DON TOPILKO

1930 - 2002

Donald Topilko of Taber, beloved husband of Phyllis Topilko, passed away, at home, following a short but courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, May 2, 2002 at the age of 72 years.
Don leaves behind to remember and celebrate his life, his wife Phyllis and three children Beverly, Hugh and Mike Topilko; a daughter-in-law Barbara Topilko; two grandchildren Joey and Amanda Topilko all of Taber. Don is also survived by a brother Edward Leeman of British Columbia; a sister Alice Pasheri of Ontario; sister-in-law Irene Topilko of Edmonton and also numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews in Edmonton. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Anne Topilko and a brother Archie Topilko.
Don was born in Paulis, Alberta on January 13, 1930 and was raised on the family farm. He attended the Paulis school and finished out his final year through correspondence. In 1947 he left the farm to work in Edmonton and in 1948 he joined the RCAF and was stationed in Eastern Canada where he met his beautiful wife Phyllis. Their three children were born while he was in the Air Force. During his Tour of Duty with the RCAF he served one year in Egypt earning the United Nations Peace Medal and the Canadian Forces Peace Medal. When Don’s tour of duty was over he moved his family to Edmonton where they raised their children. He moved to southern Alberta and purchased the Milk River Hotel and when the hotel was sold they moved to Taber. While in Taber Don served with Block Brothers Real Estate until they closed their offices. He then enrolled in the Lethbridge Community College, then he opened a home based key business. Don’s hobbies and interest included building model airplanes, reading World War II books, crossword puzzles, carpentry, baseball and hockey.
The Funeral Service was held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday evening, May 6, 2002 at 7:30 P.M. with Pastor Ron Gartly officiating. Interment took place at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Don’s name can be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10th Street South Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7.