(JOHN) RICHARD TOPPING

Condolences & Memories (57 entries)

• My name is Greg Hutson, I'm a corporal in the New Zealand army. In 1991 he was my history teacher. Two takeaways he have me were make your own tobacco, and medieval archer could hit a head sized target at 100m. Good man Ril - Posted by: Greg Hutson (Student) on: Mar 19, 2021

• My Topping was my grade 7 teacher at Linwood School. Everyone has ONE teacher that leaves an influence on you forever. I owe Mr. Topping, my love of books and reading. I remember thinking during my first university degree, that a lot of the work I was doing, was at a similar level to what he had us doing in grade 7! - Posted by: Kim wilson (Grade 7 student, Linwood School) on: Nov 27, 2020

• I was a student of Mr. Topping's at Ness Jr. High School (now Ness Middle School) and I just found out about his passing. It's very sad to hear. Mr. Topping was hands down the best teacher I ever had. He would NEVER let you get away with saying "I don't know" to a question, because he knew you knew the answer and wouldn't let you get away with it. Even though we were between 12-14 years of age while at Ness, he always treated you as an adult and with respect. Even if you had "detention" with him, he would just say "clean out the desks," and let you go. I was usually only there for about 15 minutes, lol. I forgot to mention his ever-present, ever-imposing hockey stick in the corner, with the blade wrapped in a sock and tape (I believe it was) When he slammed that thing on your desk when you weren't looking or paying attention? BAM! That thing got your attention. lol. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Mr. Topping. I hope I see you up there some day. - Posted by: Scott Binns (Student) on: Aug 16, 2019

• All the best to the family. I keep the Mitchell Family Tree Records. Richard was the son of Caroline Mildred Mitchell and John Topping and the grandson of Richard Carr Mitchell and Lucy Emma Gooding and the great grandson of James Henderson Mitchell and Caroline Goodwillie and the GG Grandson of John Mitchell and Mary Henderson. - Posted by: Robert D. Mitchell (3rd Cousin) on: Feb 13, 2016

• I had Mr Topping in 84 at ness and he was just the most roughest yet kindest man.he made learning fun once I stopped fearing him lol..he always made sure toake my friend Amy and I feel like he was tough yet fair.he will be missed.Rest in peace Mr T - Posted by: Roxane (Student) on: Sep 26, 2015

• Dick will truly be missed! He always had a smile and a story to share. He was genuinely interested in people. As an actor, you would always want Dick in your audience. His booming and hearty laugh would always get everyone else laughing and you knew from then on, it would be a good show. Condolences to his family and loved ones. - Posted by: Sarah Chapnick (Fellow actor with Aspire Players in Gimli) on: Jul 12, 2015

• I will always remember this man as my Uncle Buffalo. He was a colleague and a great friend to my father and would visit our house often when I was little. When I asked what I should call him, he responded "Why don't you just call me your Uncle Buffalo." And so I did. Even well into my 30s, I still thought it was cool when people would say to me, "You seriously have an Uncle Buffalo?" Some stories that stick out would be Uncle Buffalo showing up to our place on the motorcycle and throwing me up in the air so high that I thought my head would hit the clouds, taking care of me when I was throwing up one evening and making me laugh by telling me to stop "yelling at Ralph" on the big white telephone, showing me his tattoos and explaining them (at least 100 times), beer, and making me laugh with all his interesting stories. I still enjoyed bumping into him over at Mom and Dad's after I had moved out and more recently at my sister's wedding. It has been really neat to read the other tributes and know that Uncle Buffalo was well liked and respected by people who knew him in a variety of different contexts. I can't believe I'll never get the chance to see him again. I love you Uncle Buffalo. RIP. - Posted by: Ben Albrecht (son of a friend) on: Jul 11, 2015

• Now I know where you get your love of learning and your love of teaching from, Aidan! He sounds like a man I would have loved to have known. Hugs xo - Posted by: Anne Parker (friend and colleague of Aidan's) on: Jul 10, 2015

• We met Dick through the Mutimer Clan, who he taught many years ago. We shared times with him in cottage country both in Lake of the Woods and Laurentia Beach, and broke bread many times with him in Winnipeg as well. Our condolences to his family. He truly was bigger than life! - Posted by: Rod & Bev Smith (Friends of Dick, Ann, Roberta) on: Jul 08, 2015

• RIP Mr. Topping - You were fun, interesting and well-respected. - Posted by: Dianne (Student - Deer Lodge Jr High) on: Jul 07, 2015

• I am very sorry to hear of Richards passing. I house sat for Roberta and Richard to look after all three wonderful pups as they went on the adventures. I always loved returning the house keys and having a meal with them to hear all about the travels. The whole family (dogs included) were a joy to be around. Until we meet again - Posted by: Coralee Barkman (Friend) on: Jul 07, 2015

• Uncle Dickey Story Time at Deer lodge Jr. High. He was amazing and respected by every student. Great laughs and fond memories Mr. Topping. You were one in a million. RIP Sir. - Posted by: Debbie O'Keefe Johnson (Student ) on: Jul 07, 2015

• Richard was a true friend to Red and Me. He was one of the first people I met when I married Red and moved to Winnipeg. Red and "Big Richard" had great times and naughty time together. He will be missed. Harold (Red) and Kris Sprung - Posted by: Harold & Kris Sprung (Red) (Good Buddy) on: Jul 07, 2015

• Mr. Topping was a larger-than-life teacher at Deer Lodge Junior High, and I enjoy the memories I have of his English classes. He treated us as young adults, something that adolescents love and appreciate. Later, I worked with Richard at Ness Junior High where, as expected, he helped make things lively and interesting. I will happily raise a glass in your honour, Big Guy! - Posted by: Monique Stamler (Former student and teaching colleague) on: Jul 07, 2015

• He was one of my favourite teachers. He is remembered fondly. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Tammy (Former Student) on: Jul 06, 2015

• Thank you for the conversations ..... - Posted by: Paul Lamotte (Roadhouse Friend) on: Jul 06, 2015

• Some teachers you talk about years later and Richard Topping was one who wasn't forgotten. May his friends and family find peace during this difficult time. - Posted by: Jackie Campbell (Student) on: Jul 06, 2015

• He was a great teacher and mentor, one of my favourites. He will be missed. RIP Mr Topping - Posted by: Natalie Smith (Student ) on: Jul 06, 2015

• I live in BC now, my niece in Winnipeg posted your obituary tonight and said how you were the one and only teacher who stood up for her against the bullies. I just wanted to say thank you and let your family know what a wonderful thing you did for her. - Posted by: Pat Stawski (never met) on: Jul 05, 2015

• I had the pleasure of having Mr. Topping as a teacher at Ness Junior High and then knowing him as a colleague and a friend at Silver Heights Collegiate. Stories of his theatrics still go on and are re-told today. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Lori Edwards (Student and colleague) on: Jul 05, 2015

• Mr Topping (our viking) left me with great memories of his creative teaching methods. I ran into him some 10 years after graduation and he knew me right away - what a personable guy! I have told stories to my children of Mr Topping (a teacher who was one of a kind - never to be forgotten!!) Thinking of his family at this time. - Posted by: Morris (student) on: Jul 05, 2015

• Mr. Topping was one of the best teachers I had. My time in his classroom at Ness Junior High were ones filled with laughter and learning, and he forever touched my life in such a positive way. During the recent Ness reunion stories of him were shared by all. He will be missed by all who were fortunate to have been his student. - Posted by: Robert Mark (Student) on: Jul 05, 2015

• I remember how ominous Mr. Topping looked walking the hallways of Ness Junior High, and how he was the one teacher we were actually scared of! As an adult (and teacher), I saw him in the waiting area of Pantages Playhouse and I could not believe that this man - who seemed so giant to me as a kid - was more like Santa, with a warm smile and sparkle to his eye. We were all lucky to have a teacher like him. My sincerest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Sherisse Ziprick (Former Student - Ness Junior High) on: Jul 05, 2015

• He left me with some great memories. Him giggling to Andy Cap cartoons, his Viking cap and many stories of travels. A fantastic teacher and later a great friend. I will miss seeing him on the pier in Gimli. God speed to Valhalla. - Posted by: Bill Hadden (Student) on: Jul 05, 2015

• So sorry for your loss. Mr. Topping was one of the best teachers I ever had. He also gave me some of the funniest memories. I remember on my first day of school standing at my locker and Mr. Topping comes out of his class and says in his big deep voice. "The bell has rung everyone get to class". I have never seen kids move so fast. He might have looked gruff but after a few classes with him you knew he was a big softy most of the time. Seeing him around Gimli was always a pleasure. He will be missed. - Posted by: Lisa O'Dell ((student at Ness Junior High) ) on: Jul 05, 2015

• Among my best memories of Dick will always be the many mornings we spent over coffee and crossword puzzles at the Kaffe Haus in Gimli. We shared a love for words and language. He also loved to cook, of course, and dinners with him and Roberta were special occasions for my wife Marilyn and me. He was a good friend; that says it. - Posted by: Bob Coulter (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2015

• Mr. Topping was one of those teachers that truly cared and very passionate about his teachings. Glad to hear he lived a full and adventurous life. Rip Mr. Topping - Posted by: Eliana Sorensen (Srudent at Ness Jr High) on: Jul 05, 2015

• I think of Mr. Topping often. He was one of my favourite teachers. He seemed larger than life when we were in junior high. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. - Posted by: Lori Lobchuk (student at Ness Jr High) on: Jul 05, 2015

• My condolences, Mr Topping was a fantastic teacher and such a storyteller! He would have the whole class so enthralled with each story we couldn't wait for the next one! I remember being a little afraid of him at the start of the year, until that is we all got to know him and realized what a wonderful teacher he was. You will be missed by us all Mr Topping RIP - Posted by: Harriet Routsis (Student at Ness Jr High) on: Jul 05, 2015

• Dick was bigger than life. He was always happy and upbeat at school. His students adored him. I enjoyed a number of adventures with Dick especially during his mad viking days. I fondly remember a Friday night when a group of Ness teachers decided a typical pub night wasn't enough excitement and suddenly Dick wanted to go to St. Louis to watch a weekend baseball game. Before we knew it we're in the US heading south. Dick would cry out "Going to St. Louis". Needless to say we turned around in Fargo realizing it was too far. But that was Dick, spontaneous and full of adventure. Rest in peace. Rick Ford - Posted by: Richard Ford (teachind colleague at Ness Junior High) on: Jul 05, 2015

• He will leave a huge wake. The world of fun, beer and food is lesser now. Ride on Dick! - Posted by: Rick Wilcosh (Friend, colleague & audience) on: Jul 05, 2015

• A great teacher...and thanks for not making me read the old English version of Ivanhoe. - Posted by: Brad Norris (Student-Linwood School, Grade 7) on: Jul 05, 2015

• My sincere condolences. He was an amazing teacher and was certainly an inspiration to us young children. You will be missed sir! - Posted by: Coralee (Student-Ness Junior High) on: Jul 05, 2015

• First teacher to put on my report card "Disruptive in class". It was early 80's, new Computerized reports. I still remember his hearty laugh while telling my mother he hit the wrong button. He taught all 3 Porter kids but the other 2 at Deer Lodge Jr. High. His classes were always interesting to say the least. A great influence on my life. Sorry for your loss, a wonderful teacher...Hugs - Posted by: Jane Porter (Student Ness Jr. High) on: Jul 05, 2015

• I still remember how much I enjoyed being in his class! That is something, to have a teenager enjoy a class in school! RIP Mr. Topping! You will never be forgotten! - Posted by: Leigh Palko (Dunlop) (student (Ness Junior High - too many years ago!)) on: Jul 04, 2015

• Sad to hear of the loss of such a good man. He was an excellent teacher, and a great character to have known. It is my pleasure to have known Mr. Topping. Prayers and best wishes to his family. - Posted by: Melanie (Student from Ness Jr High) on: Jul 04, 2015

• A colleague, Klaus, has shared SO MANY stories about "Dick Topping" over the years that I feel I know him. A bright light in the universe has winked out, my condolences to his family.. And friends. - Posted by: Marc Schaeffer (Friend of a friend) on: Jul 04, 2015

• I, too, have often thought of Mr. Topping over the years. We will never forget how he acted the part of a troll in our production of The Hobbit in the mid '80s. He was a great teacher and no misbehavior was tolerated in his classroom! He will be forever remembered. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Debbie Ammeter Sipley (former student, Ness Jr. High) on: Jul 04, 2015

• Mr. Topping, you were one-of-a-kind and by far my favourite teacher. My deepest condolences... I will miss you. - Posted by: Cary Tardi (Student - Ness Jr. High) on: Jul 04, 2015

• Mr Topping was one of my favourite high school teachers. I looked forward to his classes, and fondly remember his reading of "Mutiny on the Bounty" to us (he had the best pirate voices)! I remember agonizing over whether or not I would be "acceptable teacher material" while I was deciding whether or not to go into teaching myself, and then I thought of Mr Topping. With his tattoos and zipping into the parking lot on his motorcycle each day, he taught me that teachers don't always have to fit a certain mold, and that a passion for teaching and learning is what makes the greatest educator. I have been teaching for 10 years now, and have often thought of Mr Topping. My condolences go out to the family. Mr Topping was a wonderful man and teacher, and he will be missed. - Posted by: Pam Sterzer (Student at Silver Heights Collegiate) on: Jul 04, 2015

• My deepest sympathies to Caitlin and your family. Your dad was a big man with a gentle soul. Xo - Posted by: Colleen Oneill (McDonald) (School friend of Caitlin) on: Jul 04, 2015

• He was an amazing teacher. I will always remember him reading "Cheeper by The Dozen" to our grade 7 class at Deer Lodge Junior High in the 70's. - Posted by: Penny Fidler (Former student) on: Jul 04, 2015

• Mr. Topping will always be remembered as one of my favourite teachers. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. - Posted by: Erin MacMillan (Student - Ness Jr. High) on: Jul 04, 2015

• Great friend in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division for many years. Shared a few lunches and beers and both were passionate about our theatre productions. Great to have known such a man who enjoyed life so much. A great teacher who cared for and about his students. RIP Dick Jim Stewart - Posted by: Jim Stewart (Friend and collegue) on: Jul 04, 2015

• I remember Mr Topping as a great teacher. One of my fondest high school memories was when, thinking that I was dozing off, he picked me up, still seated in my desk, and carried me four spots forward to the front row. Point taken and never napped in his class again! - Posted by: Bryan Sinclair (Former student ) on: Jul 04, 2015

• I always remember Mr Topping in Social 5 studies, he was the best teacher that I ever had.. you always knew when he came to school because of his motorcycle... - Posted by: nancy swanson (former student in jr high) on: Jul 04, 2015

• I taught with Richard (we called him "Dick") at both Deer Lodge and Ness. Great man - cared a lot about his students and the professionalism of teachers. Best memory I have is of the time when I was directing the school play "The Hobbit" at Ness in the spring of 1984, and he, myself and Klaus Albrecht wrote ourselves into the play as the trolls. After we were "frozen", the kids were worried about dropping him as they carried him off the stage - he whispering instructions to them all the while. I'd venture to say that no one who was ever his student or who ever taught with him will ever forget him. My condolences to his family, especially to his two daughters who I had the pleasure to meet when they were very young. - Posted by: Allan Appel (fellow teacher at Deer Lodge and at Ness) on: Jul 04, 2015

• Mr Topping was my home room teacher in grade 8. I admired his teaching style! It so happens my twin brother was also in his class / one morning my brother & I had a scuffle in class! The other kids were startled by our behavior! Mr Topping calmly said to everyone "They're brothers, don't worry about it!" Rest well Mr Topping I will never forget you! - Posted by: james bodnarchuk (former student) on: Jul 04, 2015

• I always wondered what happened to Mr. Topping after I left Ness in 1977. He was our Grizzly Adams, just as large and just as compassionate. He also always wore large Grizzly Adams boots. One of my funniest school memories involved Mr. Topping in 1975 or 1976 social studies. He was teaching at the front of the room and all of he sudden stops. He gets up and starts to 'sneak' down my aisle, as only a man of his large stature could sneak. He stops behind my desk (unbeknownst to me the kid behind was sleeping), kicks the desk as hard as he can and yells _________ (the kid's last name - I won't type it here) WAKE UP!! He turns around, goes back to his desk and resumes teaching. After we got out of class we all broke up with laughter; we wouldn't dare have laughed at the moment. Thank you Mr. Topping for this and so many other great memories! May his family find comfort in knowing the positive impact he had on so many of us. - Posted by: Warren Otto (student) on: Jul 04, 2015

• I've often thought of Mr Topping over the years. I have very fond memories of him as my Jr high teacher. He has a very special spot in my heart. Hard to believe he's gone but glad to read he had such a wonderful adventurous life filled with special people. My condolences to Mr Toppings family. - Posted by: Christine (Former student) on: Jul 04, 2015

• Sorry to hear of such a devoted teacher leaving this world :( My condolences and prayers to all who had the honor of knowing and being taught by him, and to his family, Xox God Bless Him Jamie - Posted by: Jamie Ziegler (went to Assinboine Elementary in the 60's) on: Jul 04, 2015

• Thank you Mr. Topping for being a memorable teacher in my junior high days at Deer Lodge Junior High School. My sister Cathy arranged a girls reunion at Misty Lake. You were our surprise guest. Fortunate??? I think so. X0 - Posted by: Sherri Emerson (student ) on: Jul 04, 2015

• He was a grest teacher and mentor, one of my favorites. He will be missed. - Posted by: james taylor (student at ness junior high) on: Jul 04, 2015

• He was by far the greatest teacher I ever had the pleasure of learning from. He will be missed my everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him. - Posted by: Kristi Arbuckle (Student - Ness Jr High) on: Jul 04, 2015

• So sorry for your loss... he was a wonderful teacher ! - Posted by: Carolin Phillips (Student at Ness Junior High) on: Jul 04, 2015

• So sorry for your great loss. - Posted by: Rob & June Donnelly (Roberta was Rob's cousin) on: Jul 04, 2015

• Mr. Topping, we still talk of his classroom theatrics. A great teacher to say the least. Loved his per-founding effect on people it was awesome, students you know what I mean. My condolences. - Posted by: Paul G Bilous (Student - Ness Jr, High) on: Jul 04, 2015