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OSCAR TORKELSON Obituary
AKA BILL GREEN
Dec. 9, 1917 to Nov. 7, 2010
Bill moved to San Diego in 1955. Previously, he sang with the Modernaires and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The Bill Green Orchestra appeared at many prestigious SD events. He was on the Bob Dale Show; was Music Director at the Hotel Del Coronado, and the Del Mar Fair for over a decade. He and wife, Ruth, were members of Palisades Presbyterian Church. Ruth died in 2008. Bill is survived by his sister, Norma; daughter, Paula; son, Blue; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
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Memories and Condolences
for OSCAR TORKELSON
November 29, 2010
To Bill Green's Family:
My wife and I danced to the music of "Bill Green" before we were married
[we have been married 62 years] at a place in suburban Minneapolis called The Bungalow back in the 1940s shortly after WWII. He played the clarinet primarily and led a band of some half dozen pieces. He was always a gracious, smiling gentleman who responded positively to our requests for favorite dance tunes. When we came to SD in the mid-50s, we danced to his band at the Hotel Del. We introduced ourselves and he was as cordial as during the years before.
Our twosome was paired up with 'Bill' and a friend at the Tecolote Golf Course after he had retired some years ago. I recognized him and told him again of our previous contacts. He treated me like an old friend in his warm, gracious manner.
We are happy that he enjoyed a long and successful life and that we had the oppportunity to share brief but enjoyable times with him over many years.
Don & Ione Skaar
November 17, 2010
I too ,as my sister wrote ,have so many loving memories of my uncle bill , aunt ruthie and cousins paula and blue. In fact it. My uncle Bill treated us as his own kids, and there was always a lot of fun when we all got together. I feel fortunate to be part of this family and am sooo very happy I was able to visit with him just a short time ago. love, cindy
November 17, 2010
Bill was the ultimate professional as a musician, bandleader, and business man. Bill hired my band for many "casuals" (weddings, parties, etc.) Many times they would be at the Hotel Del.....If Bill was there with his big band he would always come by and say hi. He was a super guy, well liked, and very respected in the music business. Rest in peace old friend.
Steve Aldridge.....San Diego
November 16, 2010
I am fortunate to be the niece of Bill Torkelson, and have such rich and loving memories of him, my Aunt Ruth, and cousins Paula and Blue. Both our families grew up with music, dance and song, and all was shared with love.At this time of year, as we share our gratitude and thanksgiving, I offer thanks for all the years of family laughter, playfulness, joy, and caring. I will remember my loved ones, and feel the connected circle of life that covers all of those we love.
November 16, 2010
Dear Torkelson family,
Sending my sympathies. My sister and I attended school with Bill's children. However, I have wonderful memories of hearing Bill and his band play, especially at the old Kona Kai club. My folks were great fans, and over the years I have not met a musician who has played music around San Diego County who did not know and like Bill. May his memory be a blessing to you all.
Marcia kern
November 15, 2010
To the Torkelson Family: What wonderful memories we have of your parents. Oscar/Bill had a very warm and outgoing personality. The members of Palisades Presbyterian Church enjoyed his wonderful music when he donated his whole orchestra plus lead singer for fundraiser dances. He did this for several years.
Our condolances to the Torkelson Family.
Sincerely,
Judy & Bill MacInnes, members of Palisades Presbyterian Church
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