OBITUARY
HECTOR GEORGE TOPHAM
October 17, 1926 – November 9, 2018
Hector George Topham, CPA, CA
October 17, 1926–November 9, 2018
In his 93rd year, Hector transitioned to Spirit. He met the physical challenges of his last years with courage and dignity and chose to pass in the same manner, with a medically assisted death. Devoted, loving husband of 67 years to Kate (Truffyn), proud, caring father to his daughters Lana and Lori (Lorrie) Arndt and son Richard, doting grandfather to Cameron and Jaclyn Arndt. Born in his beloved Togo, SK, to Richard and Anna Topham, he will be dearly missed by his sister Irene (Bert) Pearson. He was predeceased by his brothers William, Harvey, Victor, and an infant sister.
Dad placed family first and always greatly anticipated the times when they could gather for celebrations and holidays. He lived by the Golden Rule and instilled his morals and life lessons in his children and grandchildren. He maintained his sense of humour throughout the many challenges of his last year and was deeply appreciative for the kind and supportive care he received from Dr. Robyn McKnight and his many caregivers at Suncrest Retirement Community in White Rock.
A keen photographer his entire life, Hector had a passion for fishing, and with an enduring interest in aviation, became a recreation pilot. He was very proud of his 37-year career as a Chartered Accountant. Beginning with McDonalds Consolidated Limited in Yorkton, SK, in 1951, he moved to Calgary in 1957, where he worked with the Department of National Revenue. He later co-founded a successful private practice in Edson, AB, in 1966. When he took a job with the BC government in 1972, the family moved to Victoria, BC, where he concluded his accounting career in 1988 as Inspector of Municipalities at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. He and Kate then enjoyed a quiet retirement with friends and family, moving to White Rock in 1994.
Hector continually professed that Kate was the love of his life and was so grateful for their life-long journey together, beginning in their Prairie roots of Togo and Roblin, MB. He was extremely proud of the family they raised and their patience and love during the last years of his failing health.
There will be no memorial service in White Rock. Internment of his cremains alongside his parents and brothers will take place at Togo District Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to make donations in recognition of Hector to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, Vancouver. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.firstmemorialsurrey.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of HECTOR GEORGE TOPHAM 2018..
Death notice for the town of: surrey, Province: Colombie britanique