Joseph Tulpinsky
March 12, 1945 - January 21, 2013
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.
In Loving Memory
Joe was a good boss, mentor, and friend for many years. I learned a lot from working with him. Here is one celebratory memory of Joe's life: One time several co-workers were joking about people retiring, then coming back to work because they couldn't spend so much time with their spouses. Joe declared quite emphatically to the whole group that he would have no problem whatsoever spending more time with Linda!
Tammy Radice
Salt Lake City, Ut
Joe and I grew up in Shenandoah, Pa. We were in high school together and spent quite a bit of time together,doing things that kids do in the late 50's and early 60's. I haven't seen Joe in 40 years but I will bet he never lost his "coal cracker" accent we all developed in our youth. Joe always loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing the hills and streams of Pa. so it is no surprise that it carried thruout his life. RIP my friend, I will treasure the memories.
Bill Walukonis
Newark, dE
Joe and I went to twelve years of school together. In fact, I have a picture six kids together at at a birthday party. We may have been six or seven because we all were wearing birthday hats. It's a sweet picture. Joe was a sweet and kind friend. I enjoyed his humor. I am sorry that I never saw him after graduation. School-age pals always have a special place in your heart. A lovely obituary, may he rest peacefully.
Flo Rabada Rice
Madison, NJ
Linda, I worked closely with Joe at Hercules/ATK for several years in the mid-to late 90's. I truly enjoyed his candid and straight forward approach to life and business. He taught me alot about treating people fairly and being treated fairly. He really went out of his way to look out for his team which is a truly great trait of leadership. I know that he dearly loved fishing and hiking. I remember asking him if he ever washed his Toyota truck. He just looked at me and said it will just get dirty again. Meaning... pay attention to the things that really count and don't sweat the small stuff. My thoughts go out to your entire family.
Jon Evans
Ft. Collins, cO
Linda, I have fond memories of skiing with Joe at Snowbird back in the early 1980's. When the crowds got bigger and the snowboarders came to the Bird, Joe had no use for any of it. I know he had a great sincere love for the outdoors. I feel bad for losing contact with you guys for so long. I had no idea Joe was suffering from MS. I have great respect for Joe with all his knowledge he gained in his life. A great engineer and outdoorsmen. He will be missed by all the people that were fortunate enough to know him. I hope the fish are biting, and the sun is shining down on Joe on the other side. Peace be with you.
Chris Bedford
Cottonwood Heights, UT
Linda: I recognize the struggles that you and Joe have endured with such grace over the past years. I know that he is free from the body that no longer allowed him to participant in the activities that he loved. Yet, I feel deep sadness at his passing. Being around you and Joe always brought a smile to my face and made me feel a sense of happiness appreciating the loving and respectful relationship that you shared. I send you may condolence and my love.
Amy Henningsen
Providence, Ut
It's much esaeir to understand when you put it that way!
Tomy
BpBatnkbCbNrqSxMbU, Tm
Thank you all!!!!Patty, I am using one strand of DMC and I wrap my therad around the needle once, I count it off a chart just like you would do for regular needlepoint or cross stitch except that I use a knot for every stitch.Casey, I don't mind at all, I tried to choose colors that would match my wallpaper, the Victorians definitely wasn't shy when it came to choosing colors!!!!
Andy
gDWClFPTRBvAYBFS, tz
Thinking of Ed and Cynthia at this difficult time, and extending my deepest sympathy. May fond memories bring comfort to you and your entire family.
Walt Paskey
Idaho Falls, Id
Joe was one of the nicest guys I knew from Shenandoah. He had a great sense of humor and a knack for saying the most with the least amount of words. I was fortunate to have him as a friend. May God bless him an his family.
Joe Machulsky
Harrisburg, PA