Richard Sidney Topham of Marshfield passed away on January 17th 2020, after a period of declining health. He was 65 years old.

He is survived by his significant other of 27 years Regina Porter. He also leaves his beloved mother Carol Topham, brother Don Topham and his wife Julie, sister Sandy and her husband Ron Hasseltine, his sister in law Andy Thorpe, his daughter Kiley Trachik and her significant other Eric Dickhausen, and his stepson Michael Snyder. Rick is fondly remembered by his nephew James and nieces Caitlin, Anna and Liz, as well many members of his extended family. He was pre-deceased by his father James and brother Lee.

Rick loved his family and friends and was deeply protective of 'his people'. He had a quirky sense of humor, loved music yet would not dance - except for the "boot dance". He was highly intelligent and a true life-long learner.

Rick was humble and was always willing to help those in need. He loved the outdoors, worked on the sea, hunted the forests and explored the fields, meadows and woods. Throughout his life – one never knew what creature he might bring home; turtles, birds, even a wounded duck! He kept a pair of binoculars on the console of his truck to view nature close up.

Someone once said that if they were to come back in another life, they wanted to come back as one of Rick Topham's dogs. Rick was seen every day, in his truck, with a dog or two riding shotgun. He loved all dogs, but was especially fond of his boxers, Gretchen, Jenny, Riley, Mick and Cracker Jack and they were waiting for him Friday January 17th, at the Pearly Gates, leading him to the woods of the greater beyond.

As a teen Rick and his brother Don raked sea moss. Soon after Rick bought a small boat and secured a mooring, bought some gear and a few pots and began lobstering.

A graduate of UMASS Amherst, Rick earned his degree in Animal Science with dreams of becoming a veterinarian, but the ocean called to him. He purchased the fishing boat "Caper" bought gear and licenses and became a commercial fisher/lobsterman. After a particularly good year tuna fishing, he was dubbed 'Topcat' by the guys at the Town Pier in Brant Rock, and invested his earnings in land, land he played in as a child and later where he built his home.

In mid-life, Rick became a certified EMT and then decided to apply to the Marshfield Fire Department. He went to the Fire Academy in Stow MA and graduated 2nd in his class. While in training, he was dubbed 'Gramps', as he was the oldest cadet in the class.

While at the Fire Dept. in Marshfield, Rick became a Paramedic II. Rick also earned his Master's degree from Mass Maritime Academy in Emergency Management. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant before taking early retirement.

Rick will be missed by many. His boots will be hard to fill but he left behind his footprints.

Following his wishes, there will not be any traditional services but rather party, a celebration of a life well lived, to be held at the Historic Winslow House, 634 Careswell Street in Marshfield, on Sunday, May 24, 2020 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of his brother Lee Topham, The Historic Winslow House Association, or a charity of your choice.

For online guestbook, please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com