In Memory
George Torrance
George Torrance, beloved
father of Dean, Jill, and Tim, passed away with his family at his side in Calgary,
on Thursday, September 7th, at the age of 87 years.
George was born on the
family farmstead near Griswold on January 4th, 1936 to George Sr. and
Jessie (Durston). He was the youngest of three, John, Joan, and George Jr.
After completing his
education at Hillsdale and Griswold schools, he went to work in the oilfields of
Northwest Territories and Alberta and was very proud of his accident-free
safety record and the work involved in drilling.
He married in 1963 and
soon after bought the family farm. He became father to twins, Dean and Jill in
1966, and in 1969, son, Timothy arrived, completing the family.
George was hardworking
and believed in a good full day of work, raising his children to get up and
embrace the day with a “can do, I’m ready” attitude. He worked and shared with
his neighbors and there were many neighborly gatherings and drop-in coffee
visits.
During the time George
resided on the farm, he was always an active neighbor, friend, volunteer, and
community member participating on many committees and boards from Souris to Oak
Lake, MB, including many years representing the constituents of the Municipality
of Sifton as Councilor and Reeve. His demeanor made him a successful and
respected representative locally, regionally and provincially. George’s good
nature and skill as an orator enabled him to be articulate, diplomatic and very
down to earth, while treating everyone with respect.
George was a kind and patient
man with a good sense of humour. This served him well driving the school bus
for many years. Relating stories of the children’s antics filled him with
chuckles. Many have shared that he was their “favourite” bus driver.
He farmed full-time
until the late 1980s, then rented the land out until 2005, when he sold it to
move to Airdrie, following his children west. George took on part-time
employment until he was 80 years of age, his work ethic and social-ability motivated
him to keep active. He also took up golf and did some travelling, always
sharing that he preferred Western Canada to any other destination he had been
to.
Over the years, George
always enjoyed baseball and followed the Blue Jays until his death. He loved
playing cards, bowling, and golf, participating in different leagues and
meeting others.
He had a penchant for
teasing and telling silly jokes with a twinkle in his eye.
George was predeceased
by his parents, George Sr. and Jessie; brother John, sister-in-law Luc; niece
Evamarie; sister Joan Goodwill; and brother-in-law John.
George will be lovingly
remembered by his children Dean, Tim (Maria) and Jill (Darren); grandchildren
Sharly (Randy) and Slater (Kenz); and great-grandchildren Talan and Lawson,
along with his Goodwill nephews Joe (Lynn), Dennis, Rob (Shawn), Donald (Beth),
Alan, and niece Laurie (Richard) and numerous great nieces and nephews
including Jessie Goodwill.
Special thanks to the
staff on Unit 46 of the Foothills Medical Center for their very compassionate
care before his passing.
A Memorial Service will
be held in Griswold, MB on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 2PM.