Michael Callan Torpey

1972 - 2020

Michael Callan Torpey

Orange County, CA - Michael's loving partner Katie wrote:

"It is with a heavy heart that I have the unfortunate task of announcing that Michael Callan Torpey passed away at 48 years old on December 3, 2020. Mike was born in Rochester, NY on July 26, 1972. He graduated from Irondequoit High School in 1990. He completed an AS in Engineering Science at Monroe Community College in 1993, and then took Industrial Design courses at Rochester Institute of Technology. He graduated from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan with his BFA in Transportation Design in 1998."

"Some of you may know him as Mike, Torpey, MT, Torpey Dog, the Torps, but however you knew him, you knew Mike as your friend. He was forever the optimist, the dreamer, the eternal child.

He touched so many people's lives with his wit, sincerity, and love for unbridled fun and adventure."

"Mike was an influential automotive designer at both General Motors and Kia Motors America. Mike's career in the automotive industry spanned 22 years. He worked for General Motors from 1998 to 2005. As an intern, Mike was influential in creating the new Cadillac brand aesthetic. As an employee, he worked on iconic and successful Cadillac, GMC, and Saturn production and concept programs in both interior and exterior projects. In 2005 Mike began working for Kia Motors America where he created the original Kia Soul Concept, which then became the Kia Soul. He continued his innovative design aesthetic on the Kia Trail'ster concept exterior in 2015, and most recently designed the Kia Nero which debuted in 2017. Along with these notable achievements, He collaborated on countless projects with Kia Motors, and was influential in creating the "DNA" of the brand."

"Mike had two main passions in life, Bikes (BMX and Mountain Bikes) and Cars. You almost always saw him with either a bike or a car nearby. He often loved the cars that were underappreciated, the underdog you might say. Truly it didn't matter what kind of car it was. He most likely loved and appreciated the creativity that went into it. Mike had enthusiasm for creativity in any field and always supported his friends in their own passionate pursuits. He was inspired by everything and was a creative instigator, cultural provocateur. I hope that Mike's life and memories will inspire all those he touched to help make this world a more creative, interesting and loving place to exist."

"Sincerely, Katie Wilson - Friend, Soulmate and Co-Adventurer to Mike Torpey"

Mike is survived by the love of his life, Katie Wilson of Orange, CA, his loving parents William and Donna Torpey of Irondequoit, his loving brother Stephen Torpey of Salt Lake City, UT, a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins, and many friends in the Rochester area and across the country.

Many of his friends plan to have a celebration of his life in California. Because of the current pandemic, a memorial service and burial in the family plot in Scottsville, NY will be delayed. In Mike's memory, you might consider a donation to R Community Bikes, PO Box 26417, Rochester, NY 14626, Irondequoit Community Cupboard, 4275 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14622, or any charity of your choice.