Paul Topkin, 71
Paul Topkin passed away on September 2, 2011 at Mercy West Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee from respiratory failure.
Paul Topkin was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 9, 1940. He lived in Florida since 1950. Paul graduated from Northeast High School in St. Petersburg and attended the University of Florida. Paul owned and operated various businesses in Ft. Lauderdale.
He owed Le'Wings Restaurant in Lakeland for several years before retiring. After retiring, he began building replicas of ships of history to keep him busy. His ships are of superior craftsmanship and are located at the Muscular Dystrophy head quarters in Tucson, Arizona, Disney World, and the Annapolis Naval Academy as well as, with many private collectors throughout the United States. When Paul's hands became too weak to build ships, he began collecting US postage stamps which eventually turned into an EBay business.
Paul suffered from a form of adult muscular dystrophy and was confined to a wheel chair for the last 21 years. Even through his pain and suffering, he was courageous always thinking of others. He volunteered with the men's ministry at Highland Park Nazarene and in 2002, he received a dog from Canine Companions. After this, he and his companion dog Randel, frequently spoke at schools and organizations throughout the community about CCI.
He is survived by his wife, Joy Gingrich Topkin of Lakeland, son Mark Topkin and wife Brenda of Clermont, granddaughters, Stacey, Hannah and Megan of Clermont and sister Dr. Doris Lefkowitz and husband Stan of Austin, Texas.
Paul was a member of the Highland Park Nazarene Church, Muscular Dystrophy Society, and the Polk Republican Executive Committee.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 25th at 2 PM at the Highland Park Nazarene Church in Lakeland.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations made to Millersville University, +Millersville, PA for the Dr. Jay Mone' Muscular Dystrophy Research.
I just learned about Paul's recent passing while looking for your father's obituary. This has been a difficult month for you. I know from experience that faith will see you through the grief you will have for some time. God is ALWAYS faithful and understands our every need. Please convey my condolences to the rest of the family.
Posted by: Nancy Garis | September 27, 2011 at 05:54 PM