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Ellis Paul Torrance

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University of Georgia

FUNERAL HOME

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services

3195 Atlanta Highway

Athens, Georgia

Ellis Torrance Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

Ellis Paul Torrance, "The Creativity Man", was born in Milledgeville, GA on October 8, 1915, died July 12, 2003. He was the son of the late Ellis Watson and Jimmie Pearl Ennis Torrance and widower of Pansy Nigh Torrance. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of Athens First Baptist Church. He is known throughout the world for his work in developing ways to assess and nurture creativity in all human beings. He developed the most widely used tests of creativity, created the Future Problem Solving Program, developed the Incubation Model of Teaching, and continued his study of the Minnesota participants in his longitudinal study of creativity. By the time he retired from the University of Georgia as a Professor Emeritus, he had published 1,117 books, articles, chapters, tests, and book reviews, as well as delivered countless speeches and workshops at national and international sites. After his retirement, he continued to remain prolific, authoring several new books on creativity. Some of his best known books are "Guiding Creative Talent, Rewarding Creative Behavior, The Search for Satori and Creativity, The Incubation Model of Teaching, Mentor Relationships and Why Fly?". His most recent books are such co-authored works as "Gifted and Talented Children in the Regular Classroom, Multicultural Mentoring of th Gifted and Talents, Making the Creative Leap Beyond, and Spiritual Intelligence: Developing Higher Consciousness". After his retirement, the Torrance Center for Creative Studies was established to continue his legacy. Because of the work of this one man, children and adults all over the world have been given the opportunity and wherewithal to develop their creative talent. However, Paul Torrance will be best remembered by those closest to him best for his huge heart as much as for his colossal intellect. Survivors include his dear friend, Mohammed Babaway of Athens; and seven cousins: James C. Funk of Tallahassee, FL, Audrey G. Torrance of Lake Hartwell, Mildred E. Simpson of Milledgeville, Peggy E. Miller of Warner Robins, Earl Beall and Wiley Beall both of Dublin and Robert Beall of LaGrange. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 17, at 11:00 a.m. at Athens First Baptist Church with the Rev. Frank Granger officiating. Burial will be at 4:00 p.m. at the Black Spring Baptist Church Cemetery in Milledgeville, GA. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 at Bernstein Funeral Home. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Torrance Center at the University of Georgia to support the programs he loved. Bernstein Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jul. 15, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellis Torrance

Sponsored by Robert Alan Black, Ph.D., CSP-student & friend.

134 Entries

Dr. S. Nayana Tara

July 19, 2025

Was in UGA during 1983 as a Fulbright Scholar. Chose this place so that i could be with Dr. T. It was a memorable time working and learning from him. Love you always Dr. T

Robert prefer ALAN Black

July 9, 2025

I came to Athens in 1979 specifically to study with Dr, E, Paul Torrance. He helped me a great deal.

The humblest man I ever met in my life.

He gave me so many gifts from 1979 to 2003 when he past away.

The greatest one was his PERSONAL FRIENDSHIP.

This photo was at his and Pansy's house on my Stanford stadium graduation ceremony in June 1983.

Robert Alan Black, PhD

July 9, 2023

I think often, nearly every day of my life.

I read two of EPTs articles in 1976 and I began changing and creating my life ever since.

1st his articles were a great influence
2nd he was my major professor for my PhD 1979 to 1983
3rd he accepted me as a professional colleague
4th he made many connections for me from 1979 until his death.
5th he gave me many books
6th he praised much of my work
7th we co-authored published articles

Great gift he gave me was his personal friendship until the day he died.

S. NAYANA TARA

July 10, 2022

Years may be passing by but sweet memories of Dr. T are always fresh. His words ring in my ears. I sometimes feel he is with me and we are having a an animated discussion. Love you always Dr. T. Tara

Alan - Robert Alan Black (Torrance PhD & Fellow)

July 9, 2022

In 1976 I read 2 articles that Dr T wrote. They began the greatest period of change in my life.

In June 1978 I sat in a classroom with both the Torrances were also sitting in at CPSI in Buffalo, NY

In August 1979 my wife, daughter and I moved from Florida to Athens, GA for me to study with Dr. T.

Between then and Dr. T's passing he went from being a distant guru, to my professor to a colleague to the greatest gift he gave me....his personal friendship.

My greatest teacher
My most sincere supporter
A wonderful caring friend.

Alan (Robert Alan Black)

July 10, 2021

Thinking about you and many things I learned as your student and colleague nearly every day while attempting to continue both your and my work.

Prof. S. NAYANA TARA

July 9, 2021

So many years have passed but memories of Prof. Torrance are ever green in my mind. He was my friend, philosopher and guide. I was blessed to have had the luck to work with him. May his soul rest in peace. With warm regards to him always.
Nayana Tara from Bangalore, India

Prof. S. Nayana Tara

July 10, 2020

I feel very proud to have worked under Prof. Paul Torrance both as a researcher and as a Visiting Fulbright Scholar in 1979 and 1983. He was my friend, philosopher and guide from 1972 when I was still a student of Education. Both Prof. Torrance and his wife Pansy had taken me under their wing and treated me like a daughter.
His large heartedness, kindness and generosity were his character which set him apart from the rest. I had also audited his class on Socio-drama as creative problem solving technique. I do not forget him a single day. He remains my guiding light.
May his Soul rest in peace and continue to guide researchers working in the field of Creativity.

Prof. S. Nayana Tara
Indian Institute of Management
Bangalore, India
P.S.: He used to mention you (Dr. Robert) to me several times. Mohammad used to come to pick me up from the airport. Can I please connect with both of you? My email id is [email protected]

Rhonda Silva

September 17, 2016

Dear Dr. Torrance, It is ironic that my own son was able to be identified and nurtured because of your work. I will always remember you and what your work has meant and will continue to mean for so many. Although it was so many years ago when I worked for you, our paths cross again now as I use your methods and ideas for nurturing the gifted and talented in my classroom as well as for the future of my son. On behalf of so many, thank you and God bless you.

Tara Nayana S

February 26, 2007

Dear Dr.T.,

I owe my progress in my life to what I learnt from you. Never give up and push ahead was what you had told me once. I am so thankful to you. I would have been so happy to share the news that I finally became Professor at IIM,Bangalore, India. I love you very much and seek your blessings always.

Lauren Orth Vaughn

February 25, 2007

Dr. T --

Thank you for devoting your life to help us all. Your gift of inspiring others - to create, to imagine, to teach, to mentor, to give, and to love - has spread around the world and helped to make it a better place. And as one who was blessed to know you, thank you for your tenderness, your encouragement, and your twinkling wit. Thank you for teaching that there comes a time to stop and say "Good enough."

With love,

Joseph P. Hester, Ph.D.

February 13, 2007

Even now as I train new and experienced teachers, I never miss an opportunity to provide them with the Torrance Manifesto for Children. The years spent at the University of Georgia and the time spent at the then Georgia Studies of Creative Behavior have been a positive influence on my writing and teaching.

Sandra Gollmar

February 12, 2007

Dear Paul, This past week I administered your TTCT to a group of first graders. I chose it specifically because of one young man who marches to a different beat. I am happy to say that his very strong performance on your assessment that so well illustrates creative thinking will allow this young man to participate in our gifted program.
Thanks once more!
Sandi Gollmar

Robert Alan Black

January 7, 2007

Dear Paul

Yesterday I went to see a movie that brought back feelings, memories and lessons about teaching and life I learned from you.

"The Freedom Writers" starring Hillary Swank and several actual students from around the US who were selected as first-time actors in the movie.

It is the story of the successful work and dedication of a young first-time teacher, Erin Gruwell who was given a class of "unteachables" and ended up reaching and helping them to teach themselves and becoming friends.

Much like Elliot Wigginton of Foxfire Foundation fame, Ms Gruwell has set up a foundation to continue spreading the techniques and teaching approaches she discovered in her daily struggles in her classrooms.

May her work and life touch the numbers of students and teachers that yours did and still does

Please after reading this entry and others add a memory or message of your own.

Alan

Graduation Day 1983 Dr T and Robert Alan Black new Ph.D.

January 6, 2007

Alice, Bonnie, and Susan with E.P.T. at The Last Torrance Lecture During His Lifetime, 2002

Bonnie Cramond

January 5, 2007

Dear Paul,
Today I finished writing an article about you and your work. I procrastinated because I knew it would bring up sad memories, but it brought up several sweet ones, too. I know that you are still cheering all of us on.

Robert "Alan" Black

March 5, 2006

Dear Paul

This week I am joining Marc Runco in honoring you in the 2006 Spring Torrance Lecture Series. May our individual presentations in addition to honoring you, your work and your memory help expand the awareness of the Torrance Center at UGA.

Alan

A. Jonathan Eakle

March 4, 2006

You were certainly one of the great minds and spirits of our century. You will be remembered with great gratitude.

Marjorie Sarnat

November 27, 2005

Dr. Torrance has been my hero ever since I read his book, Guiding Creative Talent, many years ago when I was in High School. I still consider his book one of my personal treasures.

Ming De Hsieh

November 3, 2005

DR.Torrance

I come from Taiwan.I am a graduated student in MBA program.

Nowadays,i am studying in an course of creativity.In our course,we always discussion about your research center.So,I visit it,

and it bring me more and more information of creativity.

Bill Jarrard

September 23, 2005

Dr Torrance was someone I never met, but felt I knew in a small way by the thoughts people shared about him and the influence his work has had on me. He was a giant, and I am a child still learning from him and so many others. Be at peace.

Carmen Shuler

September 14, 2005

In the realm of creativity theory, Dr. Torrance made theory a reallty for the teachers and students he influenced. His legacy at UGA will surely continue.

David Fletcher

September 1, 2005

Dr. Torrance introduced me to the possibilities of creativity through sociodrama and psychodrama and changed me life forever. From Georgia to the Bronx to help found a school I can attribute to the influence of E. Paul Torrance.

David C. Fletcher, Ph.D., Lehman College, Bronx, NY

Henry Toi

August 29, 2005

Dear Dr. Torrance,

In my search for a meaningful construct of creativity, I was led to your work by Tony Buzan. Even though I did not have the privilege of meeting you, your work has indeed touched and enriched my life. You have left a path for many researchers to follow. You have my deepest respect for your life and work.

robert fritz

August 15, 2005

i was privilaged to meet you,and to talk with you outside of aderhold and to take several courses from two of your former students at auburn university--gerald and glenelle halpin. your messages will continue because you are trusted by so many. god bless you always.

robet fitz

Kelly Tribble

July 11, 2005

Dr. Torrance, I met you only once, but in that short time you influenced my thinking and my life's philosophy. Thank you for living your life in the way that you did. We could all learn from your model.

Inderbir Sandhu

June 15, 2005

Dr Torrance,

I am fascinated at how you have changed views on creativity. Your tests determine quite accurately the levels of creativity and has helped a number of "at-risk" gifted children who are creative, but missed out on IQ scores. Thank you for all efforts in coming up with such beneficial tests. May your soul rest in peace.

robert fritz

February 23, 2005

i was pleased to meet you at your home in 1981 and to visit with you outside haley center when i worked at UGA. TOO, TWO OF YOUR deciples taught me at auburn, gerald and genelle halpin. do take care.

bob fritz

Solange Wechsler encounters her mentor in his office, 2000

November 8, 2004

Charlotte Lewis

September 28, 2004

How honored I was to sit in your home, at your feet, as you regaled us students with your life, wit and creative genius. Your spirit will long soar over Aderhold!

Joseph P. Hester

September 8, 2004

Dr. Torrance, your influence still lingers over my work as I continue to write and develop materials for students and adults. My lastest book, Leadership Under Construction,written with another University of Georgia psychology graduate, Darrell Young, is a testimony to your creative leadership and influence in my life. We who knew you can never thank you enough for your gift of life and of purpose that challenges us to this day.

J.B. Groves III

September 7, 2004

Dr. Torrance,

Thank you for training two of the greastest professors that I've ever had...Dr. Bill Nash and Dr. Joyce Juntune at Texas A&M University.

God Bless You

Hui-Ling Chua

July 5, 2004

"Dear Dr Torrance,

Thank you for awakening my dormant seeds of creativity, touching them with your magnificent life and love, so that they could grow into blooms with wings that have taken me all over the world to use your magic on so many, many children I have met. My classes with you and the memories will always inspire and challenge me to face life with the courage you so wanted all of us to have."

Adam Clark

July 2, 2004

The Manifesto for Children poem is brilliant. I was given a copy by Mary Murdock when I was a student of hers in Buffalo in 1995. Mary Murdock always talked very highly of you. Your poem helped me through some hard times. Thanks, and thanks to Mary too.

Blueyell Boquiron

June 28, 2004

Well us an Honor Student i would like to thanks Ellis Paul Torrance for the ...inspiration he've shared not only to me but towards his fellow country men..... Salamat Po Sir your a Hero....

Albert P. D'Errico, Ph.D.

May 16, 2004

I am truly saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. E. Paul Torrance. He was a person of many rare talents. He provided monumental and undeniable influence and force in my life. His professional work was invaluable; and his value as a human being was and continues to be priceless. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, his friends, his colleagues, and his students who thought of him as I do.

Steven Levi

May 11, 2004

Dr. Torrance was a man ahead of his time. Creative thinking will be the single most important academic subject and real world survival tool over the next half century.

Freita Strickland

April 23, 2004

Dr. Torrance, What a great person to have known! I had the opportunity to work with him administratively. It was an honor! He was such a dedicated person in the Feild of Gifted Education.

Philip Bateman

February 29, 2004

No-one in the world has done more to influence the identification and nurturing of creativity than Paul Torrance. His contribution is inestimable, dynamic and eternal. He brought to millions ideas that were visionary yet practical, and sublime yet simple. Torrance transformed and codified a commonsense process known for centuries by artists, writers and musicians into a respectable science. Creative people must be thankful for this as his work provides tangible acknowledgement of their insights. It is sad that he did not live to see the inevitable process in which creativity will eventually come to be acknowledged as not just a complement of intelligence but as something surpassing it, especially in its value to society and the soul. The creatively gifted of the world are indebted to Paul Torrance. (Philip Bateman, World Champion Creative Thinking, 1997/8, 2002/3, in an address to MENSA members at Magdalene College, Cambridge, August 2003).

Claire Conway

February 24, 2004

Thank you for living such an inspiring life. I cherish your writings and the gifts you left behind to help us spread the spirit of creativity.

Gertrude Dunham

February 5, 2004

In the 1970s I attended CPSI in Buffalo. It truly changed my life. E Paul Torrance was a memorable focus of my experience. I used his FPS program and four of my sixth graders attended the Bowl in Athens, Georgia, where they achieved Third Place. Dr Torrance and his wife took a personal interest in helping us to find accommadations and made the children's parents feel secure about letting their daughters visit Athens, GA for a few days. I later worked in Gifted Education and used the program for many years in various schools and with friends.Yesterday I received a request to teach the process to a friend.The legacy continues.

The process is great, but the personal interest of Dr Torrance in each person he met made the biggest differnce in our lives. He thought outside the box long before that became a fashionable line!

I am currently working in a small charter school (Unity) as a learning disabilities teacher consultant.This school epitomizes the dream I envisioned in the 1970s when I learned to create my own future.

Kellie Whelan-Kim

February 2, 2004

Dr. Torrance will always be a true inspiration to those working with gifted and creative children, and to the inner being in all of us trying to find fulfillment and live our dreams. His Manifesto for Children is displayed at my office door as a reminder to all.

Dr. Joseph Hester

January 17, 2004

Christmas 2003 was empty without the usual card from Paul Torrance updating us on his work and his health. His presence is still missed along with his advice and nurture. My writing and research still reflects the guiding hand of E. Paul Torrance.

Robert Toth

January 16, 2004

E.Paul Torrance was the greatist gift to me, learning about his work in 1963 in my early 20s and coresponding with him over the years enriched me to realize the beauty in truth and power of a man of insight that reached other creative people. A true spiritual mentor,I had the pleasure of thanking him with a phone call in 2001 He will never be forgotten and continue to inspire and live within me. Robert Toth, The Realm of Art.

Karen Williams

December 23, 2003

The holiday season is a little less bright without Dr. Torrance's annual Christmas letter, but he lives in our hearts forever. Peace to all of you whose lives he has touched throughout the years.

Judy Jones

December 2, 2003

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of E. Paul Torrance. He was an inspiration to us all.

Sandy Gamboa

November 17, 2003

One of our Creative Giants has fallen... but will rise again every time we serve a child in his name.

LEWIS PACE, JR.

November 2, 2003

Paul Torrance (and, of course, Pansy) was the most impressive TEACHER I've ever met. I was a supposedly "gifted" kid who became a teacher (and father) of "gifted" kids. The Torrances made a difference in my life and in the lives of uncounted thousands of kids who will never know their name. We'll miss you, Paul and Pansy!

Your personal Green Beret ---

Cargo Drop Sends!

joyce gallagher

October 25, 2003

Dear Dr. Torrance,

Although I had not met you in this life, know this ... that you have touched my life now and forever! You have allowed me to take my dreams, my mind and aspirations places that I have never thought possible. You have given me permission to revisit my childhood and in a sense, to rewrite my destiny. You have given me the courage to seek and face the truth in what it means to be a human being on the path towards becoming fully self-actualized! I believe that our purpose here on earth is to get through this adventure called life. As we are born into it we are obligated to make it better for ourselves, for others and for the generations of sentient beings to come. Therefore, in honor of your work I dedicate my life to embrace life and the persistence to go beyond! Love always Joyce G.

Bill Kaltsounis, Ed.D.

October 22, 2003

As a graduate student at the University of Georgia, I had the honor and the privilige of meeting and working with Dr. Torrance. It did not take me very long to realize that I was in the company of a great human being. With his pssing, the world has lost an extraordinarily gifted individual. Let us be pleased knowing that his work in the field of education will continue by those of us who have been inspired by him. May his memory be eternal.

Holcomb Bridge M. S.

September 7, 2003

Our students and teachers are saddened by the loss of Dr. Torrance, but he will always be with us in spirit through our Future Problem Solving program and use of the problem solving model in our civic clubs and classroom activities.

Jack Riley

September 6, 2003

As one privileged to study under Dr. Torrance, I feel have lost a large part of myself. His intellect never overshadowed his belief in people, so he was the master at creating a climate where creativity could flourish.

Lynda Foster

August 31, 2003

The world is a richer, more understanding, and more creative place as a result of Dr. Torrace's life. He so unselfishly gave of his time and energy to all. I had the great honor of working and studying with him in Athens. His affect on my life was permanenet and proufound. I will miss him always.

Rosa Aurora Chávez

August 26, 2003

Dear Dr. Torrance:

You will always be in our hearts, we learned from you the importance of not being afraid of falling in love with something and pursuing it with intensity. You were a wonderful mentor and a great friend!

Rosa Aurora & Ulises

Alice Macpherson

August 25, 2003

I did not know Paul and that is my loss. I have the greatest respect for his work which lives on. Godspeed.

Stephanie Smith

August 20, 2003

With our deepest sympathy for all the friends of Dr. Torrance. Wasn't he the most wonderful, kind, brilliant person we ever knew? Certainly he changed my life and teaching. When I was a lowly scorer of the TTCT I had the privilege of driving Dr. Torrance to some of his workshops. He opened a whole way of divergent thinking and so much more. Because of him I have loved teaching since 1967 - both in the US and in Brasil, France, Japan and Peru.

May God hold Dr Torrance in the hollow of his hand.

Rob Robertson

August 6, 2003

Paul was a kind and friendly neighbor. He will be missed.

Judy Laws

August 5, 2003

I can think of no greater soul in my lifetime than E. Paul Torrance. He has been an inspiration and role model for me. I keep a copy of his "Manifesto for Children" in my office to remind me everyday of the importance of leading a creative and full life.

Joseph / Pat Hester

July 31, 2003

Pat and Joseph Hester express their deepest regrets at having lost a dear friend and fellow educator. E. Paul Torrance was a mentor and an inspiration for our work and his words still guide and motivate us.

Marilyn Fryer

July 31, 2003

The world is and will continue to be a better place thanks to the selfless life of Paul Torrance. His friendship, wisdom and kindness will stay with us always and inspire our work.

Dan Strickland

July 30, 2003

To the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Torrance,

We stand on the shoulders of others and in the field of creativity we are proud to make this statement. Thinking cooperatively like this can only make this world a better place for those who come after. Dr. T. has certainly made a huge positive contribution to our world.

Natalie Douglas

July 28, 2003

Your teachings live eternal in the hearts of all you have touched. With heartfelt sympathy to family and friends.

Ernesto M. Bernal, Ph.D.

July 25, 2003

A giant in the field of gifted; a friend who never forgot.

Lucy Haddock

July 24, 2003

The world will miss the spirit of 'Dr. T', yet will continue to shine with his generous intelligence and love of creativity.

Bless you...

Susan Standish-Wallace

July 24, 2003

Peace to all those who grieve for Dr. "T"--and remember that his work is continuing-reflected in the eyes, hearts and souls of those who are stirred to learning by his research and teachings.

Kay Bruch

July 22, 2003

Paul, I'd been meaning to phone to let you know that the Creative Scholars longitudinal search is still functioning in the direction of finding out what creative stages the Louisiana Creative young adults are in since 1989, 1990, and 1991. Your help, and that of others at the Torrance Center continues to grow in focussing on those who continue to follow multiple creative leads remaining to flourish among all of us. I'll be in touch with the Center so the current research is best supported by others who are creatively exploring the multiple directions for all of our continuing questions which emerged for all of us. You continue to lead the way. You are a comfort to us; your impetus leads on;more will be withcoming from many. Love, Kay Bruch (A wandering entry, I know. Focus will be forthcoming on the research when Gail Lewis returns from overseas.)

John Michaels

July 22, 2003

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. T.

Dr. T, I only knew you through your work and the spirit of your work lives on in me. Thank you! God bless!

Natalia Hughson

July 21, 2003

I am psychiatrist from the Ukraine. I have never met Dr. Torrance but much my interest in creativity, my knowledge, and inspiration came fron Dr. Torrance work. He passed away but his ideas are here forever. A person like Dr. Torrance is always with us.

Nick Aliotti

July 21, 2003

Dear Family and Friends of Dr. Torrance

My heartfelt condolences to all who have known and loved this great man. I was fortunate to have studied and worked with Paul at Minnesota and Georgia. As a young graduate student he took me under wing and I supported myself as one of his Research and Teaching assistants. He was the kindest, most generous and inspiring teacher one could have. Let us continue to

honor him through our words and actions.

Nancy Johnson-Farris

July 21, 2003

To Family & Friends of E.Paul,

"Into my heart's treasury I slipped a coin,

That time cannot take for a thief perloin.

Oh, better than the minting of a Gold Crowned King,

Is the safe kept memory of a lovely thing."

(Sara Teasdale)

Dr. Torrance was truly a lovely thing and will be kept in my heart forever. He touched my life when I was a green, new teacher so many years ago. Recently, we became friends through our cats. He loved getting our Pieces of Learning CATalog and reading about our cat, "Pieces." His work and contribution to the field of creativity is unique and will live on forever in the words he wrote and left for us to study.

Peace & Love

Nancy Johnson-Farris, President

Pieces of Learning

Susan Crews

July 20, 2003

I was a graduate student of Dr. Torrance in the last Creative Thinking class (EPY 822) that he taught at UGA in 1983 before his retirement. It was he who inspired me to enter the field of gifted education in which I am still teaching to this day. On the day of his funeral, I was attending a workshop for teachers of the gifted in Walton County, or I would have certainly been there. I plan to continue serving the needs of gifted learners until my own retirement five years from now. Dr. Torrance will certainly be missed, but his influence will go on forever in the lives of those whom his teaching touched. I feel privileged to have known him. My condolences to all of his family and dear friends.

Elizabeth Raney Couper

July 19, 2003

Dear Family and Friends of Dr. Torrance,

My greatest sympathy to your family and to those at the University of Georgia. My choice to enter the field of Gifted Education was greatly influenced by the work of Dr. Torrance and his insight into these children. My teaching is one of my greatest joys and my hobby!

I work with identified K-2 children in the Columbia Public School system.

Take great comfort in all that your loved one accomplished and gave to others.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Raney Couper

Columbia, Missouri

July 19, 2003

Jann Bohnenberger

July 19, 2003

E. Paul Torrance, the gentle giant whose unconditional love and support touched so many lives and inspired us to go beyond, to reach new heights has passed from his earthly existence ... but he will be with us always.

In 1984 Pansy's paper "Over the Years: Research Insights of E. Paul Torrance" was published. In the paper Pansy shared quotes from Paul that have met the test of time. His insight that "the future of our civilization depends upon the quality of the creative imagination of our next generation" rings so true today. Let us honor Dr. Torrance by continuing his dream for children, one child at a time.

Sandra Gollmar

July 19, 2003

"And He will raise him up on Eagle's wings; Bear him on the breath of dawn; Make him to shine like the sun; And hold him in the palm of His hand." from "On Eagle's Wings"

I can only smile to think of what a delightful addition E. Paul Torrance is to the conversations that occur beyond our hearing, and wish him eternal time with Pansy.

Dicky Erwin

July 19, 2003

Friends and relatives of Dr. E.P. Torrance,

My gifted students were introduced to Dr. E.P.'s problem solving bowls in the 1970's. They thoroughly enjoyed the problems and competition every year. I'm sure that all of them are better citizens today from what they learned doing the problem solving. Thanks for the memories Dr. Paul and Pansy.

Joan Laughton

July 18, 2003

Creative thinking opens up the mind and spirit to all possibilities. It has been more than 30 years since I was introduced to the works of Dr. Torrance and nearly 30 years since first meeting him. His gifts to me and to countless children through my work are inspirational and immeasurable. The world is a better place because he walked, taught and dreamed among us.

Alice Terry

July 17, 2003

Our mentor, our friend, no longer walks amongst us. I grieve. We are all grieving at his loss. Yet when I think of him walking in his heavenly garden with Pansy and the cats, free of the physical maladies he suffered on earth, I smile. When he autographed a book to me once, he wrote, "Keep flying." I believe that is his greatest message to us all. He flew until the end--and pulled so many of us in his wake. May we all keep flying. Dr. T., I love you, I miss you, and...keep flying.

Michael Pyryt

July 17, 2003

My sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of E. Paul Torrance. My connection to Dr. Torrance is through my frienship with many people whose lives he touched. My own research and teaching has been most influenced by Dr. Torrance's writings on falling in love with ideas, creative positives of culturally diverse students, and techniques for incubation.

Sue Paul

July 17, 2003

A garden is a beautiful room to invite your guests to dine, talk and share themselves. Dr. Torrance shared his garden with me and everyday that I work in it, I think of him and smile.

I thank him for his generosity, not only to me but to others, spread all over the world, who share his vision of a creative and peaceful world made better by those who care.

The daylilies will forever create beauty in your honor.

May you and Pansy forever create love and peace in your garden.

Arnond Sakworawich

July 17, 2003

I am deeply appreciated by Torrance 's teacher being, recently, i have asked him for some help in my thesis completion, i am someone that he has never known before, but, he really help me and provide me the information and document with enthusiasm and kindness. This is really impress me so much. From my whole hearted, eventhough, i am not his formal student or advisee, but, i respect him as one of my teacher. The things that i am deeply appreciated are not only research on creativity, but also, his teacher being.
Arnond Sakworawich

Javier Touron

July 17, 2003

Those whose selflessly share their talent with mankind in some sense never die and always will have a place in or prayers.

Catherine Yoo Kim Ph.D.

July 17, 2003

Dear Dr.EPT, I was not only inspired by your TTCT but also moved when I received two of your books tiltled "Making the Creative Leap Beyond..."& "Gifted and Talented Children.." while I was writing my thesis on "Creative Thinking Ability Enhancement" a few years ago. Also my husband Gus who has been suffering from a stroke for many years was spiritually uplifted with your words of encouragement and wisdom so that he was able to enjoy his teaching at a university. It will be a big loss here on Earth but it will be a great gain in the Heaven! May you rest in peace till we meet again!
Catherine Yoo Kim

Tara Nayana

July 17, 2003

Dr.Torrance was my friend, philosopher and guide. I was fortunate to have worked with him and been touch with him since 1970. His love and encouragement have seen me through ups and downs in my life. I loved him dearly. I miss him tremendously. We should collectively work towards fulfilling his dreams.
Dr.S.Nayana Tara

Angie Delvin-Brown

July 17, 2003

Paul Torrance did much for children. He helped the world better uncover the gifts and talents of children everywhere. He helped to light a dark, uncharted path. I will forever be grateful on behalf of my own children and others as well.

Deborah Weiner

July 17, 2003

A shining star has left our galaxy. Those of us who were touched by Paul Torrance's brilliance have been changed forever. We continue his legacy as that light shines through our minds, hearts and souls. He was one of the greatest men of our time and we will always love him.

Paul Castellanos

July 17, 2003

I did not know Prof. Torrence except by the love in the hearts of all of you. I and my family have been blessed by him and by you.

Grace Lattanzio

July 17, 2003

It would be difficult to put into words the impact that Dr. Torrance's work has had on the field of creativity, so I'll just simply say...Thank You. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Torrance.

Joseph Tay

July 16, 2003

I was introduced to Prof Torrance's works by Buffalo. Continue to be impressed by his insights not just into creativity but also people.

Recently I was reminded of a chapter in his book, Making the Creative Leap Beyond. The chapter title is: Make It Swing, Make It Ring!

His legacy lives on. Thank you Prof.

Harry Vardis

July 16, 2003

Although I never met Dr. Torrance, I must judge him by the students and admireres he created. One of them is Alan who has become a brother and mentor of mine and through him I have learned about Paul's work and greatness.
Respectfully and out of love for the field of creativity I submit my sorrow for his death.
May he rest knowing that he has made great contributions to the lives and careers of all of us.
Harry Vardis

Steven Martin

July 16, 2003

I know him only through his wonderful work which touched my life and that of many others. My condolences to all who knew and loved him.

Kari Nitkowski

July 16, 2003

Dr. T., Your work has touched my life immeasurably. Your humanity shines through on every page and in the scope and value of all you have done. You are very much missed.

Keith Kaminski

July 16, 2003

My prayers go out to the family of E. Paul Torrence. May he rest in peace.

Robin Carr

July 16, 2003

I didn't know Dr. T personally but have been given great gifts by him, as we all have, such as the Torrance Incubation Model and the idea of the Beyonder - and the gift of his example. I've had the privilege of studying with his colleague and former student, Dr. Mary Murdock, and this also is a profound gift from him. Thank you, Dr. T, for your courage in doing the work you were meant to do.
My condolences to his friends, family, and all who love him.

Larry Orcutt

July 16, 2003

Since their wedding and before Paul and Pansy have inspired me. The world is a more blessed place for their being.
I regret the distances we create, but was privelaged to walk for a while with a giant.
Over time millions will have lived and flourished because of the chain of love and understanding and hope.
They are happy today. Hand in hand, cats underfoot. No pain. Hear the laughter.
Good job, my Folks. I love you.

Bruce Bracken

July 16, 2003

With fond memories of Paul & Pansy, and their unbounding influence over generations of graduate students at the University of Georgia.

Dr. Daniel Rosenbaum

July 16, 2003

A great scholar and humanitarian will be missed by all.

Karen Fitzgerald

July 16, 2003

The world is a different place because of Dr. E. Paul Torrance. The impact that his work had on the field of creativity will live forever. Rest peacefully, gentle soul, for you live on in the hearts and minds of many people. We will truly miss you!

Felice Kaufmann

July 16, 2003

Dearest Dr. Torrance - You gave me this quote when I lost my way and now I give it back to you: "The most visible creators I know are those artists whose medium is life itself - the ones who express the inexpressible. They neither paint nor sculpt - their medium is being. Whatever their presence touches has increased life - They see and don't have to draw. They are the artists of being alive." You increased life wherever you went and for that we, your students, colleagues and friends, are most grateful. We will always be "out there cheering you on."

oscar isoba

July 16, 2003

My apologies for Paul*s dead.

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