Ignacio L. Torres, Jr.

Ignacio "Nacho" Leonides Torres, Jr. was born on All Souls Day on November 2, 1925 and died in his sleep on March 22, 2023 in his home city of San Antonio, Texas. He was 97 years old. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio Leonides Torres, Sr. and Hortense Burks Torres, his brother Edward and infant sister, Violeta Torres.

After graduating from the former San Antonio Vocational and Technical School (Fox Tech High School), he served in the US Army Air Corps, the aerial warfare division of the U.S. Army as a pilot and was a World War II veteran. After serving his country, he attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois for two years before transferring to the University of Oregon in Eugene where he finished his degree in Architecture, proud to be an Oregon Duck.

He met the love of his life at a donut shop, Kathryn Clampitt, while at Bradley University. Three years later, they were married at the historic San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio on June 25, 1951. Ignacio and Kathryn were married seventy-one years.With his life's partner at his side, Ignacio fathered five children and launched his career as a young architect in his beloved hometown, working with prominent firms. As a committee member of San Antonio's Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), headed by Cyrus Wagner, Ignacio played a key role as a committee member, including making meticulous renderings for the renovations of the building facades visible from the river. His vision for the city took shape and as the committee's work developed, he submitted what became the official name of the San Antonio River walkway - the Paseo del Rio, a Spanish translation for "river walk" (Crown Jewel of Texas: Story of the San Antonio River, author Lewis F. Fisher). The renovation efforts culminated in the planning for the San Antonio world's fair - Hemisfair 1968. The downtown Paseo del Rio development became a popular tourist attraction and his contribution became his legacy.

Towards the end of Hemisfair, Ignacio ventured into the restaurant business, inspired by his love of good food. Villa de Pancho was a gourmet supper club located on the Paseo del Rio in a picturesque spot and it featured French cuisine with European chefs, good music and dancing, and a curated wine list. It didn't take long to draw public figures and celebrities like Hubert Humphrey, Dick Clarke, Steve McQueen, Lee Majors, Goldie Hawn, Desi Arnaz, and Bob Lilly.

Years into his architectural career, Ignacio branched out on his own and his reputation grew. He was asked by the City of San Antonio to submit a bid for the development of the Dos Rios Wastewater Treatment Plant, after the city received proposals that exceeded its budget for the much needed project. He devised a bid that significantly saved the city millions. He was awarded the project and successfully constructed the Dos Rios facility that ultimately evolved into a world class Water Recycling Center. People travel from all over the world to visit it.

But Ignacio was so much more to his family than his career achievements. He lived the life of a true Renaissance man. His sharp mind remained curious throughout his life. By his favorite recliner, he had stacks of books from the architecture and history of Spain to gourmet cookbooks and the artistic techniques of exceptional painters. Each book page was earmarked and highlighted beside a collection of spiral notebooks filled with his thoughts. He instilled a fire in his children to try anything and keep challenging the boundaries of what most people would believe are limitations.

He didn’t just read about things that interested him. Throughout his life he was a self-taught artist and created his own masterpieces and explored brushstroke techniques by the masters. As a young man, he taught himself how to play chess and accrued such skill that at his first chess tournament (where he attended as an usher and volunteer), he was invited to play one of the out of town master competitors. To the shock of every witness to the unofficial match, Ignacio beat the man before the tournament even started. That victory left an indelible mark on Ignacio that he never forgot. Nothing was beyond his reach if he studied enough and believed he could achieve it.

Ignacio had many accomplishments but one of his most treasured was personal - the home he built for his family in San Antonio. It took most of his life to build his vision, with his wife Kathryn laying tile and painting alongside him. Originally constructed in 1957, the home was inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and incorporated elements of nature into the design. Over time, fifteen hundred square feet turned into nearly five thousand and featured a home theater for watching movies and Spurs games, a breathtaking view of the city skyline, an open-air shower and an interior courtyard with an aviary and pond with a waterfall he built, complete with miniature ducks, colorful pheasants and large koi fish. He created an oasis of memories for his adult children to always return home to. Ignacio left the world more beautiful than when he first graced it. He is deeply missed.

"We love you more, Dad."

Ignacio is survived by his five children and six grandchildren. First born son Edward Torres, Colonel, USAF, Retired, of College Station, TX ( wife Shari); grandson Daniel Torres of Marina Del Rey, CA (wife Yvonne); Michael Torres of Fayetteville, AR (wife Amanda); daughter Cindy Torres Marolt (widow of John Marolt) of San Antonio; son Ignacio L. Torres III of San Antonio (wife Gracie); granddaughter Valene Torres of Seattle, WA, grandson Ignacio L. Torres, IV of Florida (wife Hazel); daughter Denise Torres Biggers of San Antonio (spouse Brac “Chip”); granddaughter Dana Biggers of Visalia, CA (fiancé Steve Zito); grandson Dawson Biggers of San Antonio; and daughter Debbie Torres Fox of Charlotte, NC (spouse Woody).

In his own words:

https://www.ksat.com/video/news/2019/03/19/local-architect-provided-major-contribution-to-modern-day-river-walk/

In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

Shriners Hospital for Childrenhttps://donate.lovetotherescue.org2900 Rocky Point DriveTampa, FL 33607855-401-4897

VISITATIONFRIDAY, APRIL 28, 20231:15 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE.SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212

MEMORIAL SERVICEFRIDAY, APRIL 28, 20232:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY

MILITARY HONORS GRAVESIDEMONDAY, MAY 1, 20232:00 P.M.SAN FERNANDO II CEMETERY746 CASTROVILLE RDSAN ANTONIO, TX 78237