Torrance Parker

Torrance Read Parker is my great grandfather

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...

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.

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...

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

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...

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.