I am saddened to hear about the passing of your Dad. He was a beloved and influential guy in my life - I ‘double-arted’ in his room for 5 years and have fond memories of his grin, his jokes, that dotted hat and his ever-present green boots. I think of him so often and his voice is still in my ear when I’m making art. He gave us opportunities that were so rare.  He was a treasure. 

My first encounter with John was the 1976 Canterbury High School open house for prospective students. Interestingly, the visit to John's art class is the only thing I remember of that open house. It was evident even then that John was unique: he was easygoing, spoke softly and liked to laugh. Although I attended Canterbury, I didn't take art class, so John and I remained strangers.

Until, one day many years later, I was strolling down Bank Street, and came upon an art exhibit in Central Park in the Glebe. I walked around for a while, but was inexorably drawn to an exhibit of landscape art that resonated within me: and the artist was, of course, John. We struck up a conversation, and soon established that I was Canterbury alumni, that we were both outdoor enthusiasts and shared a love of canoeing. I bought a couple of pieces, and we agreed that we should meet again.

John and I became friendly, and began sharing time together (a favorite was making maple syrup at the sugar bush near Perth). We invited John for dinner on several occasions, where he shared stories of his adventures with my family. He also shared some of his memories of the war with my father, who had a deep and abiding respect for veterans, and they enjoyed each other's company.

I regret that I lost contact with John after he moved into a retirement home, and I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I am glad that I had the chance to know John, and I will remember him fondly.

Mr.  Topelko was one of the best teachers a person could be blessed with. He listened to you. He inspired and encouraged you to be better than you ever imagined you could be. If it were not for John Topelko, I would have never discovered my love for art and the making of art. I am forever grateful to him.  

John and Frannie were beloved neighbours for many years at our cottages on Johnson Lake in the Gatineau. The visits carry on with the next generation but we miss both of them. Our condolences to all the family on John's passing- we look forward to sharing fond memories over the summer.  Fortunately all the Morgan-Sears clan have John's art in our homes. They too represent many wonderful memories.

Mr. Topelko, for me, will be remembered as one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege to meet. He was truly a unique individual with an amazing attitude towards life. He taught me to see my surroundings not just from an artistic perspective but also human perspective. Most mornings he would pick me up at the bus stop and drive me to school, while sitting on the engine of his volkswagen van in the back with brake pumping agreement to his morning jokes. His legacy of teaching thousands of young minds is truly a lasting gift and is one that will live on. Farewell Mr. Topelko.


He was my teacher at Fisher Park High School 1959 - 1963. 
We canoed together, we painted together, we laughed together.
He was a dear friend, and a father figure.
He will not be forgotten.


My heartfelt condolences to the Topelko family.  John was a wonderful teacher.  Our small group, the first year the school opened, the Vocational Art Program of 73, started the tradition of painting his VW van every summer, which he got a kick out of!  I learned so much from John, including a lot of Dad Jokes.  Thank you and I hope you will enjoy many canoe trips up there among the stars.  You taught and influenced many young artists.  You will be missed.

Mister Topelko was my art teacher from 1980-1985 at Canterbury High School. He was a gifted artist and a wonderful teacher. I'm glad I had a chance to catch his art show at City Hall a few years back and express to him personally how much his guidance meant to me. My sincerest condolences go out to his family. 

Mr. Tepelco was both our art teacher at Canterbury and one of the biggest influences in our lives.  I am sad as I had hoped to see him at the reunion.  He influenced hundreds of lives with his passion for art and beauty and I and my husband thank him for his dedication and love of teaching and the arts.  

OBITUARY

John Topelko

August 12, 1925 – April 19, 2019

McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home & Chapel

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