OBITUARY

Daniel Haig Der Torosian

July 15, 1964 – March 31, 2021
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Daniel Haig Der Torosian

Dan Der Torosian went by many names... Danny, Torosian, Torosian Explosion (take your minds out of the gutter), Pizan, Pimpin’ D, Dan Dan the Produce Man, Schmoopy, Dad, and many more. Dan was born in Bakersfield and raised in Madera where he found his first love, farming. Those closest to him may have witnessed Dan cursing at his tractors a handful of times, but more often they witnessed the meticulous and careful hand he used to prune the vines he’d grown up with. In high school, Dan met his second love, wrestling (or as Maderans call it, “wrastlin”). It was through this sport that Dan met so many friends that he kept in touch with through life. In college, Dan studied Ag Business and after college he met his third love, Ivonne. Though Ivonne was not the woman Dan had initially eyed at the Denim and Diamonds bar in Southern California, the Keeper of the Stars had a hand in bringing the two together. Unexpectedly, the country boy danced into the city girl’s heart.

Dan was the kind of person that could instantly make friends with strangers. The furrow of his brow told you that he was interested in your story, where you were from, how you were doing, and commonalities. Best of all, he remembered. Today, he has friends at Costco, the gas station, his daughter’s high school, Australia, Chile, and Puerto Rico, Mexico and across the United States. People knew him as kind. A homeless man outside of McDonald’s would receive a meal, a mother stranded on the side of the road would have his company and a few good stories. When a dear friend’s grape vines needed pruning, he pruned. When his daughter's band equipment needed moving, he moved. Dan felt God in the outdoors. He hunted, fished, hiked, and biked (though he often fell off). He walked on trail and treadmill and vineyard row. Fitbit challenges fed his competitive spirit. Dan skied slopes gracefully, one time skiing off Face accidentally. For some this would be scary, but Dan just kept going. Even years after he never lost his flow. Dan was an excellent teacher who enjoyed sharing his beloved hobbies with those around him. He shared all he knew about wrestling with his students. He shared his farming and hunting knowledge with his daughter. He shared his dance and ski skills with his wife.

Everyone who knew Dan, knew that he was a family man. He cherished camping trips with his uncles and cousins and made sure to share those moments with his friends. His daughters knew him as their biggest cheerleader and any opportunity he had to brag about them, he did. His nieces and nephew knew they could count on him to be at every baseball game, softball game, and big life event. He was a protective brother, had an ear when you needed to vent, and a shoulder when you needed to cry. To his parents, Dan was the best son. Even after long days working on the ranch, he took the time to visit with his mom and dad. Their visits always ended with a kiss on his mom’s forehead. He was his dad’s best friend. They made time for fishing and hunting trips together.

Whether you called him Dan, Danny, Dad, or any other name, his honest and loving nature always remained true. Dan Der Torosian is dearly loved and will be incredibly missed.

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Daniel Haig Der Torosian

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Tressa Overstreet

April 18, 2021

Diana was my first friend when I moved to Madera in the 9th grade. The Torosian family was a gift from God. As soon as you walked through the front door, Sylvia wanted to feed you. Diana and Danny were a package friendship. In college, Wednesday night all you can eat pizza at Mt Mike’s. Danny and his dad were sooo patient in teaching me to ski in college. Sylvia always waiting in the lodge with food and laughter. Danny was always always always incredibly kind, funny and genuine. What a legacy he leaves for the rest of us. Dance with your sweet momma. Prayers for your wife and daughters. Prayers for your sweet sister and dad.

Kathleen Gorman

April 17, 2021

Ivonne, Aubrey, and Cambria,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Der Torosian. I always felt the love and pride he had in both you girls when he came to parent conference. May you find peace in God's grace today, tomorrow and everyday there after.

Vanessa Biggs

April 16, 2021

“Cousin Dan” as I had come to know Dan while working at Custom was truly one of a kind.

I would frequently update Dan on the adventure/trial of the week with my toddler and he would always remind me : It goes fast and not to miss any of it.
When Dan talked about his girls his eyes would light up and they lit up SO bright EVERY time he talked about them.
We would always laugh about our lackluster office coffee in comparison the fancy Starbucks coffee he had access to :)

Dan’s personality was a bright ray of light and he will be deeply missed.

Marco Antonio Lases

April 16, 2021

There are so many memories which I remember Dan. Too many to write. Just one word to say about him
"Heart"
Dan had that which made him the person he was to my sister Ivonne and my two nieces .

Tyler Boyd

April 16, 2021

My Uncle Dan made a huge impact on my life, always supporting me on what I wanted to do whether it be baseball or karate. He always gave me that extra support that I needed and I can’t thank him enough. Seeing him at my baseball games and getting pizza was the best and I will always cherish those memories I had with him. It felt like I had two dads out there supporting me which was more than I could have ever asked for. When my dad was in the hospital Uncle Dan was out their supporting me at my games. His support during those tough times was the best thing he could have ever given me. I can’t forget to mention all of the times we competed whether it be ping pong or just talking smack about which school was going to be better Madera High or Liberty High. Uncle Dan was definitely one of my role models I always looked up to. Always putting others before himself and treating them with care and kindness. I could not imagine a world without him. I love you Uncle Dan and you will definitely be missed by me and many others. I feel blessed to say he was my uncle.

Shelby Boyd

April 16, 2021

My Uncle always had an incredible work ethic and sense of humor. Words can’t express how grateful I am for all the love and support he gave me over the years from encouraging me in my art to going to my softball games. I looked forward to all our family gathering for the fun stories that were told and how great it was to talk to him about things I was excited about or new innovations that were coming up. Any time a Scorpions song comes on I instantly think about how much he loved them and how “u can’t touch this” is his go to song while playing Ping pong. Every time some funny or unexpected thing happened my Uncle always had the funniest comebacks or the best insights. He was a great listener and so easy to talk to. He had a huge impact on my life and taught me so many lessons. I have so many good memories that I will cherish forever.

One of my favorite memories was of this past summer going out on the pontoon boat with him and my Grandpa and grilling hotdogs. The lake was so beautiful and the water so crystal blue that it felt like we were in a movie. It was so much fun to just sit and talk that it didn’t even matter if we caught any fish.

I love you Uncle Dan and you have no idea how much I will miss you.

John Arvizu

April 15, 2021

John Arvizu

April 15, 2021

Thanks Danny and the Der Torosian family for bringing our families together. I recall those special times with our families meeting at Badger Pass to ski together. You were a cannon ball flying down the slopes and I struggled to keep up. Those were fun times! More than that, there were moments of condolence when the Torosians were there to give emotional support when my parents passed on. I will never forget that, and now it is our time to offer you our love felt condolences. Thank you for letting us be a part of your life.

Sister Francis Christine Alvarez

April 15, 2021

Dear Ivonne,
Please know that you and your daughters are in my prayers at this difficult time. Dan has been remembered by many as a wonderful man. What a blessing to have had him in your lives.
I wish that I could be there with you.
May God give you the strength and peace today and in the coming days ahead. Love, Sister Francis











Sister Emily Demuth, C.S.C.

April 15, 2021

Dear Ivonne and family members of Danny, I just received word this morning of Danny's death, please know that my prayers are with you and with all of your family members I am so very sorry that I cannot see you in person to tell you . I didn't have the privilege of knowing Danny personally however reading his obituary I feel that I know that he must have been a wonderful person . I know that our Lord is with you in a very special way right now and will b continue to be with you and your family. I will continue the prayers hopefully I will be able to be in touch with you later Sister Emily C.S. C.

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

I can hear your heart beat little one.

FROM THE FAMILY

Bowling for fun

FROM THE FAMILY

Running into David Carr just before the big game.

FROM THE FAMILY

Bulldog Pride

FROM THE FAMILY

Proud dad - Cambria has arrived!

FROM THE FAMILY

A lifetime of farming starts before you can even walk

FROM THE FAMILY

Being silly in Manzanillo Mexico

FROM THE FAMILY

Waiting for Celine Dion with Ivonne, Linda and Maury

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