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Bogdan Topolski
1935 - 2011
Bogdan Topolski
1935 - 2011
Obituary
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BORN
1935
DIED
2011
Bogdan Topolski Obituary
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December 27, 2011
Dear Dani, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I've never forgotten your family from many years ago. You had the nicest parents. You were truly blessed. Please email me at msmargaritapatcomcastdotnet, I would love to hear from you. Margarita Hernandez-Perez
Aleksandar Markovic
May 3, 2011
Deni - I was truly sorry to hear about passing of your dad! Last time I talked to him was on his birthday, he made me laugh as always! Bogdan was an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Alexandar Markovic, Belgrade Serbia
Jo Ann Nisley
May 1, 2011
Hello Topolski Family, You all are in our prayers. We were out of town for the Easter week. Want you all to know you are in our prayers. Your Dad and his music will be missed very much, we loved to hear him play and sing.
Love and Prayers,
Cecil and Jo Ann, Scott, Michelle, Pete, Jana, Terry, Michelle, Caleb, Nathan, Abby and Seth
Marj Monhollen
May 1, 2011
Mrs. Topolski, Dani, Andrea and Joe,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your husband and father. I have fond memories of our band days and his smile being as big as his personality. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
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Kathleen Pearch
April 29, 2011
To the Topolski Family, Marie, Dani, Andrea and Joe. Thinking you you during this sad time in your life and knowing that there are thoughts and prayers coming your way. Keep you father close to your heart through the many memories you have. They will live on forever. Your babysitter from way back then "Ziggy".
April 29, 2011
We were shocked to hear of Bogdan's passing. We met him many years ago in Chicago at a Tamburitza Extravaganza. I was listening to him and Lira in a hospitality room and mentioned to some one, "Look at him; every year he is heavier and sings better." A woman standing near me heard my comment and said, "Watch it, that is my husband." That was the beginning of a long friendship. The next day Bogdan was searching for this Bogdan with a ten pound roll of Gavrilovich Salami. Through the years we have kept in touch and fortunately have met all of his family. We loved his voice and music. Last year when he and Marie called to wish Georgiana Happy Birthday we were not at home and he sang on our answering service. We have saved it and will keep it saved for the rest of our lives.
Vecnaja Pamjat and Hristos Voskrese.
Georgiana and Bogdan Gavrilovich
Seattle, Washington
Joshua Sacks
April 29, 2011
Dear Joe, Andrea and Dani,
We were saddened to hear of your Dad's passing this week. Your dad was always great to me growing up, and he will be missed. Please accept our sincerest condolences,
With affection,
Joshua & Beth Sacks
Donna Oldland
April 28, 2011
I am so sorry to have heard about the passing of Kum Billy. I have wonderful memories of the great times our families shared. To Dani, Andrea & Joey -- your Dad was an amazing man and to Kuma Nettie -- my thoughts are with you.
With love from Donna (Seka) Oldland -- nee Milojevich
Robert & Sandy Espinoza Blaney
April 28, 2011
We were very saddened to learn of +Billy's passing. He brought much enjoyment to all of us. We always looked forward to seeing him on our trips to Detroit. He not only knew everyone - he never forgot anyone. Memory eternal.
April 28, 2011
Dear Nada and family:
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Billy when we were kids together. We just got back from California. I remember when he came to California and serenaded us at St. Stevens. The last time we saw each other was at a picnic in Detroit where he was playing. He was a wonderful person and loved singing and playing. He will be sorely missed. Please let us know when the 40 day Parastos is. Savo and I want to attend. My condolences to the whole family. Mitzie (Vascic) and Savo Mandic.
Milan & Helen Chonich
April 28, 2011
Billy Topolski, through his music, made special some of our most cherished memories. We are honored to have known him and grateful that will we continue to enjoy his voice and beautiful music every time we play a Lira CD.
May his memory be eternal.
Lisa Hennemann
April 27, 2011
Andrea - I was truly sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. You and your family are in my prayers.
Rodney Milojevich
April 26, 2011
Billy Topolski
He will be missed.
He always lit up the room whenever we saw him.
Always making everyone feel that he was glad to see you.
My sincere condolences.
Rodney Milojevich
Niagara Falls
Debbie Armstrong
April 26, 2011
Dear Topolski Family: Mrs. Topolski, Dani, Andrea & Joey... Please know our thoughts are with you at this time. Doug, sent me a note and told us of your loss. We have fond memories of your dad whether he was picking one of the kids up or attending the same event as we were growing up. We always enjoyed his smile and kind words and remember your husband and dad fondly. ~Debbie (Knight), Dave & Lindsey Armstrong
Valerie Gill
April 26, 2011
Andrea & family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
ed moffett
April 26, 2011
Bogdan and I worked side by side for many years. We made sure to have fun during our working hours making the day very enjoyable. I will miss him dearly.
Kata and Art Anderson
April 26, 2011
Dani, Andrea and Joe,
Accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of your best friend, your dear Dad. Hvala for sharing him with us all these years.
Billy, thank you for giving us so much of yourself and for being such a sincere friend always. For singing at our wedding 45 years ago, and our daughters wedding and the many home celebrations. You will truly be missed by our entire family. The Orkestra in Heaven is gaining our loss from here on earth. "Secates li se" will always be one of my favorite songs sung by you! Vecnaja Pamjat.
Kellie Vuich
April 26, 2011
Dani, Andrea, and Joe,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May the great memories of your dad last you a lifetime. My boys and I sat with your parents at the St. George picnic a couple of years ago and it was really nice to see them and visit. Our most sincere sympathy to all of you.
April 26, 2011
Dear Topoloski Family:
I was greatly saddened to learn of my friend's passing. He was a good friend, and a very talented musician. He played a significant part of many special occasions in my life.
I am now living in Florida so I can't be with you at this difficult time. Please know that I shall keep all of you in my prayers and will keep alive, the wonderful memories that Billy provided.
May his memory be eternal.........
Sincerely,
George J Barach
Greg Bjedov
April 26, 2011
Mrs. Toploski, Dani, Andrea and Joe,
Denise and I are truly saddened by Billy's passing. He was an icon in the Serbian community and will be missed. I'm fortunate to have many fond memories from Slava's, holidays, high school graduation, tournaments and my wedding. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Milica Matejic Brust
April 26, 2011
Dear Topolski Family,
Please accept heartfelt condolences from the Matejic Family. We were all very saddened at the passing of this wonderful man with the most beautiful voice. Bill and Marijana have remained steadfast friends of our family over the 45 years since we left Monroe. May God grant eternal rest to Bill and comfort to you. Our prayers are with you.
sandy winland
April 26, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Bogdan's passing he was a very good man. I have known him for many years from
dr. Nair's office in Monroe Mi he always brought us avon products when he came in the last time I saw him he looked great and was so happy. I will miss him deeply. Please except my sympathy to you and all your family. He reminded me of my dad and I told him it was like my dad was still here he passed 21 years ago. God Bless your family wish I could be there. Sandy from Dr. Nair's office Monroe Mi
Diana Ostoich
April 26, 2011
My sympathy to the entire Topolski family and the tambura community. He always had a big smile whenever I got to see him. He will be missed.
pete plecas
April 26, 2011
Dear Topolski Family,
I was very sad to hear of Billy's passing. He was a great man with great talent. I consider myself fortunate to have known him, play tambura with him, and call him my friend.
Paul Bosanac
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolski Family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father, whom I was privileged to have as a friend throughout the years. I know he will always remain very much alive in the memories of all who loved, respected, and treasured him. There's not a Christmas season that goes by that I don't forget the great times, great food, and fond memories. I always looked forward to talking to him, and always a pleasure to be around.
Please convey my sympathies
Sincerely,
Rod & Marge Bosanac
April 25, 2011
We are truly saddened by Billy's passing. Billy was more than just a friend, he was an amazing person. He was always so kind and considerate to us that we always welcomed seeing him at every opportunity.
His passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Bill's memory will always remain deep within our hearts.
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the Topolski family.
With deepest sympathy
Cecil Nisley Family
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolski Family,
It was with much sadness we learned today of Bill's passing. Please know we will be lifting all of you up in prayer at this difficult time. Bill was always the life of the party, and the memories of the good times we shared with him bring smiles to our faces even in the midst of grief. Sincerely with Love,
Cecil, Jo Ann, Scott, Michelle, Terry along with spouses and children
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15
Paul Papich
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolsky Family:
Billy’s death hit me very hard. Like so many people who, by their life's deeds, assume dimensions greater than the rest of us, I assumed he would always be there, the troubadour of my life and the lives of my family members. So, as I have done with other icons in my life, I have decided that Billy is not dead, at least not to me, and that he will live with me in my memory until the two of us move on to better Nights in Belgrade together.
Please accept Angie’s and my most sincere condolences. We truly loved your and our Billy.
Paul
Paul Papich
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolsky Family:
Billy’s death hit me very hard. Like so many people who, by their life's deeds, assume dimensions greater than the rest of us, I assumed he would always be there, the troubadour of my life and the lives of my family members. So, as I have done with other icons in my life, I have decided that Billy is not dead, at least not to me, and that he will live with me in my memory until the two of us move on to better Nights in Belgrade together.
Please accept Angie’s and my most sincere condolences. We truly loved your and our Billy.
Paul
Doug Knight
April 25, 2011
Dear Mrs. Topolski, Dani, Andrea, and Joe: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God Bless each of you.
-Mildred Knight and Doug Knight
Goca (Barach) Margulis
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolski Family,
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Billy will always hold a very special place in my heart - he was a part of every joyous celebration in our family; Weddings, Graduations, Slavas and many, many parties. Every happy memory is woven with music and Billy and his wonderful voice are an integral part of that happiness. From my teenage years when Billy played at my parent's house with the late Mikie Adams and Chick Skaljac, to the tambura bands that followed(Jesen,Slavuj,Lira)my family and I were fans and supporters. Billy brought joy to all of our lives and will be greatly missed.Vecnaja Pamjat.
ted ostoich
April 25, 2011
Dear Danielle,Andrea and Joey
My sincere sympathy. So many warm,wonderful memories of your father!
May God bless your family, What a jam session they must be having up there!!
John and Juka Martich
April 25, 2011
To +Billy's Family,
Truly today is a sad one for the Serbian community. Your father was a living legend in the tambura world and will forever remain in our hearts. His pleasant demeanor and easy smile always greeted us everywhere we met. May the Risen Christ comfort you in the days ahead. Vecnaja pamjat to our dear friend. Hristos Voskrese.
Stevo Baich
April 25, 2011
Kumovi Topalski,
Our sincere sympathy. Billy was a man that knew many people and was loved by everyone. He will forever be remembered.
Vjecnaja Pamjat,
Lana and Stevo Baich
Rose & LC Nisley
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolski Family,
We are sorry to hear this sad news. I know your memories of "Bill" will keep him always near. We are thinking of you with friendship and love.
Ray & Mary Cooley
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolski Family, Our deepest sympathy at the loss of Bill. We know he will be greatly missed.
Ray & Mary Cooley
Monroe, Michigan
Branka Misovski
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolski Family.
My sincere sympathy's on the passing of your husband and father +Bogdan.
Pensioners club has lost a great member and a man with a big heart.We will all miss him.
Vjecnaja Pamjat.
Branka & George
Pensioners club president Branka Misovski.
Branka Popovich Sciuk
April 25, 2011
Dear, Andrea, Dani and Joe..Your father has left a great legacy that will be hard to match..His love of the Serbian music and his talent of knowning all the music and the history will never be forgotten..Our friendship goes back many many years His last visit with us in 2009 was such a fun and happy one..Your father's personality and music has touched so many. Vjecnaja Pamjet..Branka and Family
Paul Karas
April 25, 2011
To the Topolski family,
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of a beautiful Serb. His voice and charm will be missed by many who listened to him serenade us at countless Serbian functions. He was a great man while sharing wonderful stories and moments from his life. We lost a special person. May his memory be eternal.
Tracy Saula
April 25, 2011
We were very sorry to hear of +Billy’s passing. My dad, +Dusan, truly loved your dad, and we did too. We were reminiscing yesterday about how every time your dad saw mine, he would tell him how much he loved him and kiss him square on the lips. My dad got the biggest kick out of that. +Billy was an amazing musician and singer and he had a larger than life personality. Neither the man nor his music will be forgotten. May God have mercy on his soul and grant him rest eternal in His heavenly kingdom. Vjecnaja Pamjat.
Sava Saula & Tracy Saula
Monroeville, PA
Billy with friends at Pittsburgh Tamburitza Extravaganza
Joseph Novosel
April 25, 2011
Rich Krilich
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolski Family, Kumovi, & friends,
Billy was blessed with many friends across the North American continent as is evident by the many condolences expressed here and on Facebook. He leaves us a legacy of recorded songs, and wonderful memories of his incomparable voice and music. Along with Pokornji +Sanda Pavlovich, and their great Orkestar Lira, they made every tournament, festival, or zabava a truly memorable occasion. We shall all cherish our memories of both of these excellent musicians, as we think of them now, taking the stage together once again, to perform in the "Grandest of Ballroom of them all". Vecnaja Pamjat Bogdan
The Krilich Brothers and families
Billy at the 2008 Pittsburgh Tamburitza Extravaganza
Joseph Novosel
April 25, 2011
Carine Markovic
April 25, 2011
Dear Dani,
it's with a lot of emotion and saddness that we learned about the loss of your Dad. We are with all our heart with you and your familly.
Sincere condolences,
Carine & Dragan Markovic with all the members of the familly
Bobby Ranic
April 25, 2011
Dear Dani,Andrea and Joe,
I just heard the sad news yesterday. "Bogdan" will be missed but his spirit of life will live on in all who new him.What a wonderful person he was. Being a musician and knowing Bogdan as a musician he will be missed.
may his memory be iternal.
Bobby Ranic
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolski Family,
My sincere sympathy on the loss of Billy. I have fond memories of his days in Toronto and always followed his tamburitza career with pride.
Eternal memory!
With deep sympathy
Olga B. Markovich
Toronto
Mark Bjedov
April 25, 2011
Dear Family Topolski,
My sincere sympathy’s on the passing of your husband, father and brother. I have known “Billy” for as long as my memory serves me and have nothing but “happy memories” !!…I have had the good fortune of sharing many a laugh, song and drink with “Billy” and will miss him dearly. May you find peace in knowing that your husband, father and brother made such a HUGE mark on so many people that his memory will never fade. A true legend…God Bless.
Mark Bjedov
Detroit, MI
Ljubi Hayden
April 25, 2011
Dear Dani, Andrea and Joe,
Please accept our deepest sympathies on your +Dad's passing. We, like SO many others, loved +Billy, not just for his voice,song,entertainment...but, for his spirit and soul. We have soo many wonderful memories of him and spent many good times with him as he brightened our lives. His love of music and life was a bond he and our family shared and it made him so easy to love him. He will be sorely missed and we hope your sweet, dear memories of him will help you in your grief. We send you our warm embraces and love ...Slava mu!
Love,
Bato and Ljubi Hayden
Joseph Novosel
April 25, 2011
To the Family, Friends, and Fans of Billy Topolski,
I was so saddened to hear of Billy's passing. To describe his musical talents as legendary almost understates his contributions to our tamburitza musical culture. His amazing tenor voice, his intricate playing skills, and his unsurpassed repertoire placed him amongst a rare and elite class of musicians.
Clearly then, as a musician, he was a legend, but beyond that, he was magnificent as a person. "Consumately personable" is the phrase that comes to my mind. He befriended more folks than most people ever get to know in a lifetime, and he did so without regard to age, ethnic origin, or any other artificial distinctions. He accepted us all as his friends and gave generously of himself in every way.
Billy simply had the most wonderful zest for life flavored with incredible talent and a peppery wit. It is little wonder that all who knew him adored him, myself included.
He will be sorely missed, but ever so fondly remembered.
Joseph R. Novosel., President
Tamburitza Association of America
Mark Doncic
April 25, 2011
Dear Topolski Family,
It was with great sadness that I heard about Billy's passing over the weekend. At what should be the most joyous event with the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ is at the same time one of great sadness for all of us. I will personally miss that wonderful voice - no one did it better and was as authentic to the music as they come. He never ceased to amaze me with the repetoire he and +Sanda had. May God have mercy on his soul and provide him a final resting place - he will be missed. Vecan Spomen. Slava Mu.
Raymond & Darleen Tubbs
April 25, 2011
Hristos Voskrese!
Please know that you have our deepest sympathy. We loved +Billy! And with the mention of his name, there will always be a smile. Memory Eternal!
Donna Kecman Medich
April 25, 2011
Dear Dani, Andrea and Joe.
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your Dad. Billy was a legend and will be missed by all. "Leno, Leno" will never be the same, however will bring a familiar rock about his stance, the position in which he held his instrument and strummed, and the "all" he gave while singing.
Vjecnaja Pamjat.
Jovan & Denise Kangrga
April 24, 2011
Dear Topolski Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear the news of +Billy's passing. Instead of telling you our personal story, I hope you find comfort in knowing your +Father was part of some special moments in many lives. It's amazing how one man can touch the hearts of so many through song. I hope this helps you in the days to come.
May +Billy's Memory be Eternal. Vjecnaja Pamjat.
Our sincerest sympathies,
Jovan and Denise Kangrga
Jim Raditic Jr
April 24, 2011
Dear Dani, Andrea, & Joe,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. He was my inspiration to play tambura. I aspired to be as great as he was as a man, father, and musician. Those aspirations could never be met, given as high as he set the bar. You and the world have lost a truly remarkable Dad and friend. May his memory be eternal. Vecna Ja Pamjat.
Jim Raditic Jr.
angeline kotarac
April 24, 2011
Bill, you will surely be missed by the pensioners at St. Lazarus Church and us. Our prayers go out to you and your beloved family both in the US and Canada.affectionately, Mike and Angie Kotarac
Martha Ostoich Teshich
April 24, 2011
Dear Dani, Andrea, and Joe,
Words cannot express the deep grief Butch, Nick and I are feeling today. Your dad not only made us smile as he sang and played with Lira, he was a dear friend, more like family. The Serbian community was blessed to have him for as long as we did through the music of Slavuj and Lira. He made thousands of us proud of our songs and our heritage. We will not be able to be at the viewing or services but I am sure you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ronnie Payok just commented to me last night in church that he was so glad that we were able to honor him and +Sanda 9 years ago so that the Serbs from across the country could show their love and appreciation. We all will never forget the wonderful times spent with +Billy, +Sanda, and Lira. The memories are tucked away in a special place in our hearts. Love to you all.
Love, Martha
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