Obituary of Bernard Temple Topham

Bernard Temple Topham Jr. "B.T" of Saginaw, Michigan passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at the age of 94. He was surrounded by family. Bernard was born on June 25, 1926 to Agnes and Bernard Temple Topham. He married Yvonne Torka on August 19, 1961 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Saginaw; she survives him. Bernard graduated from St. Mary's High School, class of 1944, and proudly served his country in 1945 in the United States Navy, WWII. Following the war, he graduated from Central Michigan University and worked in the family business, "Yellow Cab Company" which progressed from horse and buggy to the familiar yellow cab. As a self-employed real estate broker, Bernard actively worked until the day of his death at his namesake company, "Topham Realty". He was well respected in his community, Holy Family Church and the Fordney Club, and will be missed by those who were touched by his acts of kindness. Bernard created fond memories over decades at his family cottage in Bay Port where friends and family met across generations. He enjoyed fishing, sailing, boating and family meals. As an avid baker, he created "Happy Face Pies" for his family and found joy in the kitchen. Left to cherish his memory are his spouse of 59 years, Yvonne and their daughters, Laureen (Steve) Lutenski of Saginaw, MI, Kimberly Zajac of Rochester, MI and Shelley Topham (Ken Cichiewicz) of Saginaw Michigan. Bernard will also be fondly remembered by his 5 grandchildren Shelby Bisbey of Saginaw, MI, Melissa Zajac, Zachary Zajac, Ella Zajac and Leah Zajac of Rochester, MI, as well as great-grandchild Layla Bisbey of Saginaw, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Bernard Temple Topham and his brother William Hugh Topham. FUNERAL: Due to the current COVID-19 health crisis, the family will have a private Requiem Mass and Interment with final resting at Mount Olivet Cemetery; concluding with military honors. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may consider a contribution to The Mustard Seed, 1325 Cherry St., Saginaw, MI 48601 or the charity of your choice. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Covenant Hospice and all the caregivers who graced Bernard's life, each of whom were models of faith and compassionate care to the very end. Deisler Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Topham Family; condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.