Obituary of Thomas Topping

T. EDWARD (TED) TOPPING Ted Topping, a respected Toronto businessman, died on May 24, 2016 in his 93rd year. He was the only son of Florence E. Smart (deceased) and Charles Edward Topping, who died when Ted was a little boy of 4 ½. Ted attended Rawlinson Public School and Vaughan Road Collegiate where he excelled at sports. At 19 he joined the RCAF, attained the rank of Pilot Officer and went overseas to pilot the famous Lancaster Bombers. When the European conflict ended Ted volunteered to go to Japan, but after preparations in Canada, the war ended in August 1945. Ted returned home to his Mother, friends, and the girl he left behind, Peggy Williams. After meeting at ages 17 and 14, the love of these childhood sweethearts withstood the years apart. Looking to their future together, Ted answered an ad in The Telegram for a "Junior Executive for the Sales Promotion Department of A. Bradshaw & Sons, Wholesale Dry Goods, preferring a man between 21 and 25, of good appearance and possessing initiative". A perfect fit! Ted joined the firm in 1946, starting his 42-year career in Wholesale Dry Goods and Retailing. Peggy and Ted were married on March 29th 1947, beginning an incredible partnership that lasted into its 70th year. Ted rose quickly through the ranks. Bradshaw's bought the Jack Fraser Stores and eventually Grafton Group Ltd. acquired the entire company. Ted became General Manager and in 1971 was appointed President of Grafton-Fraser Inc. and director of Grafton Group. The company expanded to become the second largest clothing retailer in Canada. In 1979 Ted was promoted to Executive Vice-President of the parent company Grafton Group Ltd., a key position he held until his retirement. He was a Director of the Retail Council of Canada, Campaign Chairman for Toronto East General Hospital, Governor of the Hospital Board and first President of the TEGH Foundation. In Stouffville he was President of the Lions Club, Chairman of the Public School Board and his Mongolia Open Golf Tournament was a social highlight. Even with his full-time career he always took on more challenges. He refereed hockey for the THL and the OHA and was honoured to Line numerous NHL games in Maple Leaf Gardens. An entrepreneur himself, Ted also owned retail stores Ted's Men's Wear and The Marguerite Shoppe Ladies' Wear Store in Stouffville, Ont. and Ted's Tots in Markham. He co-owned The Park Theatre, now 19 On The Park. An ardent golfer, he was a member and Director at York Downs Golf & Country Club where he won the coveted Mahovolich Left Handers' trophy several times and was Chairman of the Cornish & Robinson Directors' Tournament. He was also a member of the Atlantis Golf Club in Florida and enjoyed many trips to The Masters Golf Tournament. From Leaside to Stouffville to their beloved home in the country, 'Tanglewood', Ted spent his last 14 years living with Peggy overlooking a Par 3 hole in the Ballantrae Golf & Country Club, able to watch and applaud the golfers from their patio. His family was his real treasure in life and he leaves them with memories of his humour, his laughter and the twinkle in his eye, his decency and his hugs. He will be sorely missed by his loving wife Peggy, sons Ted (Tuija), Bob (Babs), daughter Tannis (Peter) and grandchildren Charles (Siobhan), Alyson (Marc), Patrick, Katrina (Vanessa), Douglas, Steven and Christopher. He was great Grandpa to Liam and Colette; brother-in-law to Jeanne (deceased) and Jack Ward; loving uncle to Carol Irving and great-uncle to Beatrice.The Topping family wish to thank the loving caregivers who helped Ted through a difficult time in his life, and Dr. Patterson and the exceptional Palliative team at the Markham Stouffville Hospital.A Memorial Service and Reception will take place on Saturday June 25th at 11:00 a.m. at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main Street N. (Markham Road), Markham. Should you wish, donations may be made on Ted's behalf to The Cancer Research Society or The Alzheimer Society of York Region.