Philip Arthur Topa

Philip Arthur Topa, 82, of Glade Spring, Virginia, passed away on Saturday morning, November 30, 2019, surrounded by his immediate family at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tenn.  Born November 24, 1937 in Keene, New Hampshire, he was the son of Hilda and Joseph Topa.

Phil was preceded in death by his second wife, Nancy Topa (Zumhagen); and survived by her daughters, Jean-Anne Strotman of Sicily, Italy and Joy Tinsen of Clio, Calif.  Phil is survived by three children from his first wife, Barbara Topa (Clay); daughter, Heidi Thibault of Keene, N.H.; daughter, Kimberly Bunszel of Westmoreland, N.H.;and son, Travis Topa of Eagle Rock, Calif.  He is also survived by four grandchildren, Tyler Thibault, Celeste Thibault, Emily Bunszel and Lydia Bunszel; as well as step-grandchild, Dakoda Rose Strotman-Block; and great granddaughter, Riata Rose Block. 

After serving in the Army Phil became a technical illustrator for Markem Corporation in Keene, N.H. for over 25 years.  While at Markem, after hours Phil created numerous illustrations and coloring books for their annual Family Day gathering.  During this time he also had his own photography business. His photography garnered numerous awards throughout New England and his images were displayed around the country.  Some of his hobbies included playing guitar, banjo, harmonica, working in the yard, bike riding and his love of all forms of art such as music, movies, and plays.

Throughout his life in both New Hampshire and Virginia, Phil was a creative force, using his self-taught talents for photography, painting, drawing, and wood carving.  His biggest joy was creating characters in both artwork and wood carvings.  One could catch a glimpse of his talent as you would find him sketching intricate designs on napkins, scrap paper, journals, and Barter Theatre usher’s sign in sheets.

Phil was heavily involved in the Virginia community.  One major example was him being a member of several local wood carving clubs where he won numerous awards in several states for his creative and original wood carvings.  Participating in the local wood carvers, he lent his wood carving talents to local totem poles and instead of selling his creations, he would give them away.  After his second wife Nancy passed in 2017, Phil stayed “involved” with her local Wolf Hills Quilters where he was the official photographer and an honorary member.  He would help everyone with whatever they needed, mostly a hearty laugh, or an approving hug.

Phil was a member of two Glade Spring churches: Byars-Cobbs Lebanon United Methodist Church and Glade Spring Presbyterian Church. He even helped create and paint a mural wall inside Byars-Cobbs Lebanon United Methodist Church in Glade Spring.

Phil will especially be missed at the Barter Theatre where he found great joy in volunteering, serving both patrons and company members for several years while achieving the Top Usher Award in 2018 and 2019.  He was beloved by everyone in the company both on stage and off and made everyone who entered the building feel welcome.  Phil also participated in Barter’s annual holiday auction donating his beautiful wood carvings to help raise money for the United Way.  His generous spirit will continue to serve as a source of inspiration to his Barter family who will cherish his memory forever.  Whether it was a children’s weekend daytime show or an evening performance, Phil’s warm smile and infectious laugh greeted all who entered the famous theatre’s lobby. And don’t worry about the door, Phil will get that for you.

The family would graciously like to thank all the medical staff at Bristol Regional Medical Center for their loving, attentive care of Phil during his last days.  They also want to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all of Phil and Nancy’s extended Virginia family for all their support, comfort, and Southern hospitality.

A memorial and celebration of life will be planned for spring 2020.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phil’s memory to: Farris Funeral Home for final funeral arrangements, Byars-Cobbs Lebanon United Methodist Church, Glade Spring Presbyterian Church or to your local artisans group including quilting, carving, and theatre.