Harvey Robert Toppen

Harvey Robert Toppen

August 27, 1931-May 17, 2012

A luminous light remains where a beautiful soul has passed.Harve was born in Armor, South Dakota and moved to Michigan in childhood. He worked there later with his older brothers, learning mechanics and became a whiz at the local roller skating rink. After serving in the Air Force, he married and moved to the valley in 1956 where he and his wife, Doris, raised four children – Bob Toppen (Char), Debbie Marshall (John), Terri Toppen & Chris Toppen (Rich)– and enjoyed the blessing of six grand-children– Brad Toppen (Angie), Bridget Evans (Chris), Amy Corder (Jim), Tyson Marshall, Shannon Toppen and Dorrie Toppen. Harve also leaves six great grandchildren, Kyann, Austin, Gracie, Aly, Logan, Riley, Addison and Cayden, to remember his teasing and fun loving ways.He was preceded in death by his parents, Kate and John Toppen and twelve brothers and sisters. Survivors include his immediate family, his brother, Hal and wife, Delores, nephew Wally Bobeldyke, who grew up with him as a brother, and his wife Judy, many more nieces, nephews and three brothers-in-law, Jim Hays, Steve Hays, Pete Rus and sister-in-law, Judy Toppen. Harve worked as a mechanic for King County and was known for diagnosing and repairing cars and trucks for family, friends and neighbors. He joined the North Bend Fire Department in its early stages and grew with the department as it became more professional, ending his time there as Assistant Chief. Whether at dinner or in the middle of the night, when the siren rang, it was never a problem for him. It was his privilege to serve the community. City Council was another of his endeavors and he took his commitment there seriously.Alpine parades, fireman water fights and winning river raft races were memorable for Harve. And he talked often about his yearly visits to Camp Wascowitz where the response of special needs children riding on the fire truck stayed with him for a long time.Remarried in 1996, Harve moved to Michigan, but enjoyed return trips to his children in Washington and seeing old friends. He had the gift of spreading goodwill.In loss, we don’t just mourn the person gone; perhaps we mourn the person we got to be while they were present in our lives. We cherish our memory of Harve, our Dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle and dear friend.All that we have ever loved is ours forever.A memorial service will be held on June 10 at 2:00pm at the Snoqualmie Ridge grade school, 34816 Douglas Avenue. From I-90, Take Snoqualmie Parkway Exit, drive two miles and turn left on Douglas Avenue, continue two blocks, turn right onto Ridge Street. The school is on your left.