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BORN
1928
DIED
2017
Torrance Parker Obituary
Torrance Parker's fascination with the world under the sea began while he was a youngster growing up in landlocked Oklahoma, of all places.
It was a dream he parlayed into a lifelong career in commercial diving and, later, a personal mission as an ambassador for the vocation's storied history, writing two books on the topic.
Services are planned at 10 a.m. May 6 at historic St. Peter's Church in Green Hills Memorial Park.
Memories and Condolences
for Torrance Parker
4 Entries
Jay Whiteaker
April 29, 2017
I came across this wonderful article about Torrance Parker, but I did not know him. I don't believe I knew anyone that knew him; however, I am a scuba instructor that has a profound appreciation and respect for the pioneers of the commercial diving and recreational diving industry.
Their ability to think beyond the conventional ideas of that time and push the boundaries of what was possible, has allowed me to do what I do in the diving industry today. I get to share with so many others, the same inspirations, wonders and experiences of the underwater like Torrance had.
This industry has enriched my life in so many ways, words cannot describe. Therefore, I feel Torrance Parker has enriched my life in some way! Perhaps indirectly, but he contributed to the impact none the less. As well as I know he made a positive impact to the lives of his family, friends, colleagues and I'm sure anyone he came in contact with. It would have been an honor to meet him.
He was a legend! Thank you for allowing me to share these words to commemorate his life and achievements. I offer my deepest condolences for the Parker family.
CW3 (Ret) Charles Gardner
April 28, 2017
My condolences to the Parker Family. Torrance was an US Army Salvage Diver in his early days and the US Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis was trying to get his military records for Army history. So sorry he's gone.
April 25, 2017
Our deepest condolences. Torrance was our neighbor a few years back and was such a gentleman. He was so kind to our young son Henry. He would show him his diving equipment and he gave us some amazing dive movies on DVD. Every morning he would go out and put up his American flag. We respected that about him. I remember one early morning he introduced me to a group of his friends. They were in their 80s and 90s and were taking off for a dive trip fro the weeeknd up in Santa Barbara. One other memory is that he would go fly fishing with his grandson and would talk about how special those trips were for him. He loved his wife, daughters and family very much.
It was truly an honor to know him and we think of him often. One of the most interesting people we have ever met. A great man indeed. Kindly, Chris and Spring Tunney.
Christopher Lee
April 25, 2017
My condolences to the Parker family.
My father, William B 'Pete' Lee was a good friend of Torrance through the years and even penned the forward to Torrance's book '20,000 Jobs Under the Sea'.
While Torrance's passing is very sad, it was his zest for adventure that will endure forever.
May he rest in peace.
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