Melvin Norman Topping
September 3, 1943 – November 16, 2020
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Mel a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and recently a great grandfather. Mel passed away peacefully with family by his side, after his battle with ALS.
Mel was born in England and raised in Nanaimo BC. After graduating from high school Mel drove an ice cream delivery truck up and down Vancouver Island and his love for ice cream never ended. After that he worked as a butcher with Overwaitea Foods in Lake Cowichan. In 1967 Mel and Lorraine moved to Salt Spring Island where they bought Alex’s Meat Market. A few years later he started his career in real estate and over the years owned his own real estate offices both on Salt Spring and on the Outer Gulf Islands. He developed many parcels of land on the island, and enjoyed that part of the business especially the interactions with his clients, and the many acquaintances in the accounting, banking, excavating, and legal fields. The many partnerships and friendships that he created along the way especially with his long time business partners Bob Tara and Jack Clover. In addition to real estate Mel continued to work in the grocery & resort business partnering in two grocery stores in the Qualicum Beach area, along with two resorts on Salt Spring Island.
Mel was a long time member of the Masonic Lodge and enjoyed volunteering on many island boards and service groups along with the Fall Fair. Mel had a passion for baseball, cars, dogs, farming, fishing, golf, hockey, horses, hunting, lacrosse, tennis and RVing. Nothing however was more important to Mel than his family. He enjoyed vacations with his wife and loved spending time with his kids and grandchildren.
Survived by his wife Lorraine, daughter Deborah, son Derek, grandsons Jeremy (Jordan), Jordan (Holly), & Kyle and great granddaughters Cooper Quin Topping and soon to be arriving Mikayla Lorraine Topping.
Mel will be missed by family and friends and remembered fondly for his courage, kindness, laughter, sense of humor, smile, stories, strength, practical jokes, and his wisdom.
The family would like to thank Dr. Crichton, Gerri Pringle, the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, the ALS Society of Canada, along with the many friends who have offered their love and support to the family throughout Mel’s illness and passing.