service 250-374-1454
Lynell Darleen Christie
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Lynell Darleen Christie, of Kamloops, BC, on March 19th, 2017, at 67 years of age. She is survived by her loving children Jason of Lloydminster, SK, Lance of Kamloops, BC, and stepchildren Keith and Teresa, both of Kamloops, BC. Lynn is also survived by her grandchildren Steven, Ayden and Taylor, as well as many stepgrandchildren, as well as great-grandchild ShayLee. Also left to cherish Lynn’s memory are her father Robert W. Reid, her sisters Sharon and Bonnie and brother Alan. Lynn was predeceased by her mother Hazel Dolores Reid. Our beloved Lynn was born in Vancouver, and raised in Burnaby and Surrey, BC. She later moved to Kamloops, BC, where she worked as a successful beautician, and later as a sales clerk in downtown Kamloops for many years. She will greatly missed by all her family, friends and all who knew her. A Celebration of Lynn’s Life will be held at a later date; to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Condolences may be expressed to the family from www.myalternatives.ca
ONE FINAL GIFT Scatter me not to restless winds, Nor toss my ashes to the sea. Remember now those years gone by When loving gifts I gave to thee.
Remember now the happy times The family ties we shared. Don’t leave my resting place unmarked As though you never cared. Deny me not one final gift For all who come to see A single lasting proof that says I loved... and you loved me. DJ Kramer