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Torrance Parker Obituary
On March 27, 2017 Torrance Read Parker left his earthly home to move on to his next adventure. If ever there was a man born with adventure in his heart, Torrance was that man. At 16, he left the Oklahoma plains beginning his first adventure into the seas to become a hardhat diver on a sponge boat out of Tarpon Springs, FL. When he dove into his beloved ocean you could say he never looked back. A boy who became a man while learning his trade also served his country as a diving instructor in the US Army. He then moved to San Pedro, CA where he built one of the most successful commercial diving companies, Parker Diving Service.
After selling Parker Diving Service in 1985, Torrance wrote his first book, "20,000 Jobs Under The Sea", to keep the memories of southern California divers and their great works
alive. With his heart ever full of adventure, Torrance wrote his second book, "20,000 Divers Under The Sea", a history about the sponge trades, the pioneering era of deep diving, revealing the culture of the brave Greek spongers.
Torrance's greatest legacy is "Love of Family". He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Parker Engh, CynDy Parker Parsons, Melissa Ann Parker, and Dulce Parker Harris; grandchildren, Read Parker, Monet Rivera, Will Parker, Colin Lenkeit, Lyle Lenkeit, Jillian Gorges, Thomas Harris, Emily Harris, and Elizabeth Harris; great grandchildren, Addison Parker, Eleanor Parker, Isabella Rivera, Valentina Rivera,
Logan Shellenbaum Presleigh Gorges and Taylor Parker. Torrance is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Tina, and sons, Terry and Timmy.
Services will be held May 6, 2017, 10 a.m. at The Historic St. Peter's Church, Green Hills Memorial Park, San Pedro, CA. Interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donation to the Los Angeles Maritime Museum in remembrance of Torrance Parker, it would be very appreciated. Please sign the guest book dailybreeze.com/obits.
Memories and Condolences
for Torrance Parker
9 Entries
Logan Read Shellenbaum
November 3, 2020
Torrance Read Parker is my great grandfather
Billy Walker
March 19, 2020
I am late getting a message here to salute my ol' friend Torrance. His father, Billy, was my mentor and it's easy to see how I became a "Billy" as my father and Torrance's were close friends from the 1930s.
I heard from Read Parker but have apparently lost my contact information for him. Please ask him to re-contact me. I expect to have some things from Torrance's estate and want the Parker family to have them.
What a fellow Torrance was. Inspiration comes to mind! I know he enjoyed a smooth "Gone West" flight replete with smooth air, warm-soft winds and a bright star to steer by!
Rex Murray
April 17, 2017
Dear CynDy and Matt,
We are so sorry for your loss. Torrance was an inspiration and a joy to be around. Beth and I feel very honored to have met him.
Happy flyer airborne over the PV Peninsula 1985
Don Walsh
April 16, 2017
TRP and his Travelair 4000B at Torrance Airport 1985
Don Walsh
April 16, 2017
Torrance and his Travelair Torrance CA 1985
Don Walsh
April 16, 2017
In 1984, it was our good fortune that my business partner Don Keach and I were 'permitted' to buy Parker Diving Service from Torrance when he decided to 'retire' (a word that was totally foreign to him).
Don and I had worked together for 25 years at that time and we thought a commercial diving company would be a good fit with our existing marine consulting business.
Little did we know that Torrance did not really sell us Parker Diving. He just loaned it to us... And we were glad of that as Torrance kept us from making too many bad mistakes since neither Don or I came from the diving world.
I also shared a common interest in aviation with him. We had some good times puttering around the LA Basin in his 1928 Travelair 4000B biplane. (The PDS 'executive jet'). We even did a flight to Santa Barbara so Torrance could visit one of his old diving buddies.
Torrance flattered me by asking for help in editing his two books on diving history. Actually, he really did not need much help as he mastered word processing and a great writing style very quickly. Both books did very well in the diving community with the first one being reprinted at least once.
Don and I sold Parker Diving Inc. in 1994 when we decided to leave the LA area. Me to Oregon and Don to Florida. We had 10 memorable years with our great crew of divers working in the LA-LB Harbors and on many interesting inland diving project. Always 'on call' was Torrance offering advice and sometimes participation in projects.
Torrance Parker truly loved diving. Doing it as much as possible as well as the history of it. For more than a half century, he was a key part of that history in Southern California.
I shall miss our occasional meals together whenever I got to San Pedro area from my home in Oregon. Good times full of sea stories (some of them true) and fellowship.
Torrance Parker was one of the most unforgettable people I have ever met. I was truly honored by his friendship over the three decades that we were acquainted.
David Bautista
April 13, 2017
Dear Dulce & Family,
I was so sorry to read of your father's passing... too many great memories in his home on the bluff, his bi plane and his total devotion to his family.
I send my heart felt sympathies you and your family.
He was a great man and it's been many years but he truly made an impression me in my life.
Love to you,
David Bautista
BMHS '82
l.g.'bud' weiser
April 9, 2017
Torrance Parker was a friend to many but an enemy to none. A true gentleman in every sense.
The world is a much better place for his being here. He walked softly, left few scars. He helped many, and did numerous good works. Such as operating underwater T V in over 200 feet of sea water for the first time. He also developed and used underwater burning systems - plus much more. Yet he never crowed about his advances and gave full credit to others accomplishments .
He helped me and improved my life in ways too numerous to state here. I will have a difficult time going on without his adult supervision.
Torrance always tried to do the best and fair thing for all concerned (often not to his financial interest)..
He told me before he left that he was going to find us a new and better adventure. We all know that if T>R says it you can take it to the bank. So decompress a while till I meet you there and then Old Buddy -Stay dry
with much love old pal l.g. 'bud' weiser
John Barbieri
April 8, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Parker family. Torrance is a legend in the LA/LB harbors. He was a pioneer in his field, an astute businessman, and, more than that, a kind and thoughtful gentleman.
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