Tribute

It is with great sadness we say goodbye to our dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend and hero.
Of Norwegian descent, Torger was born and raised in Saskatchewan. He worked on the family farm, repaired railroad tracks for Canadian National Railway in the lean times and graduated from University of Saskatchewan with a degree in agriculture. He drove forklift in the finishing room for the Powell River Company, joined the fire department as a volunteer in 1948 and became captain, deputy and, finally, chief from 1973 until his retirement in January 1983.
Torger and Jean married in 1950 and became snowbirds after retirement. Building his own motorhome, visiting family and friends throughout Canada, Norway and the United States, Torger’s contagious wit was always in tow.
Missing the prairie, farm life and close family friends, it was not a surprise to hear Torger had gone to help with harvest, build a parade float, or give (and receive) comfort on a loved one’s passing.
Honoured with a Pilgrim Degree for his work and dedication to the Moose Fraternity, Torger held multiple positions in both the Moose Lodge and Legion of the Moose and travelled throughout BC as an ambassador. As a member of the Rotary Club, he helped build many floats for the Sea Fair Parade; Popeye and crew remain for all to enjoy.
Torger was on the board of directors for Sunset Homes Society (Olive Devaud residence), involved in the early years of soapbox derby, blood donor clinic, minor hockey, bicycle safety, search and rescue and was an active member of the United Church, just to name a few.
Torger was always willing to lend a hand and orchestrated many work parties for anyone in need. He was an avid hockey fan, never missing a game unless illness or duty called. Go Kings Go!
Torger was predeceased by his father Tom, mother Maria, wife Jean, sister Margith Fishleigh, brother Ken Johnson, brothers-in–law Johnnie Fishleigh, Ken Harris and Fred Gibson, and sister-in-law Albertine Gibson.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Cathy (Bob) McLean, grandson Rick (Mary-Jane) McLean, great-grandchildren Victoria (Keith), Brett (Ashly) and Haaken, grandson Travis (Jenni) McLean from Powell River and great-grandson Aidan (Bailey) from Burns Lake, BC; daughter Lois (Marcel) Brulotte, granddaughter Catherine (Cory) McRae Scanlon, great-grandsons Braeden, Tanner and Marshall; grandson Jordan Brulotte from Nelson and granddaughter Thea (Dan) Brulotte from Victoria; son Stuart (Theresa Forbes) Johnson and grandson Matthew Johnson, of Powell River; granddaughters Lisa Hart from Vancouver and Tara Hart and Kristina Johnson from Victoria; sisters-in-law Annie-Marie Harris from Powell River and Lottie Johnson from Winnipeg; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends worldwide, too numerous to mention.
Many thanks to Dr. DuToit and staff, the wonderful nurses, care aides and activity staff at Willingdon Creek Village for their compassionate care and to his friends who visited.
Our thanks to Pat and Joanne of Stubberfield Funeral Home and City of Powell River and Powell River Fire Rescue for the touching writeup and flying flags at half mast; it was a wonderful tribute.
A special thank you to Ed Spreeuw for accompanying Dad to his last two and a half seasons of “the game.” It was very much appreciated.
A celebration of Torger’s life will be held in late March 2018 on a day to be determined. Please join us then and bring your stories and memories to share.
In lieu of flowers, donations to BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund, Powell River Firefighters Charitable Society, Willingdon Creek Village Activities or Powell River Kings would be greatly appreciated.