Joseph Tulpinsky
Joseph Tulpinsky
1945-2013
I rest in the grace of the world and am free.
Wendell Berry
Joe passed away Jan. 21st from pneumonia. He had endured MS for 11 years, the resulting weakness and compromised breathing along with the disgusting toxic air of SLC contributed to his death.
Joe was born and raised in Shenandoah, PA to Joseph and Sophie Czulada Tulpinski. He obtained a BS in mechanical engineering from the Drexel Institute of Technology and a MS in engineering from Penn State. Joe’s career started with Hercules on the East coast. He was sent out West on a temporary assignment and fell in love with the rivers and mountains. When asked to stay out West he never looked back. Joe retired from Alliant Tech.
Joe backpacked extensively in the Wind Rivers, Yellowstone and Uintahs. He fly-fished in streams and rivers throughout the west. The outdoors was his passion and his religion.
Joe met Linda on a blind date. It was a great love affair and friendship that will last forever.
Joe is survived by his wife Linda and Jasmine, his ever-staring border collie. He is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Diana and Lee Shumate; mother-in-law, Virginia Summers; and brothers-in-law and their spouses, Jim and Marcia, Steve and Maggie.
So many people have helped Joe cope with the MS and brightened his life the past few years. His participation in the MS Wellness and Rehab project at the University of Utah and his many friends there, made his life so much better. Thanks also to the people of Harriman State Park that made a river trail accessible for him and others with limited mobility. I would like to extend my gratitude to all the friends that have affected Joe’s life including his aides Claudia and Maria; and a very special thanks to Steve and LD for enabling Joe to live with grace, dignity and humor.
A wake will be held to celebrate Joe’s life on Feb. 7, 2013 from 6-8 P.M. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South, 900 East. His ashes will be returned to the earth along side the rivers he loved.
Parking will be provided for people requiring assistance.
An additional memorial service will be held in Island Park this summer.
In lieu of flowers and in Joe’s memory please make donations to either: The MS Wellness and Rehab. Program, 520 Wakara Way, SLC, UT 84107 or Friends of Harriman State Park, PO Box 125, Island Park, ID 83429 or a charity of your choice.