Ralph Fredrick Hastings Torney

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Ralph Torney, beloved husband of Cam (Camillia), Dad to Dawn and Michael, and Papa to Raylee and Cody. Ralph was unfortunately predeceased by his beloved son, Michael in 1986.

Ralph was an intelligent, kind, caring man with a warm smile, a great sense of humour and a generous spirit. He was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and moved to Vancouver Island when he was very young. He completed his schooling in Nanaimo, after which he started working in the logging and forest industry all up and down the West Coast.

Ralph was very involved in the forest industry, becoming President of the Truck Loggers Association, as well as the Pacific Logging Congress. He eventually joined Erickson Air Crane and started working with the Sikorski skycrane helicopters, which were used for logging and firefighting around the world. During this time, we were very fortunate to have lived in Singapore before moving to the Erickson Air Crane Headquarters in Medford, Oregon. After a few years, he decided he wanted to start his own business, returning to Canada where he formed RFT Industries, and eventually Canadian Air Crane. He loved his work which took him to all parts of the world. I was so fortunate to be able to share many of those trips and adventures with him.

Ralph worked past retirement age, but then decided the golf course was more fun. He was a proud member of Uplands Golf Course - one of his happy places! He thoroughly enjoyed his regular three-times-a-week games with all his golf buddies. He loved taking their money rather than losing his!! Another happy place was his home. He loved working in his yard (sometimes to the great dismay of our gardener!). He also loved working on any project connected to our home. He always said, if he hadn't been in the forest industry, he would have been an Architect. We completely renovated one home, and built three; he had a big role in the design of them all.

Ralph enjoyed the many trips we took together, whether it was just up island for a little getaway, or off to faraway places. In retirement, his favourite places for travel were Hawaii and Palm Desert. I will miss my travel partner.

We are so grateful to the kind and compassionate nurses on 5 North at RJH, and to all the doctors who cared for Ralph - Dr. Ganz, Dr. Walzak, Dr. McGee, and Dr. Buttar. I would also like to express a big and heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful family, friends and neighbours for the outpouring of support, care, and kindness. It will be forever appreciated.

To My Dearest Ralph: Thank you for giving me such a wonderful life. Together, we had everything. I love you and will miss you forever.

Honouring Ralph's wishes, there will be no service. If desired, donations may be made in his memory to the BC Kidney Foundation, Victoria Hospice, or the charity of your choice.