Topper Sterns was born Feb. 7, 1940, and passed away on March 6, 2011 in Riverside, Calif. While gone from us too soon we are thankful he is now at peace and once again joining his parents and siblings. He will be remembered by his loving family and many friends for his love of life, his compassion and his humor. Topper was the life of any get together, his stories were famous and magic tricks for his grandsons were his forte.

Topper was born in

Yakima, the youngest of four children. He married his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn (Kay) Kaldenberg, over 52 years ago and together they raised three children, Kari, Diana and Doug. Topper attended YVCC where he played football. He then went on to the University of Washington and Central Washington University where he received his B.A. in Education. He began his educational career as an elementary teacher in Union Gap.

Then, he and his family moved to Naselle, Wash., where he became a high school history teacher and a beloved varsity football

coach. Topper went on to get his master’s in administration from Central Washington University. He began his administrative career as a principal at Moxee Elementary School. He then became principal of Selah Middle School and eventually principal of Selah High School. At the time of Topper’s retirement he was principal of the Alternative School in Selah which he helped establish.

After retirement Topper’s devotion to education continued, he worked as an Educational Consultant for the Casey Family Programs in Yakima and eventually Seattle.

In 1996 he and his wife Kay followed their dreams and moved to Whidbey Island. He was passionate about the island, the Washington Huskies, golfing, but most of all his family. In 2003 Topper and Kay became snowbirds and purchased a winter home in Hemet, Calif., and enjoyed many winters traveling south and being with friends.

Topper is preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and Henry Stems; one brother, Bud and two sisters, Jo and Lillian.

Topper is survived by his wife, Kay; two daughters, Kari Stems (Jeff Fortner) of Yakima, Diana Pilat (Joe) of West Palm Beach, Fla.; one son, Doug Stems (Kris) of Yakima; three grandsons, Tyler Paxton, Jake and Ethan Pilat; and by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A celebration of Topper’s life will be held on Saturday, March 19, at the Harmon Center in Yakima at 1 p.m. Topper had great empathy for the homeless. In lieu of flowers a donation in his name can be sent to the Union Gospel Mission at P.O. Box 565 Yakima, WA 98907.