“We work in the dark – we do what we can – we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.”
-Henry James-
It is with profound sadness we share that Dennis passed away December 9, 2022, in Victoria BC. Born in Victoria on May 19, 1936, Dennis spent his childhood surrounded by music and a love of exploring the Victoria area on his bike. He was cast as the male lead in his high school musical, The Rose of the Danube, where he met and fell in love with his leading lady, Ruth Sones. After completing the teaching program at Provincial Normal School, Dennis married Ruth and they welcomed their first daughter in 1957. They relocated to Kitimat BC, where he established the music program in the burgeoning school district, working tirelessly as a community builder, advocating for, and sharing his love of music with not only his students but the broader citizenry. Two more daughters followed, and life was dedicated to enriching their home with the sounds of music of all genres. During these busy years he also pursued his Bachelor of Education through University of Victoria and his Masters’ Degree at UBC. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Dennis relocated with his family to Vancouver in 1971, taking on the role of District Principal for the Performing Arts for the Vancouver School Board. It was there that Dennis’ advocacy work for the arts really flourished. He fought for adequate arts funding both in the school district and the province, activity that garnered the nickname of Tupman’s Tough Tactics. Throughout his career and continuing into his retirement, he was a passionate ambassador for and proponent of music education, acting as president for the BC Music Educators Association, the Canadian Music Educators Association and the BC Choral Federation. In 2011 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Victoria, an achievement that sits alongside his many other accolades, including the Governor General’s Award for Lifetime Arts Leadership. In his retirement to Green Lake in the Cariboo, Dennis continued to be recognized as an active community supporter, and was a regular contributor to both the provincial and national arts communities through interviews and published articles. After returning to Victoria in 2021, Dennis enjoyed reconnecting with friends and places from his past. Variously described as a musician, educator, conductor, director, adjudicator, speaker, writer, philosopher, arts advocate, counsellor, humanitarian, environmentalist and family man, he made it his mission to understand and connect with all who crossed his path. To many, he was simply BBD or Poppy – an exemplary yet humble man, fun-loving and silly, one who was truly loved and will be greatly missed.
Dennis was predeceased by his wife Ruth in 2020, and leaves behind to feel his loss, three daughters, Raechel Tupman, Allison (Brad) Neumann and Denise Tupman, his 6 grandchildren, Matthew (Sayde) Neumann, Megan (Ben Pryputniski) Neumann, Andrea Neumann, Hayley (Aaron) Moldenhauer, Alex (Liam Thwaites) Gipps, and Kenny (Tristina) Gipps, and his 8 great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Grady Moldenhauer, Hunter Archibald, Mara and Thea Neumann, Lilly and Michael Gipps, and Poppy Thwaites.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Shaughnessy Heights United Church, 1550 33rd Ave W, Vancouver BC on Saturday, April 1st at 1 pm.
“Row row row your boat, gently down the stream,
Merrily, merrily, merrily merrily, life is but a dream.”
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
50 Responses
My heartfelt condolences to all the Tupman family.
Your Dad walked into my Grade 4 class in 1960 in Kitimat and loudly asked “Who wants to be in the band?” For some reason up went my hand. He took me through a musical journey for a few years through his junior and senior concert bands and town orchestra. He instilled in me the fundamentals which have kept me in a career and I am sure others, in professional music for the last 50 years. I will always be grateful that I got to spend an afternoon with him in 2007 sharing our “back in the day stories” and to thank him for what he had done for me.
God bless you Dennis
You will be sorely missed.
When I was a music teacher in Vancouver, Dennis was always there to offer support any way he could. He made everyone feel valued – students, teachers, colleagues.
The room was made brighter when he walked through the door. My sincere condolences to his family.
Deberah Gallagher Shears
Dennis was a treasured and inspirational leader at the VSB. I cherish my happy memories of his support for me as a music teacher and of our great laughs together.
My condolences to his family on the loss of this kind and remarkable man.
Dear Dennis, your Ruah, your Spirit is now at peace and rising up to Heaven. Though I met you as my boss in Vancouver School District, you quickly turned into a mentor and friend. I loved your sincere interest in and knowledge of other spiritualities and your understanding of the different levels of “soul”. You inspired me to be the best musician and teacher I could be. You will live on in my heart forever. My deepest condolences to your family and all who knew and loved you.
Dennis and I met in UBC during my graduate years. We played a couple of musicals together, and then he hired me to teach in the Vancouver School system in 1982 and I enjoyed many years as a music teacher under his guidance. His impact on the music scene is unmeasurable, and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity work with him. He will be missed.
Dennis was one of the most inspirational educators I had the pleasure of working with at the Vancouver School Board. I had the privilege of being one of the first members in the VSB Choir which Dennis founded. What a joy it was to attend weekly practices on a Friday after school!
Dennis was a passionate supporter of the arts in public schools, and as such did so much for students and staff of like mind.
My sincere condolences to family and friends who are left to mourn this remarkable man. I feel so blessed to have known him.
I wish I had met Dennis, but if his daughters are a testament to his character, then he must’ve been a wonderful, kind hearted man and a joy to be around. Rest well with your love, Ruth.
Dennis was an inspiration to me as a beginning elementary music teacher and school choir director. Then, years later he encouraged and supported me as a conductor for our community choir. He always sought to uplift and lighten with humour and insight. Dennis became a good friend to my husband John and I for many years. I am so sorry for your loss. I know we will remember Dennis for the rest of our lives. Thankyou for being his caring family and surrounding him with love during his last days.
He is playing with the “Band of Brothers” now
Thanks Dennis(Mr. Tupman)..
We had a Special Bond..No more need to be said..
Musically Yours,
GED
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Tupman family. I share in your loss.
I had the pleasure and honour of working with Dennis in the 1980s while serving as music consultant for the VSB. As a beginning music teacher in the 70s, Dennis became my mentor and role model. He was truly an inspiration. His passion and compassion reached beyond the Arts and encompassed the greater community.
He will be truly missed.
Linda-Mae Chan-Kent