JOHN H. (JACK) TOPPING

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JOHN H. (JACK) TOPPING Died as he had lived, quietly, on the morning of December 27, 1999, aged 87 years. He is survived by his wife Carol, son Richard (Roberta), granddaughters Aidan and Caitlin (Aaron), great-grandchildren Matthew and Bronwyn, and special friends, Gerry and Bev Tait. Jack was born in Winnipeg on April 5, 1912, the eldest of three brothers. He grew up in the North End and West Kildonan. As a young man he worked at Eatons and during the Depression held many jobs, from working in relief camps at Clear Lake to prospecting and working on riverboats and mining in the Bissett area. At the outbreak of war he joined the Royal Canadian Artillery. During those trying times he still managed to meet and successfully court Carol Mitchell. Jack joined the Royal Canadian Artillery the day war was declared and he and Carol married on December 2, 1939, three days before he left for England with the First Canadian Division. He served for the duration of the war in England, Canada and the Aleutian Islands, rising from gunner to 1st Lieutenant before mustering out in late 1945. From wars end until his retirement he worked as a commercial traveller from Manitoba to the B.C. coast. With Carol and son Richard he moved to Alberta and then to Saskatoon, from 1950-1962 when the family returned to Winnipeg and Jack gradually retired in the mid seventies. He never lost his love of travel and did so at every opportunity. He loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely. Well miss you Pop! A memorial service will be held at a later date and in lieu of flowers friends may make a donation to a charity of their choice. A special thanks to the caring staff at Riverview Health Centre.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 1999