DONALD RODERICK TORBERT

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DONALD RODERICK TORBERT Suddenly, on Friday, August 18, 2006 surrounded by his family, Dad passed away. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory, his loving wife of 56 years Norma; his children, Deborah and Ken Mate and Lorne and Cheryl Torbert. Dad's precious grandchildren who he was so proud of, Kendra and Paul Mate and Barry Torbert. Dad's brother Irwin (Josephine) Gibson and sister Jean (Matt) Casbarro. Dad is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Thelma Lomenda, Margaret Josephson, Norman (Josie) Isfjord, Elert Isfjord (Darlene), Marvin Isfjord (Maria); Herman (Verda) Isfjord, Pat (Jim) Gottfried and Bob Prise. Dad will be fondly remembered and missed by his many nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his loving parents, Bertha and Lawrence Torbert, his infant sister Rachel; siblings, Earl, Mary and Velma. Also by his in-laws, Norman and Katie Isfjord, sister-in-law, Jean Isfjord, Daisey Isfjord and Katherine Guttormson-Prise; brothers-in-law Art Lomenda, Jimmy Guttormson and Walter Josephson. Dad was born on August 23, 1929 in Columbus, Ohio. He met the love of his life, Norma Isfjord, while stationed in Gimli with the American Air Force. Dad and Mum were married on November 18, 1949 and together they raised their children, Deborah and Lorne in the United States for 27 years. In 1973, Dad retired from the F.A.A., purchased land and built his home in Camp Morton, bringing Mum back home to the Isfjord family in Gimli. They enjoyed many friends and family the last 33 years in Camp Morton. Dad was a very kind, generous, helpful, loving, humorous (sometimes embarrassing) and compassionate man who never judged others and held his family and friends in high esteem. Dad never forgot his brother and sister in Southern Ohio and visited them yearly. Dad had a flying club that allowed young pilots the opportunity to learn to fly. He enjoyed flying the family to Gimli in his Cessna 172 every summer. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the 55+ Club. Everyone will remember his music at many old time dances. He was a very talented wood carver, carpenter and Jack of all trades . Dad was devoted and very proud of Mum and her art accomplishments. He loved Canada and took part in everything the North had to offer, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and going on excursions with the Guys . He was a friend to all and touched many lives. Viewing has been held at the Gimli Lutheran Church on Monday, August 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the Gimli Lutheran Church on Wednesday, August 23 at 2:00 p.m. Honorary pallbearers will be his brother Irwin, son Lorne, son-in-law Ken and grandsons, Paul and Barry. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the E.M.T. staff and the Gimli R.C.M.P. for all their support. Above all, thank you Dr. R. C. Patel, our family physician and friend for your endless care and healing of Dad all these years. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Donald's memory to the Gimli Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1344 Gimli, MB R0C 1B0. Dear, thank you for always treating me like a queen. I'll save the last dance for you. Miss you and love you forever . Until we meet again! Love, Norma. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2006