Edward Rayfield Torgeson Jr.

Edward Torgeson, 86, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2016. He was born in Seattle on October 3, 1929 to Edward and Dagny Torgeson. He grew up in Interbay and Ballard areas with his sisters Betty and Dorothy. At every opportunity, Ed would fish with his father in the Puget Sound which started his love of boating.

Ed graduated from Ballard High School and attended vocational school studying mechanical and architectural drawing. He served as a member of the U.S. Naval Construction Forces (Seabees) stationed in the Philippines. Ed received an Associates Degree in Engineering while working evenings at the Department of Highways. His began his career with the Washington State Department of Transportation while attending the University of Washington receiving a civil engineering license. His first jobs were designing the Ship Canal Bridge, I-5 freeway and Mercer Street Tunnel.

Friends introduced him to Janice Bickel on a blind date in 1957. They married in 1960 and moved to Shoreline, WA where they had two daughters, Lori and Marci. The family moved to Olympia in 1968 when Ed requested a transfer to enjoy a quieter and slower pace. The family made many great memories boating together in the Puget Sound.

Ed retired from the DOT in 1986. As an avid golfer, he supported his habit by working at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course for free rounds of golf and privileges at courses wherever he traveled. He watered the grounds in the morning and night with his dog Shadow running alongside. Ed ended his working career with FEMA covering disasters and floods in several states.

Ed and Janice spent many enjoyable years traveling the world while cruising, touring the US in their RV and spending warm winters in the desert.

A memorial service will be held September 23, 2016 at 1:00 PM at Mills and Mills Memorial Park, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater, WA 98512. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association. Please read more about Ed or share memories at MillsandMillsFunerals.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.