1962 – 2017

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 in-law, 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.
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.
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.
For 13 years, Paul was actively involved with St. Ann’s Academy where he fund raised 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 expressed at www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2017-03-23
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.