April 9, 1933 to January 2, 2009

Réal passed away on January 2, 2009 in Victoria BC at the age of 75, following complications from major surgery for stomach cancer. Beloved husband of Gail Gabrielle Topping.

Born in Bellevue, Saskatchewan on April 9, 1933, Réal attended Gravelbourg College graduating in Arts and Science, and subsequently attained his Bachelor of Commerce at McGill University in Montreal.

Réal was well known as a financial consultant and was a licensed Trustee in Bankruptcy. He practiced in several cities across Canada throughout his career and was with KPMG, Lethbridge, for 20 years and ended his career with BDO Dunwoody Ltd. of Lethbridge.

Réal was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lethbridge, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #5726, and was active in a number of financial and semi-professional organizations. In 2007 he was appointed a member of the Transportation Board of Alberta by the Governor in Council.
Réal and Gail were married in 1958 in Vancouver, BC. Réal was predeceased by his parents Emile and Louisa, two brothers, Roland and Edgar.

He is survived by 4 brothers and 3 sisters: Rosanne Topping of Victoria, B.C., Aline (Ralph) Thomasgaard of Saskatoon, Laurance (James) Stratton of Courtenay, B.C., George (Evelyn) of Calgary, Roger (Marilyn) of Hoey, SK, Gilbert (Theresa) of Saskatoon and Claude (Beth) of Saskatoon.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 - 12 Ave South, Lethbridge, with Father Tim Boyle officiating. With a reception to follow at County Kitchen Catering (In the basement of the Keg Restaurant), 1717 Mayor Magrath Dr., S., Lethbridge, AB.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kiwanis Music Festival Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 125, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 3Y3.