Torrance, George

George Torrance, beloved Father of Dean, Jill, and Tim passed away in Calgary, September 7^th at the age of 87 years, with his family at his side. Special thanks to the staff on Unit 46 of the Foothills Medical Center for their very compassionate care before his passing.

George was born on the family farmstead near Griswold on January 4^th, 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 neighbours and there were many neighborly gatherings and drop-in coffee visits.

During the time George resided on the farm, he was always an active neighbour, 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 Lucy, and niece Evamarie, sister Joan Goodwill and brother-in-law John.

George leaves to mourn 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.

Funeral service was held at the Griswold United Church on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Private interment in the Griswold Cemetery. In memory of George, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.