April 15, 1934 - August 29, 2019
Our dear Husband/Dad passed away at age 85 following a fulfilling and rewarding life.
Torry was born in Victoria, B.C. and spent his early adult years working in the forest industry and playing baseball. He met the love of his life, Pat over the phone while they were both working for B.C. Forest Products in Lake Cowichan, Torry in Caycuse and Pat across the lake in Youbou.
They moved to Surrey, B.C. in 1965, and there the family grew to 5 children. During this time Torry attended Simon Fraser University and became an accountant. Both Torry and Pat spent much of their spare time coaching lacrosse. After several years of commuting from Surrey to Vancouver to operate their accounting business, Torry and Pat decided to move to a smaller town and engage in a slower paced lifestyle. They chose Williams Lake as their home and have been here for 46 years.
Torry and Pat opened their accounting business, T.J. Kier Ltd. in Williams Lake in 1973 and during the years have made many long lasting friendships with their clients, some of whom have remained for the entire 46 years. There are a few 2nd and 3rd generations of families who have retained the dedicated services of Torry, Pat, Travis, Deline & staff.
Our Dad loved his town and was an active member of the community. He was a volunteer for many political campaigns, treasurer for MADD, W.L. Minor Lacrosse, Share The Cariboo-Chilcotin Resources Society and Riverside Truckers. He rang the bells for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettles and participated in the annual bike ride to/from Gavin Lake raising thousands of dollars for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Torry was a passionate athlete. He spent countless hours riding his bike either for charity, attending the B.C. Senior Games or just for fun and fitness. He attended spin, pilates and yoga classes. He paddled his kayak for hours at a time on Tyee Lake, always bringing his dog along for the ride. Many of you would have seen Torry on his daily walk to and from work. Whether it was 25 degrees above or 25 degrees below, Torry braved the elements for over 40 years with his faithful companion Kira and other treasured family pets before her.
Dad had a warm, heartfelt and sincere disposition. He had a sense of humour that made you smile no matter what you were going through. How many times were you in a bank or business establishment in town and may not have seen Torry but knew he was there by hearing his cheerful, enthusiastic greeting he had for everyone? Or heard his zealous hello from across the street? Dad was kind, caring and special. He would do anything for anyone and did so often.
Here to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife Pat, his children Debbie & Warren, Deline & Ian, Trevor & Cat, Travis & Jill, Todd & Becky. Dad adored his grandchildren Brent & Aleta, Jason & Laura, Kimberly, Aaron & Michelle, Roman, Sage and Myka. Dad & Mom were thrilled when their great grandchildren finally arrived; Lennox, Daxton, Josephine and Gemma. Dad just missed meeting Gemma as she was born 3 days after his passing. Torry is also survived by his brother Digby, brothers and sister-in laws and many nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his dear grandchildren Ashleigh and Tristan.
We will miss our Torry dearly. We are grateful, honoured and proud that he was our loving Husband and Dad.
In lieu of flowers, if you choose, please donate to a charity of your choice.
At this time we are planning a small family celebration only.