Steven Linn Torrance

Steven Linn Torrance, loving husband, father, Bubby and friend, died peacefully at home on March 15, 2022, at the age of 77 from dementia. He was an energetic tour de force whose mischievous wit captivated everyone he met.

Steve was born July 9, 1944 in Pasadena, California and grew up in Winfield, Kansas. Steve earned a college scholarship to co-op through Boeing Aircraft and attended Texas A&M and Tulane University with a degree in mechanical engineering. After graduating, he served in the United States Army as a Captain. He graduated from the US Army Ranger School and served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and training Vietnamese Rangers to perform Special Forces operations. Subsequently, Steve returned to the US and worked for General Westmoreland and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Steve was very proud of his service to our country and loved to tell stories about his experiences. These experiences were the framework for his adult life, gaining organization, communication and leadership skills that he used daily. He taught us to always have a backup plan and encouraged us to have the ability to handle pressure.

After returning to Civilian life, Steve eventually ended up in Dallas where he held several management positions for commercial construction and land development companies.

Steve loved auto racing and restoring vintage cars. He was a Cofounder of Corinthian Vintage Auto Racing Club and spent countless hours organizing and participating in races. Steve participated in several Grand Prixes, including those in Dallas, Addison and Palm Springs.

In the mid 1990s, Steve found another passion, the game of golf. He loved meeting other golfers and would play as often as time permitted. He met several friends who became his golf buddies, both on and off the course. He was especially known as the best dressed golfer on the course. Steve loved traveling with friends and family and loved playing golf in Destin, Palm Springs, Scotland, Ireland and Maui.

In 1981, Steve met the love of his life, Gretchen, and they married in 1983. In 1985, they were blessed with their only child, Linnsey. The Torrance family loved traveling to the beach almost every year where Steve played golf and Gretchen and Linnsey spent time on the beach. The family had fabulous adventures over the years creating many cherished memories..

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Gretchen Torrance of Dallas, his only daughter Linnsey Torrance and granddaughter Emerson of Richardson, his sister Nancy Torrance (Dave Maloney) of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law and their families.

Steve’s family thanks the many friends who loved and supported them throughout his life, and especially during the last few months of his life.

Steve’s life will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 11:00AM at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at Gleneagles Country Club, 5401 Park Boulevard, Plano, Texas. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.standrewumc.org/memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts honoring Steve be made to St. Andrew United Methodist Church, PO Box 260917, Plano, TX 75026. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.TedDickeyWestFuneral.com.