Toopes David Edward Toopes, age 63, passed away peacefully Saturday September 3, 2016, at home after a three month battle with brain cancer. Dave was a 1971 graduate of Bishop Ready High School. He then went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Capital University. He played football for both Bishop Ready and Capital University where he served as captain for both teams. He received his Masters in School Administration from The Ohio State University. Dave was a long time member of St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and headed up the American Red Cross blood drive for the last few years. For many years he was "head of sanitation" at the St. Matthew Festival. Dave was always willing to help anyone in need and never forgot his humble beginnings. He was a principal, teacher, and coach in Whitehall City Schools, Upper Arlington, and Pickerington Local Schools. Dave was an avid sports fan. He loved the Cleveland Indians, The Ohio State Buckeyes and always continued to believe in his Cleveland Browns. With two Toopes brothers watching over the Browns, this year should be the year. Dave loved teaching, coaching, and being a principal. He loved the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. He always found the good in everyone he taught and coached. Although many were influenced by Dave's teaching and coaching, he often felt just as lucky to have been inspired by every student he taught or coached. Dave never took life for granted and appreciated each and every day. His life motto was family always comes first and there was nothing Dave enjoyed more than being with family and friends. He loved his Monday night trivia nights and golf league. He loved vacationing with family and friends. He had great memories of cruises, ski trips, and even a special family trip to the Rose Bowl. He enjoyed walking on Saturdays with the Gahanna Get Moving Team and he completed several half marathons. Dave is preceded in death by parents Ed and Helen Toopes and brother, Bob Toopes. Dave will be greatly missed by his beloved wife and best friend of 39 years, Ruth; sons, Matthew and Jordan, whom he was extremely proud of; brother-in-law, Bob (Sue) Wynkoop; sister-in-law, Teri Toopes; niece, Katie Toopes; nephews, Ryan (Jaclyn) Toopes, Blake and Tyler Wynkoop; great nephew, William Robert Toopes; extended family, Rick, Amy, Lindsay, and Anna Michalkiewicz; and numerous loving relatives, friends, and neighbors. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST. Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church, 807 Havens Corners Rd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230. A celebration of life will be held Sunday September 11, 2016 from 2-5 p.m. at Creekside Conference and Event Center, 101 Mill St. #300, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Please feel free to wear your favorite team shirt that connects you to Dave. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the annual Bob Toopes Show Your Class (SYC) 5k. All proceeds go to local education opportunities. For more information about participation and donations, please visit www.gahannaprf.org. To leave online condolences visit www.schoedinger.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Sep. 5 to Sep. 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Toopes

38 Entries

Joan Obrien

September 3, 2020

He was a precious man, my brothers, Jack, Jim,Jerry and Jonny as well as all the Bussards thought the world of David and his wonderful family. So glad to have seen him at our family reunion in the summer of 2015.

Joan E. O'Brien

Jane Hunt

September 23, 2016

So sorry to hear this news! I have very fond memories of Dave as our assistant principal at Hastings Middle School while I taught 7th grade Science. My thoughts are with all of his loved ones...

Teresa Morley

September 23, 2016

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Dave. He was the Assistant Principal when I started as a Media Clerk at Hastings. He was always fun to be around and work with. I'll be praying for God's comfort and peace for the family during this time of grief.

Theodosia Ragias

September 10, 2016

My sincere sympathy to Ruth and her children for their loss. Dave was professional, always with a smile, and very courteous. May his memory be eternal.

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Eddie Stewart

September 9, 2016

You were an inspirational coach, a caring teacher, and a big brother helping me get my start in both. Your reach went far and touch lives on. RIP

Van Mancuso

September 9, 2016

Rest in peace my brother. Fond memories of our days playing football at Capital.

Frederick Truax

September 9, 2016

My condolences and sympathy for Ruth and
Sons and extended family. My prayers are with you through this bereavement period.
David was a positive worker for me at the
Bureau of Motor Vehicles while he was in college. He was a great athlete on many softball teams I sponsored and a great inspirstion to others. Bless your family.
With sincere sympathy,
Fred Truax

Jackie Mcgowan ingles

September 8, 2016

Dave its been. Fifty years or so,you were a part of our holy family group. Eight years at holy family.and my dear friend. Even though you got to sing my song "somewhere over the rainbow "I. Thought you did a wonderful job. Just like. You did through life. Sorry to not of stay in touch. To your wife and family I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was amazing. Person . Jackie mcgowan Ingles.

Joni Scolieri Finley

September 7, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Dave was one of my very best friends in high school. I have so many great memories. He was a wonderful person. I have no words to express how much Dave's friendship meant to me. He will always have a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Ruth and family.

September 7, 2016

We can only imagine how tough and heart wrenching these past 3 months have been for your family. Dave or "Tooper" as we know him as our friend and colleague in Whitehall and Gahanna will be sorely missed. At school or the athletic fields and golf course Dave's presence always made a difference and he will be always remain in our hearts and minds forever. You are in our prayers "Sarah " Ruth.

Dick and Karen Angelou

Jim Bline

September 7, 2016

As one of Dave's coaches at Capital, I remember him not only as a good football player, but especially as a great guy who was always upfront with everyone.

Dave and Ruth were enjoyable to have as renters in Whitehall, and I continued to keep in touch with Dave from player to teacher to coach seeing his success in all fields.

Everyone who knew Dave always spoke highly of him. He will be missed by all.

Tom Wyatt

September 7, 2016

I knew David for only a few years, but he was always a joy to talk with. My heartfelt condolences to Ruth.

Susan Fromkes

September 6, 2016

The best 5th grade teacher ever at Greensview Elementary School in Upper Arlington. Many parents still talk about your amazing teaching skills such as your math classes that totally engaged your students. My daughter has gone on to be the amazing person she is, in part because of you. Dave, you are the teacher we'll never forget. I can only imagine how much your family will miss you. Students around the country, the world will be sending their blessing to you.

Carole Roys

September 6, 2016

I was saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I worked with Dave at Hastings Middle School and had great respect for him. He was kind to all, and took care of those kids as if they were his own. He had a wonderful manner about him (a good sense of humor) and I enjoyed working with him. I'm so sorry for your loss and pray that God's love and promises support you during this time.

Amy Hamilton

September 6, 2016

Mr. Toopes was my Freshman English teacher at WYHS in the mid 80's. I have never forgot nor will I ever forget him. He made an impression on my life as most teachers and I thank him for that. My thoughts and prayers are with his family

Laura, Dave, Jon & Jeff Butler

September 6, 2016

Dave will be greatly missed. Sending healing prayers and much love to Ruth, Matt, Jordan and the family. Laura, Dave, Jon & Jeff Butler

Dan LaMarca

September 6, 2016

I'm sad to hear of coach Toopes passing. He was my football coach at Whitehall Yearling high school.
Dave was a great coach and teacher. He was always positive and having a good time.
He was a big part of our success in the 1980s Whitehall Rams football program.
He was a great man and he will be missed.

Diane Robinson

September 6, 2016

Dave was a wonderful man, colleague and friend. He was one of the first people I met when I came to Whitehall and ironically he filled in for me as I retired in February 2015 and he finished the year as Assistant Principal. I will always remember his smile, his calm demeanor and is love of life , family and friends. Until we meet again my friend. Sending prayers and condolences to Ruth and family.

Robin Murdock

September 6, 2016

Dave covered an administration leave at GLHS when I was an assistant. He was such a positive role model to me and encouraged me to believe in my own voice. He touched the lives of many and will be missed

Roxanne Obey

September 6, 2016

Wow can't believe he is gone but I will never forget him. I was a student at Whitehall high school what I recall the most was how big he was and always had a playfulness way about him. My prayers go out to the family.

Dave Clark

September 6, 2016

Dave, Dave, Dave,: Great people should not leave us this young. I will say you and Ruth were our closest friends when we lived in Gahanna. But moving away cost us alot. I wish we could have gotten back together once we moved back. For that I'm sorry. I remember breaking in on the sanitation crew at the festival. Then I got promoted to the Beer Wagon Captain. You were one to offer services. The pay was poor but the fringes were outstanding. May you forever rest in peace. I know your family will be taken care of.

Love,

Dave

Brian Payne

September 6, 2016

Dave was my football coach at Whitehall yearling . I resently was able to have a half hour conversation with him. And as stated he was so humble. He will be missed.

patrick obrien

September 6, 2016

Rest In Peace Dave Condolences to your family, we will miss you

Mike Smith

September 6, 2016

I was deeply saddened to hear about Dave. My heart felt condolences go out to Ruth and the boys. When reminiscing about Dave, coaching my younger brother, our softball games,white water rafting, boating, our card games, the first thing that came to mind was he was always smiling. Even when he'd get that serious look it was always followed up with a smile. God Bless you Dave..

September 6, 2016

Dear Ruth and sons,

Our entire family sends sympathy and love to each of you. We all grew up, laughed and played together so many years ago. Our families were quite close for a long time.

Dave accomplished a great deal in life, but he was most proud of his family.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Melody Abbott Bohner and the entire Abbott Family

Sharon Caccimelio

September 6, 2016

I will forever remember and treasure the great times at both Whitehall Yearling and at Heritage Elementary in Pickerington. Dave was a mentor, a wonderful, caring person, but most of all a great friend. He is the reason my daughter works with children today. My thoughts and prayers are with Ruth and their sons. Rest in peace, Dave. You are missed!

Tanisha Richardson

September 6, 2016

Such a great man-such a wonderful family!

Angela Kalb

September 6, 2016

I will treasure my memories of Dave as my Principal at Heritage Elementary School--the smile, the laugh, the caring eyes that focused on anyone he talked to, young or old. Made you feel special. And, it was a double blessing to work with Ruth at Pickerington Elementary. Your special family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Patty Murnane-Cornwell

September 6, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear of Dave's passing , our thoughts and prayers are with you, may he rest in Gods loving arms.

Kathy Albright

September 6, 2016

I knew Dave at Hastings Middle School, first as a teammate and then as my assistant principal. He was fun to work with and had a great sense of humor. He was a wonderful teacher and a good person who will be greatly missed by many who knew him.

Frank Caldwell

September 6, 2016

I only knew Dave a short time and only on the golf course, but I knew him enough to say he was a great guy and a good person.He will be missed. Rest in peace

September 6, 2016

Ruth and family,

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Most Sincerely,
Kristi Motsch

Eric Wylie

September 6, 2016

I treasure our time together at Hastings Middle School in Upper Arlington. You touched the lives of many students and teachers over the years, and you truly made Hastings a better place. My thoughts are with your family and friends.

Vicky Graham

September 6, 2016

Dear Ruth and boys, I am so very saddened to learn of Dave's passing. Dave was my Junior Prom date. We were co-chairmen of the prom our junior year. Two weeks before the prom and I still didn't have a date. Not to worry, Dave Toopes, always the gentleman, asked me to go with him. He was a truly good and gentle soul. Although I have not seen him in many years, I have and will always remember him as a dear friend. I was blessed to have know him. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.

Vicky Capretta Graham, Class of '71

Glen Stevens

September 6, 2016

Coach Toopes,you really cared about our lives and would listen and guide us outside of football!I Thank-you for our talks after I graduated and have used those words and advice still till this day!RIP Coach Toopes you will be missed by many!God Bless! Glen Stevens Class of 1980 Go Rams!

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