Gilbert Lee Torr

Kind, jovial, very loving, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Gilbert Lee Torr went home to be with Jesus February 16 at the age of 90. Gil was born in Clinton, IA to Bert & Lulu Torr. He was the 4th of 5 children. While growing up, he lived in various cities. In Webster Groves, MO, Hammon, IN, St Paul, MN, Daly City and Burlington, CA. After marrying Ardis Covault, they lived in San Mateo, Sunnyvale, Carmichael, CA, and finally in Windsor, CO. He attended 4 different high schools, graduating from Central High School in St. Paul (6/1952). He worked for Bettendorf and Safeway grocers before employment with Pacific Bell Telephone. He worked at Pac Bell for 33 years, followed by the State of CA for 11 years, all in tele-communications. Gil served in the US Army from 1957-1959. He attended basic training at Fort Ord in Monterey CA and Fort Gordon, GA before assignment in Stuttgart Germany. While deployed, he visited Germany, England, Holland and Paris, France. (He also visited Neuschwanstein Castle and enjoyed the German beer!) He was discharged from the Army as an E5, equivalent to a corporal. He loved the Lord, his family, cruise vacations, Tahoe, cooking, woodworking projects, and learning everything about cars. A highlight included attending car races in Roseville, CA and Laguna Seca in Monterey. In 2015, Gil fulfilled a “Bucket-List item” when he and his sons attended the 99th Indianapolis 500 race. He was very involved in various activities at church. He was an elder, deacon, and a faithful member of his church. Gil belonged to a small couples’ group, participated in the church “Marinership”, who helped in sponsoring many service projects. He loved to help cook for many church functions. Additionally, he sang in the church choir and a men’s singing group where they traveled to other churches and Assisted Living facilities to share. He was also a member of a men’s prayer group and a couples Bible study which ran for many years. When his sons were younger, he was involved in Indian Guides, even becoming the “Nation’s Chief” during his time of involvement. Gil and Brad had names of Walking Foot and Running Foot, Gil and Scott were Running Bull and Swift Eagle. Many people enjoyed Gil’s cliches, jokes and “Amens!” during church sermons! He loved dancing and singing from times in his childhood well into his adulthood. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Ardis, of 64 years, his sons Bradley (with Gail) and Scott, grandchildren Arika Schlagel (with Tyler), Stephanie Collison (with Brian), Colby, Noah (Cameron) and Rylan Torr, Great grandchildren Tucker, Peyton and Jayce Schlagel and Everlee Collison. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be shared as donations to: Mountain States Children's Home - (healing & restoration services for children in need) 14780 N 107th Longmont, CO 80504 (https://www.msch.org) Downtown Ministries - (helping homeless families) PO Box 542 Rancho Cordova, CA, 95741-0542 https://www.downtownmin.org/ Powerhouse Ministries - (helping prison and homeless families) PO Box 1611 Folsom, CA 95763 https://www.phmfolsom.org/

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Gilbert Lee Torr

September 17, 1934 - February 16, 2025