TOPF, MARTIN FRITZ
Martin Fritz Topf, 93, of Moncton, passed away at The Moncton Hospital after a brief illness on Saturday, August 15, 2015. Born in Gera, Thuringen, Germany, on September 3, 1921, he was the elder son of Fritz Karl Topf and Clara Topf (Zschegner). He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Berta Topf (Hubrig) and his younger brother, Helmut, he is survived by his son, Volker Martin, and his daughter-in-law, Beverley Topf (Firlotte), and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Martin was a very devoted husband and father, living in Moncton for almost 60 years. He was a professional Quantity Surveyor who worked many years in the engineering and construction industry throughout the Maritimes. He retired as Requirements Officer from the Engineering Section of CFB Moncton.
He was a skilled craftsman in woodworking, and also loved working with leather and stained glass. For over forty years he enjoyed his main hobby of competitive target shooting in both handgun and rifle, representing NB in Inter-Maritime small-bore rifle competitions. He was instrumental in starting IPSC handgun shooting at the Moncton Handgun Association. As a national regional director for IHMSA, he initiated silhouette shooting at St. Antoine Gun Club. He was a certified SFC rifle coach. He was a current member of the Buckskinners Muzzleloading Association and the Petitcodiac Sportsman Club. For the last few years, he enjoyed participating in benchrest shooting competitions in NB, competing against many other shooters throughout the province. A highlight for him was receiving a gold medal for first place at the young age of 90 and achieving the PSC 500 Club award. Whenever he wasn’t shooting during a match, he enjoyed telling stories and reciting German poetry. At the age of 79 he helped in the construction of the family cottage on Grand Lake and enjoyed many summers there with family and friends. Martin was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Moncton.
Visitation will be held at Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995), on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 am. A Service to celebrate Martin’s life will be held at Fergusons Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday August 18, 2015 at 11:00 am with Pastor David Milette officiating. Reception following the service in the Funeral Home Reception Centre. Interment to be held at Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, 268 Acadia Ave., Dieppe, on Wednesday, August 19, at 11:00 am.
In Martin’s memory, donations to Friends of the Moncton Hospital or a memorial of donor’s choice would be appreciated. Online condolences at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com