Lasting Memories
Robert Stanley Topor
1936-April 22, 2008
Redwood City, California
Robert Stanley Topor, 72, a resident of Redwood City, died April 22.
He was born in Utica, N.Y. He graduated with honors from Syracuse University with a bachelor's degree in communications.
A talented artist, painting watercolors remained his lifelong passion. He received his master's degree from the University of Rochester, while employed in their office of University Relations.
He worked for Wright State University, Cornell University and Stanford University. With the advent of desktop publishing, he began sharing his expertise in marketing with other administrators in the field of academia. His newsletter "Marketing Higher Education" grew into a consulting business.
In the 1990s with his wife, Martha, he was involved with his local PFLAG chapter and became an advocate for GLBT rights. He was an active member and a deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto.
He is survived by his sons, Zak Topor and his partner Wes Williams of Atlanta, Ga., and Brad Topor of Novato, Calif., and daughter-in-law, Shannon Topor; long-time partner Eleanor Hiles of Redwood City; three brothers, Richard Topor of Coraopolis, Penn., Ronald Topor of Whitesboro, N.Y., and Roger Topor of Utica, N.Y., one grandson; several honorary grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
July 4, 2012
Bob Topor was a man who invested in others. I grew up his neighbor, a son of an immigrant Chinese family, with a father who worked long hours. Bob invested in me as a child and young man, many times acting as a mentor and father figure. He helped me with class projects, paid me exorbitantly to house sit, and later gave me a grant to pursue a business opportunity. I last saw him when he attended my wedding in 2007. One of my greatest regrets was not being there for him during his last days. He will, however, forever be in my heart and fondest memories. I currently work for a human rights organization combating human-trafficking in Washington DC. I am the man I am today because he invested in me. Rest in peace dear friend.