Pop’s obituary in the Rochester D&C appeared yesterday and can be viewed at Stan Topping Obituary - Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. There will also be obituaries in the Parry Sound North Star and the Parry Sound Beacon Star in the next few days. Maps and directions to Trinity Church in Canaseraga where his funeral will be held tomorrow can be found by following these links: Stan Topping Funeral Directions - Microsoft Word Document and Stan Topping Funeral Directions - PDF Format.

As my mom would say, “Today is a new day.” Our hearts are heavy as we prepare for Pop’s funeral, but we are nourished by the incredible outpouring of love and support from family and friends. A perfect example of this was a letter we received from a dear old friend Phillip Kerman, who resides in Portland, Oregon.

Phillip and I attended college at RIT together many moons ago. Although we live on opposite sides of the country, Phillip makes a yearly trip to the Rochester area and usually stays at our house so we see each other about once a year. Phillip is very bright, inquisitive, and quite an unusual character. While in college, he rode his bicycle solo across the United States from Portland to Rochester. He also used to jet around campus (and almost anywhere else) on his skateboard, and made a big impression on Pop when he rode his skateboard about 10 miles from RIT to our home in downtown Rochester to share in a Thanksgiving celebration with our family. What really blew our minds was that he did this in about 20 minutes!

Anyway, I spoke with Phillip on the phone last night and thanked him for his note. I also asked his permission to reprint it here on the blog, as it captures the very essence of my father. Phil’s note dated 6 July 06 follows:

Dear Lance, Suzanne, Kiera, and Ian,

I’m really sad and sorry about your dad/granddad. I followed the blog off and on over the last few days. When I read it today it made me really sad – but it was good that I got to experience the sadness nearly the same time as you.

I remember Stan quite well. I probably would never have learned about such interesting topics as “moth man” if it wasn’t for him. I remember him from a Halloween party or two also. He strikes me as “big” in more than just his size. I’m sure his memory will remain similarly. No one fades away when they’re gone, but in his case I think your love for him will make him stay forever.

Love, Phillip Kerman