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Daniel Topham Obituary
1969~2018
Holladay, UT-Daniel Lewis Topham, DDS, our marvelous son, brother, uncle, and friend, died in his sleep at his home in Holladay on the morning of December 20, 2018, of long-standing complications from a yellow-jacket sting on 7/31/1997. The sting caused a severe allergic reaction that resulted in an anoxic brain injury with inexorable deterioration in spite of great efforts by his family and numerous medical specialists over many years to try to improve his condition. His brain was too damaged to heal.
A medical malpractice case filed by his now ex-wife Cindy resulted in the discovery of withholding of product information by anti-venom testing manufacturer Bayer Labs and faulty EpiPen instructions by manufacturer Mylar Labs. Dan's case changed the way bee sting allergies are diagnosed and treated, and this information has saved many lives around the world, but at great cost to Dan and his loved ones.
Dan was born in Seattle to Trisha and Barry Topham on 5/28/69. His early youth was in Southern California. Dan was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He moved with his family to Salt Lake at age five, attended public schools, and graduated with honors from the University of Utah in economics in 1991. He then obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Washington in 1996. He married and was looking forward to becoming a father, but the yellow jacket sting essentially ended this and many other dreams at age 28. Dan had a positive, outgoing disposition and was a natural leader. Before his injury, he was an extreme skier, near-par golfer, mountain climber, great story teller, and the life of the party. He had a fortunate combination of intellect, athleticism, good looks, and charisma. The sting caused an unending tragedy for many people.
He is survived by his parents, Patricia L Topham and E. Barry Topham, MD, brothers Robert, Jeffrey, and Alan, and his sister Melanie Soelberg. His sister Susannah preceded him in death in 2000. His extended family includes ten nephews and nieces.
There will be a viewing at the Holladay South Stake Center (4917 Viewmont Drive, Holladay) the evening of 12/27 from 6 to 7:30 pm and also prior to funeral services from 9:30 to 10:45 am. Funeral services will begin at 11 am. Burial will follow at the Holladay Memorial Cemetery. Rest in peace, Dan. Funeral Directors: Memorial Holladay~Cottonwood Mortuary. Online condolences may be shared at www.memorialutah.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Topham
Sponsored by Memorial Holladay-Cottonwood Mortuary - Millcreek.
Dan Whitley
January 8, 2019
Dear Barry, Trisha and family, Our hearts are full with compassion as we think about your amazing valiant son Dan and his release from this life. We were out of town over the holidays or we would have been there with you all for his viewing and funeral. As you know, Barry, we were privileged to also have an angel son who was protected from a full life here...our son Danny due to a courageous battle with brain cancer. Please know how much we love you as friends and patients over these many years since Olympus High. You have been a great example of faith, hope and charity to us and our family. Your friends always, Dan and Bonnie
Jim Perkins
December 29, 2018
Dear Barry, Trish, RT, Jeff and Robyn, Melanie and Cameron, Alan and Whitney and the rest of the Topham clan,
We send all of our love and all of our prayers at this time of Dans passing. You have all endured an unspeakable tragedy, yet you continued to demonstrate the truest meanings of hope, faith, and love. You were Dan's angels and without any doubts whatsoever, He is now free and in complete peace at last.
My heart aches that we were unable to travel back to Utah to be with all of you, and Dan.
....
Dear Dan,
I can only imagine the air is light yet crisp; the fairways are immaculate and lush; the greens are receptive, true and fast - just how you like them. It couldn't be more perfect. It's precisely what you've been waiting for. And it's precisely what you deserve.
The box is yours and you have the honors my good friend! Swing away Dano! And keep it in the short stuff!!!
Jimmy P
James Tobler
December 28, 2018
Dear Rob and Topham family and friends,
Sending my condolences your way. Dan was a was sweet and good soul, always seemed happy to be doing whatever it was he was doing.
Abrazos,
Jaclyyn Vines
December 28, 2018
Dear Topham Family,
Ron and I are so sorry for the loss of your son that you loved so very much. I came to know Dan through Dr. Barry and Dr. Robert - what an amazing man he was. Please know that we are keeping you in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jaclynn Vines
Newport Beach, CA
Michelle Wallace Daum
December 28, 2018
Rob, I am so sad to hear of this second loss of Dan. I hope you and your family find peace soon, I'm sure that Dan already has. Love to you and your family.
Char Dawson
December 28, 2018
Dear Topham Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! Dan was admired by all who knew him, and touched so many lives. God bless!
Robert Johnson III
December 27, 2018
I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Topham while he was at the Centre for Neuro Skills in Bakersfield California. What a wonderful person he was. Despite enduring such a terrible injury, the light never left his eyes. His family, who never left his side, were very warm people. My sincerest condolences.
December 27, 2018
Hank And I are very sad to hear about the loss of your son Dan he was a good friend of our son Robert who named his 1st son after Dan we want you to know our prayers are with you . Hank and Kathy
Camron Carpenter
December 27, 2018
Dear Topham Family,
Time spent with Dan Topham was always sublime and a sheer pleasure. His thirst for adventurous and arduous activities, and wonderful ability to create hilarity and humor in most any situation made time in his presence beautiful, coveted and cherished.
My deepest condolences to you all for the final loss of Dan... though we all lost his full being and light so many years ago - the memories of time spent with Dan will live in my heart forever. Thank you for sharing his light and beauty with us. Warmest regards.
Brock Varoz
December 27, 2018
Topham Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dan and your family were such an important part of my childhood and young adult years. I have such fond memories of great times with Dan and friends. He was a great friend and I will forever cherish the times we had together. I could never keep up with him on the slopes, tennis court, golf course, or classroom. He inspired me. Rob and Jeff, let's ski one for Dan!
Love, Brock Varoz and Family
Eric Larson DDS
December 27, 2018
Dan could always brig cheer to the drudgery brought on by the demands of dental school. Dan was cheerful, found joy in life and never took things too seriously. He was a great dental student and dentist. From the UW dental class of 1996- Raise a glass to Dan! Cheers to Dan!
Tina Amthor
December 27, 2018
Dr. and Mrs. Topham and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Daniel.
I knew of Daniel only through Dr. Topham who came to see me at Zions Bank Trust Department. Through Dr. Topham I learned all about Daniel, his wonderful family and the tragic yellow-jacket sting that robbed him of so much. He was fortunate to have such a loving family to love and care for him.
I will keep Daniel and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Tina R. (Thorpe) Amthor
Janis Fullmer
December 27, 2018
Barry and Trisha,
We want to express our condolences to you and your family for the loss of your much loved son Dan. He accomplished a great deal in his life as a young man. We are also happy for him that his spirit has been set free from a body that imprisoned him for so long after his accident. His spirit is now free to accomplish all those things he longed to do and so much more. May you be comforted during this most difficult time. Love, Janis and Tim Fullmer
Devin Rob and Dan 1980
December 26, 2018
Devin & Joslin Wright
December 26, 2018
Joslin and I are so sad to lose our dear friend and cousin Dan. Our memories of him are too numerous to count and his energy, laughter and smile will be with us forever. The sting that took place robbed this world of one of it's finest humans and we know he is now finally at peace. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our love goes out to the Topham family who all provided such incredible care for Dan for so many years. Goodbye Dan-until we meet again...
Devin & Joslin Wright
Sidney Tanner
December 26, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. I do not know of you and your Daniel, but I am severely allergic to bees and carry an Epi pen. I appreciate the fact that I may be alive now because of the treatment I received in the Emergency Dept during my anaphylactic reaction and /or that my life maybe spared in the future due to your loss. Thank you!
Kristen Sehorn (Marcelis)
December 26, 2018
Topham Family,
I am saddened to hear of Daniel's passing. I know with all my being he is no longer suffering. I feel very blessed to have been able to care for Dan in the past for a total of 10 years! I still remember his beautiful smile every time I came to care for him. His smile will be forever with me. My condolences to all who loved & cared for Dr. Daniel Topham.
With love,
Sehorn & Marcelis Family
Loreen Barney
December 26, 2018
Dear Topham family,
My heart is heavy at this time for your loss. Please know there are many who love and care about you. May you feel the love and comfort of our Heavenly Father at this tender time.
December 24, 2018
To the family of Mr. Daniel Topham,
I would like to express my sincere condolences for the loss of Mr. Topham.
May the Most High God strengthen your family during this difficult time of sorrow. Please find comfort in Psalms 145:18, 19 promise that "he is near to all those calling on him."
Sincerely,
December 24, 2018
Very sorry for the lost of your loved one May God the hearer of prayers comfort you during this difficult time and give you strength. 2 cor. 1:4
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