I feel lucky to have met Don and to have shared good laughs and stories with him. Rose, Tom and Tony you are in my thoughts in this difficult time.

We send our heartfelt prayers to your family. Don was a high school classmate and feel blessed to have known him--he always had a happy smile for everyone!
Shirley (Chapman) & Jim Armour

Rose, we will miss seeing don up in the U.P. with Larry. Your in our thoughts.

Don's u.p friends had a nice little memorial for him today , he touched so many people's life's . That smile will be missed.

Rose you and your boys are in our thoughts and prayers.  Don was a wonderful person and we loved him so much.  Enjoyed every minute we have shared with you and him.  We'll all miss his happy smile and wonderful personality. He was just such a good, good person.   God Bless you and your family.  Ralph & Sally Davison

Firtst., we are so very sorry for your loss.
We met Don on a camping trip my husband and I took to Paradise Michigan.  He and Larry (our friend Janets father) had dinner together and Don invited us to see the beautiful fall colors on a boat ride down the river.  We had a wonderful time with Don.  He had just met us - and still extended his time and kindness to us.  We were so happy that Don and Larry were such good buddies - and it showed.
Blessings to all that cared for Don.
David and Virginia Cluley

Rosemary, I just today was told of your loss.  My heart goes out to you and the boys.  May God give you peace and ease your heart.  I am so very sorry for your loss.

I was so sorry to hear about Don's accident. Will be praying for your family. He was a high school class mate of mine.

Don was one of the warmest people I've ever known.  I ran into him by chance 25 or so years ago, when he was working at MSU, and it was hugs all around.  So many people will miss his smiles and kindness, not least his high school classmates from Mason's Class of 1960.
  Ruth Schmitter (Albion, MI)

We're so sorry Rose, the world was a better place with Don in it.  If all of us close to him, take just a little bit of his smile with us, we can continue making the world a better place.  We will all miss Don immensely - he was always there to lend a helping hand, share a smile, and give support.  Whatever we can do to help you going forward, please call on us.

Sandy and Jeff

Rose, Don was just one of the nicest guys ever. Though I hadn't seen him in years, I will always remember him fondly. My thoughts are with you.

Margaret Birney

We were saddened by the news of the passing of Don.    We have had Rose and the family in our prayers.   Only God can heal the sadness of such an event.   Look to God Almighty and He will give the strength to go on.
In Loving care.
Deanna (Raney) Walker

"Aunt Rose,"  Not sure if you remember my daughter (Julie) and I. I work with Michelle at FBI.  We've met you a few times at birhtday parties for Michelle's kids at Pete and Janice's.  Please know how very sorry I was to hear of "Uncle Don's" passing.  You will alway be in our thoughts at prayers, he was a VERY NICE man and a pleasure to meet.  Thinking of you always.  Gail and Julie Shea

Dear Rose and family,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Don from this world.  I was unable to attend the memorial service for Don but he was in my thoughts.
I too am a retired electrician with the IBEW #665 and I worked with Don.  He was one of the persons I looked up to as a growing electrician.  Along with the Fox's, Damon's, Criddle's, Gibley's, and Hayes, he was a role model for me and I wanted to embrace his teaching to advance my career.  Although my career was cut short by a disability I would have been a great leader like Don if I could have continued with the electrical field.
May he continue to light up our world from beyond.
Stanley and Marian Narodowiec

Don, I only met you on two occasions and I wish I had been able to know you better. What I do know of you is mostly through your two sons - and I can say without hesitation that they are truly excellent people and I'm fortunate to count them as good friends. You'll be missed, but your spirit will carry on through Tom, Tony and your wonderful wife, Rose. 
In my thoughts,

Rose and Family you are in our thoughts and prayers.  Don & I grew up in the same neighborhood and rode the school bus.  Don always had a great laugh and it was a joy to hear.
Leanne Meyer-Class of 1960

Rose, Tom, Tony and Family,
I am soooo very sorry to hear of Don's passing. Don was a very upbeat person and had a great personality. Your family will be in our prayers.

-Karen and Alaina Saldivar

Rose,Tony and Tom
 We are so saddened by your loss. I remember your sons, Phils sons and BJ all racing and us parents so proud. I'll miss that smile and the great spirit Don always had.
                    Bobby and Barbara Everett

This is where that beautiful smile came from. Your dad will live on in the hearts of all those who love him!  Sorry Tom and family.

Rose,Tom,and Tony,you are in our thoughts and prayers.
As you can see in all the entries in this book, Don leaves us  with many great memories. He was a fine man and will be missed by us all. 
Stan and Judy Siefker

Rose, 
I am so very sorry for the loss of Don.  You both have a special place in my heart and I am so sad.  Don had a way of making each person feel special.  I will miss his laugh, postive outlook and the feeling of peace I always felt being around him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

We are so sorry for your loss.  We are UP friends of Don from Paradise.  Always looked forward to his visits.  Like everyone says he had an infectious smile and was always so happy.  My husband and him would fish on the river.  Don brightened up this town with each visit.  He always talked about his family, we felt like we knew you Rose, Tom and Tony.  Just wanted to let you know that his attitude toward life will be carried in our hearts.  I will think of him every time I get on my bike, or fish on the river. Words seem so small right now.  We will keep you all close in our hearts and prayers.

Rose, Tom & Tony,  So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & the family. Don was a good guy. He will be missed by many. Cherish all the memories. We continue to pray for you & the family to get you thru this difficult time.

Rose, Tom, and Tony,

I am so deeply sorry for your loss.  The neighborhood will not be the same without Don.  He is the first person I remember meeting when we moved in all those many years ago, and as a scared and shy 4 year old, I was so relieved that I was going to have such a nice neighbor!  He was such a good friend to my dad over the years, always helpful and willing to lend a hand to those in need.  I will miss his smile and laughter, and how much he enjoyed seeing my daughters.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Torrance Family ~ You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ The Bevans Family

Dear Rose, Tom, Tony and family,

We are shocked and so saddened to hear of your tragic loss.  I remember happily seeing your smiling faces at the Airport Tavern as well as events at Candi & Bill's and I appreciated the support during challenging times.

We do hope your memories of love and happiness will give you strength to endure this time of sadness and change.  Please know our thoughts are with you.

Sincerely,

Kim and Kevin Rathbun, Skandia, MI

Rose I am so sorry to hear about Don. You and your family are in my prayers. My God strengthen you in your time of need.

To the Torrance family, I am so deeply saddened for your loss. I know how important family was and Don will be greatly missed.

Rose, We are so very saddened to hear of Don's untimely death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

Tom,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We are thinking of you and your family.

Rose, Tom and Tony:  We were so sad to hear of Don's passing.  Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  Don truly was one of the good guys. He loved to laugh and truly enjoyed life.  May God be with you all in this time of sorrow.  LOVE Carol and Tracy Davis

Rose, Tom Tony, I am sorry for your loss. Don,  was a great person and will be missed.

Rose and family,
We only knew Don for a short time, but his smile and laughter was contagious.  We enjoyd the golf and lunch very much and got to know him a little more.  His frequent stops at the coffee shop were always funny.  Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers. 
Joan and John Newberry

Tom,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. I will be praying for you and your family.

Rose I've always thought the world of you two. No matter where we ran into each other you always made a point of sharing your time with me. I will never forget Don's story on riding & competing in the Iceman with his sons. A 27mile off road mountain bike race. Wow, he sure impressed me. 

Our prayers are with you and your sons..

Rose, I was so saddened to hear about Don's death.  He and Jim were both electricians back in the day.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  
Mary Jane Miller

Heartsick to learn of "Uncle" Don's passing, but know from the many messages he was loved by many who knew him. May the comfort of those around you now keep you and bless you throughout the days ahead until you meet again.

Rose, Tom & Tony,

I am sending my deepest sympathy, and payers for the strength to hold on, to your family who has suffered a devastating tragedy. My heart breaks for your loss.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Always and Forever.
I am so sorry for your loss and for the pain you must be feeling. 
I will never forget Don's enthusiasm and encouragement to me for going back to college and for all of his support to me and my kids. I am forever grateful. 
Rose, when I drive by the house and wave to you, Don will always be at your side waving back. 
He will be missed so much.

Dearest Rose, Tom, and Tony - I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.  You don't realize how precious life is until you lose a beautiful person like Don.  I'm so sorry.  Love, Marcia Wagner

Don is my Hero! As a green supervisor at GM, I knew zero, about electricity. Don was my support from LEM. He took me under his wing, Told me that I could do this job, it's small potatoes. He was my knight in shining armor. HE, made me shine! What a guy, dad, friend. all good thing's I can't say enough. My buddy!

Rose, Tom and Tony - I'm very sorry to hear about Uncle Don.  You are all in my thoughts and prays.  He will truly be missed as he was a very kind and loving individual.

Our family will miss Don's cheerfulness and smile.  He was such a wonderful man and so very willing to lend a helping hand! Our neighborhood won't be the same.   Our deepest condolence to you all...

i last saw don at our sandhill reunion, lots of hugs and smiles. we were neighbors thru our childhood, living a few doors apart, so sorry to hear the news
, but my prayers are with all of you, sending blessings,hugs, and lots of love.  a former school mate....vi willits..byington..bellevue, mi.

Rose, Don's endearing smile was a blessing to all. His heart was as big as the outdoors he loved so much, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to a neighbor. You, the boys, and family are in our hearts and prayers. Please know our door is always open to you. Love, Roger & Maggie

Rose, Tony and Tom our thoughts and prayers are with you. Don was an all around great guy and a greater friend. He was always there when you needed him.
We were so happy to share Saturday evening with you, We had a great time and will never forget it. We're here for you.

Rose, Tom and Tony:  We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  Don was one of those people who never met a stranger and was always so upbeat.  We know your lives have been enriched by him and hope you will find peace in your hearts in the days to come.

My thoughts and prayers to Rose & “the boys”.   (DT) always referred to Tom & Tony as “the boys”.  Whenever our paths would cross he was always providing an update on their latest adventure.  His bright smile would become even brighter when speaking of his family.   It was a pleasure knowing & working with Don.   As a young punk college kid delivering material to a bunch of grumpy electricians, DT would always pull me aside, and with his infectious smile say “don't worry about them, they don't know how good they really got it”.  

You will be missed my friend, but NEVER, NEVER forgotten.

As a supervisor at GM, Don was my HERO! I knew nothing about electricity. Don took me under his wing, He made me shine.

We didn't have the pleasure of knowing your father personally, but he sounds like a caring,loving guy--very much like his sons.  Our sincere sympathies to your family.

Tom & Tony - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.  My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

I will miss Don tremendously.  He was a fixture in so many areas of my life since the time I was born.  When I think back about all of the life experiences I had with Don, I realize what an influence he had on me as a child...and now as an adult.  Not only was he my neighbor throughout my life, but was also my hunting buddy, fishing buddy, co-worker, and overall great friend. I have great memories of ski trips, fishing trips, and weekends at the Judges cottage on Blue Lake. 

Don's tremendous work ethic on the job and overall friendly demeanor seemed to be contagious and made him a great employee for LEM and a great friend.  

We shared a lot of laughs together in the woods, in the neighborhood, and on the job.  I can think of one particular funny story not too many years ago:

Don had stopped by our house with his "Torrance Red" corvette all shined up (surprise!).  I was teasing him about hardly ever driving it.  I went on to let him know that even when he did drive it, he didn't drive it hard enough.  So...I told him...when he left my driveway, I wanted to see a smoke show going back up the street all the way to his house.  Of course, (not wanting to back down from a challenge)upon leaving, Don got down to the end of the driveway and pointed his Vette towards his house.  He proceeded to hammer the throttle down and put on a pretty impressive smoke show with one small exception.  By the time he crested the hill by my Dad and Nancy's house, he had that car completely sideways and every which way but loose!  I stood at the top of my driveway watching him swerve all over the road..narrowly missing my dad's mailbox, and putting rubber down all over the road.  Fortunately he got it under control and headed back down to his house.  Of course...I couldn't resist getting in my truck and quickly going down to greet him at his house.  I wanted to badger him, and help him clean out his shorts.  We laughed hysterically about that for a long time...... 

Don and Rose and their home represent a fixture in the neighborhood I remember as a child.  I enjoy telling my 3 boys of all the memories I have from around the neighborhood when I was a child, and many of them include Don....playing basketball in Don and Rose's driveway, flying RC planes, racing RC cars, riding quads and dirt bikes in his backyard.  And, it was well known among the neighborhood kids, who had all the good candy in their house!

Don was man that loved his family dearly, and was very proud of them....rightfully so.  He and Rose have raised two very successful boys in Tom and Tony which is a testament to the values and beliefs that they instilled in them growing up.  

I will miss my friend!

We cant express our sorrow don was such a amazing man always a smile and a kind word he will be missed by many the u.p will not be the sam without don i will miss you and you will never be forgotton.

I will always remember how Don's smile lit up a room. He was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed.

Rose, Tom and Tony. I am so very sorry for your loss and prayng for all of you. I will remember Don as he was so full of life, always had a smile on his face, had such a big heart and so willing to go the extra mile for all. He will be missed by many.

Our hearts are heavy...  Your beloved Don ALWAYS asked "how is your family?"  He truly was one of the nicest persons we have ever met.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Dear Rose, Tom, and Tony,

As I read the comments from Don's many friends, neighbors, and family, I realize those are also our words about Don: his warm, mile-wide smile, he was a friend to everyone -- he just beamed when he saw you -- and his love of family and life. I'll never forget the last year Delta Mills was open and no one would step up to chair the last carnival.  We agreed to team-up and co-chair it.  A big job made easy and fun working with both of you and successful. Our community has truly suffered a tremendous loss and our hearts ache for all of you and all of us who were priviledged to know him.  We are praying for you at this very difficult time.

I will miss his big hugs and great smile. He always brought a smile to my face, even when I really didn't feel like smiling. He will be truly missed.

Rose, Tom and Tony know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.  The sudden passing of a loved one is very difficult but I know that you have a loving and supportive family to help you through this difficult time.

I will miss seeing his smiling face and friendly wave as I pass your home on my way into town or to church.

Just know that he is resting in Jesus' loving arms now and someday you will see him again.  Love to all of you.

Rosemary & Family, I am so sorry for your loss.  It seems like yesterday when you to were married.  Don was such a wonderful man and his infectious smile and laugh will be missed.  May the many wonderful memories you have help you through and bring you some comfort.

Rose, Tom, and Tony you are all in my thoughts. I have so many wonderful memories of Don, such a generous and happy man who never met a stranger. My heart breaks for you all. May you find peace in such an emotional time.

Rose, our thoughts and prayer are with you and your family. We always enjoyed talking with Don at the Sexton dinners and his always friendly smile.

I will never forget Don's positive demeanor. He was always smiling and happy to see you. He was non-judging and accepted all.  I've always tried to pride myself to be more like him.  I have many fond childhood memories of him and all our old neighbors gathering for bon fires and parties. Truely a class act man. He will be dearly missed.

Rose, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. It was just two weeks ago we saw you and Don at Firekeepers, and he told me to not win all the money, save some for him. I can still see that smile on his face. Our prayers to you and your family at this very difficult time.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.  You each have meant so much to our older son, Jason along with his wife, Kathy, most especially Don over the years.  Although we've only met a few times at races, Jim and I will always remember Don's smile, attitude and genuine concern for his family and Jason!  Rikki and Jim Lummis, Pinckney, MI

Rose , Tom and Tony I have never met you but have known Don for two years . I met him when I first started working at silvercreek. We had many of conversation he loved you and his boys so much.I looked up to him like a father he always had good advice and actually cared about me and my boys . I am so blessed to have had the pleasure of being his friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Rose, Tom,& Tony We are thinking of you in this difficult time.  Don was always so positive and upbeat,it was a joy to be around him. He will be missed by many . God bless you ,and your family.    Carl & Mickey Taylor

Rose, We always enjoy seeing you and Don at Chuck and Irene's.  Don was such a nice guy; always smiling and friendly.  He will be missed by so many.   You have a wonderful support family to help you through this very difficult time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sharon and Harold Stewart

Words cannot express my deepest thoughts of sympathy for you all.  Whenever I think of your Don I smile!  That's my memories of him.  Always smiling, always interested, always so warm and welcoming even if it had been awhile!!  My thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.  Please find peace in this very difficult time!  Thanks for sharing such a wonderful man with all of us.

We are thinking of all of you and send our prayers for peace and comfort to all.  Don's sweet smile and kindness touched so many lives. We are blessed to be one of those.

Jamie Boyd Hamilton & Don Hamilton

The memories are so numerous that it's difficult to pick one that says it all.  Don (Mr. T) was like a second father to me and certainly a great friend as I grew up.  

One particular time stands out in my mind, as I visited with my Dad to help Don put a garage door opener up in his garage.  About noon we all were getting hungry and I took everyone's order to run to Wendy's.  Don came out, with his big smile on his face, and threw me the keys to his new Corvette and says "here, take this to pick up the food".  Of course I didn't object.  A half hour, or two hours, later I returned with the food.  Don was concerned that I'd been gone for so long but never lost that smile, and with a big grin asked what happened.    I said, "I took the long way to Wendy's and the Wendy's furthest from your house that I could think of".  Don laughed and smacked me on the back saying "I bet you did!"  

Many times I can recall people that had off moments, bad days or were just down.  I can't think of one day that Don was ever down.  He was the most upbeat, happiest man I've ever met and he'll be missed greatly.

I remember his smile and willingness to work for what he wanted all through high school. After graduation he was one of those I looked forward to seeing at class events; his smile warmed the room. I am fortunate to have had Don as a friend. 
-- Bill (Class of '60)

Rose, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike and I had a wonderful conversation with Don a few weeks ago at which time he not only expressed his love for life, but consistently mentioned you as the most important person in his life for so many reasons. 

Don will be remembered by Mike and I for so many reasons; lengthy discussions about his Corvette, his fishing trips and most of all, his family.  He always encouraged us to do what is best for us as a couple; expressing the importance of the one you love. At which time he would always give us an example of something the two of you had just done together or had planned to do together.

We pray that the memories you have will help you through this difficult time.  You and your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers for the days, months and years to come.

God bless you and yours...

Lord our God, You are always faithful and quick to show mercy. Don was suddenly taken from us. Come swiftly to his aid, have mercy on him, and comfort his family and friends by the power and protection of the cross. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

OBITUARY

Donald L. Torrance

May 30, 1941 – October 21, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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