Daniel Lewis Topham, Dds

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
Service Information
Viewing December 27, 2018 at 6:00-7:30 PM
Holladay South Stake Center, 4917 Viewmont Drive, Holladay, Utah 84117





Viewing December 28, 2018 at 9:30-10:45 AM
Holladay South Stake Center, 4917 Viewmont Drive, Holladay, Utah 84117





Funeral Service
December 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM
Holladay South Stake Center, 4917 Viewmont Drive, Holladay, Utah 84117