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Torey Southwick Obituary
December 21, 2024
Bethesda, Maryland - Torey Southwick, 94, a popular Kansas City radio and television personality, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, following a short battle with pneumonia.
Torey started his broadcasting career on the radio as a disc jockey at the age of 19 in Detroit, MI, where he was born in 1930. He soon moved to Kansas City where he had popular radio shows and children's television shows (along with his puppet "Ol' Gus") for more than a decade. His shows, "Torey Time" every weekday morning and "Torey & Friends" every afternoon, consistently topped the KC ratings over national shows like The Today Show, Captain Kangaroo and The Mike Douglas Show.
His popularity drove KMBC to add a Saturday morning TV program, in addition to his daily radio show, bringing his total hours on the air to more than 30 hours a week. It is no wonder that a generation of Kansas Citians feel like they "grew up with Torey and Ol' Gus." More than 50 years after going off the air, he still received hundreds of messages and birthday greetings each year from members of the "Good Kids Club," who watched or were on his shows.
He moved to KCIT-TV for the last two years of his career in front of the camera so he could attend UMKC full time. He completed his bachelor's degree and made the leap to public television, where he spent the last chapter of his career managing PBS stations in Wichita, KS and Akron, OH. Torey's 40 years in broadcasting and his civic activities were testaments to his dedication to children and education.
Before settling in the Fredericksburg, VA, area in 1997, Torey and his wife spent the first seven of their retirement years roaming the entire country in a motorhome, making friends with many other "full-time" road travelers along the way.
Torey is survived by his daughter Terri Southwick of Bethesda, MD (with whom he has lived for the last several years), daughter Gayle Sanders and son-in-law Daniel of Bethesda, as well as his grandson, Michael, and great grandson, Lucas. His granddaughter, Kerri, predeceased him in 2017. He lost the love of his life, his wife Patricia Anne Southwick, in 2011, after 61 years of marriage.
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Memories and Condolences
for Torey Southwick
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
Peggy Dzicek
April 28, 2025
I think I was 6 when I was honored to appear on TV with Mr Southwick. We filmed at the American Royal, outside, in the sun, in August. Some Native Americans danced and made fry-bread for us. It was hot, too. We all started to whine and complain and I think Mr Southwick was a bit disappointed in us. He very gently got our attention during a commercial break and very gently said, "You are all special. Not everyone gets to be on TV with me and Ol´ Gus. So you are all special. Now I need you to BE special. When we come back, you´re going to be smiling, happy, and full of excitement. " AND WE WERE. A gentle, kind and encouraging inspiration to a bunch of little kids. I will never forget it. Or him. Rest in peace, Mr. Southwick. We loved you so very much.
Sandy Dawson
March 1, 2025
I believe that Torrey Southwick was the brother of my school friend Jean Southwick. I grew up with hr in Detroit in the 1950s. I never met Torey but heard about him through his mom. Knew he was a tv personality in the Kansas City area. May his memory be a blessing in the day ahead. Peace Sandy Dawson
Laura
February 16, 2025
Like many who have posted condolences, I, too, remember being on his TV show when I was a kid. A group of us went as part of a friend's birthday party. Thanks, Torey and Gus, for many fond childhood memories.
Shauna
February 13, 2025
My condolences, I remember him well when I was a very young child , May God in Heaven give peace to all him family
Sandra Jones
February 13, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
kurt schewe
February 12, 2025
we all watched that silly show. it was great.where is gus? he should be in a museum. great show.
Randall Hedrick
February 11, 2025
What a wonderful man you were Torey Southwick. What you did for the children of Kansas City and the surrounding areas cannot truly be put into words. The fun. The memories, Ol' Gus and the cast of characters - even the mailbox on the front of your little stage house -- all treasures your fans will hold dear until the day we too pass and hopefully reconnect with you and Ol'Gus. RIP Sir.
Clinton Hiley
February 5, 2025
Thanks for the memories Torey...
kevin bower
January 22, 2025
I remember always watching Tory Time every day. It was the show I was watching when JFK was assassinated in 1963, Was a part of my upbringing. Rest in Peace Tory and God Bless you and Family!
Hildy Troncoso Leawood, Ks
January 13, 2025
Just saw the obit of Torey Southwick. I am 70 and remember as a child watching his show. Good old values and fun. What a stark change to what's happening today for our kids. RIP!
Mike Halloran
January 12, 2025
I am one of those that grew up with Torey and Gus. Great childhood memories.
Paul Passman
January 12, 2025
Very fond memories of Torey. I met him at a Katz store at 75th and Metcalf on Halloween. He gave gifts to the kids in attendance.
Cathy Davis
January 12, 2025
I grew up watching Torey and Gus. Loved watching him. Thank you for all the fun memories. Torey and I shared the same birthdate. I always wish him a happy birthday every year. You are going to be missed, Torey. Prayers for your family.
Steve
January 11, 2025
Torey pulled my name out of a big
Barrel live on the air. He announced that I won a giant box of cracker jack and postman delivered it to my house. My brothers and I snacked well for about three days.
Susan Janesko
January 10, 2025
Thank you for making my childhood memories so wonderful.
Linda LaBranch
January 10, 2025
Thank you for the BEST part of our childhood. You made the World a better place to grow up in!
Ric Lutz
January 9, 2025
Sorry to hear that Terri.
Nancy Jones
January 8, 2025
Thank you for many years of professional service on air and off to the Kansas City area.
Barbara Turner Newby
January 8, 2025
Torrey Time was huge in my childhood plus Romper Room and Miss Virginia. Heartfelt sympathy to the family. He touched many children´s lives.
Steve S
January 8, 2025
being on the Tory & Friends show in my youth was a highlight!. He was so special.
Marie
January 8, 2025
How I wish Torey could have been around for the past 20-25 years. So many kids would have truly known about kindness and being a good person.
That is SO lacking in today's culture.
God speed Torey. Ol' Gus...you'll never be forgotten by us.
Bless the Southwick family.
Dominic Villano
January 8, 2025
He was a good man I will miss him very much
Dorsey Troutman
January 8, 2025
Terri, I am so sorry to hear of this. I just now learned of your dad`s passing. He was the place we went to on a daily basis to get our Torey Time fix. He was such a great inspiration to generations of kids.
Elizabeth Jaeger
January 7, 2025
Loved watching the show every day and was on it when I was 10 in 1966.
Karen McClain
January 7, 2025
Torey and Gus were an important part of my childhood. Thank you!
Steve Carrington
January 7, 2025
I was one of those kids that got to be on his show and was shocked when he hung O´ Gus on a peg behind the scenes and Gus didn´t even have legs!!
Jon
January 7, 2025
Thank you for making my childhood a little brighter. Prayers for your family.
Robert Cohn
January 7, 2025
Not only did I consistently watch Torey on TV, but I had a chemistry class with him at UMKC in the late 1960's and he was my lab mate. I don't know where I liked him and respected him more... As a TV children's show host or as a classmate.
Ronco
January 7, 2025
A great man and my TV PAL with he and Ol' Gus for 12 years of my life as a young child.
Pamela Miller
January 7, 2025
Torey and Ol' Gus were a daily part of my childhood, and I cherish thise memories of such a kind man and his friend. My parents even nicknamed me after Gus. Thinking of you all with love and gratitude.
Jim
January 7, 2025
He was a good man. I was on his show when I was a Cub Scout. I met Otis Taylor at his show. Good memories. Thanks Torey. Thanks Gus.
D McThompson
January 7, 2025
Thanks for all the memories, and Lightening, my pony you gave me. You helped a lot of little ones enjoy life, your family should be proud of all your work!
Barbara
January 7, 2025
We little brother and I watched daily. An indelible part of our childhood. Godspeed Corey & Ol' Gus
Larry Luper
January 7, 2025
Prayers and condolences for family, friends, colleagues and fans.
Rita Shaw
January 7, 2025
We lived less than a mile from his house. My sisters and cousins went for walks to the Dairy B, went to his house along the way, rang the doorbell, when he answered the door, we all sang, "Torey, the kids are here."
Kelly Harms
January 7, 2025
My brother and I watched Torrey and Ol' Gus as kids. We actually were on his show once.
Dorothy Hiatt
January 7, 2025
I watched Torey Time with Ol Gus every day! What a a wonderful childhood memory. My brother´s Cub Scout group was on the show and since my mom was a den mother I got to go too! One of my favorite memories. Thank you, for the lovely memory of childhood in Kansas City. Rest well.
Donna Cruse Beauchamp
January 7, 2025
My brother & I watched Torey & Ol´ Gus every day after school. A familiar presence in an unpredictable world.
Diane Moore
January 7, 2025
Great memories of Torey and O'L Gus from my childhood in the 60"s in Kansas City....everyday after school and every Sat morning.....thank you Torey Southwick
Good memories of Torrey and Ol´ Gus
Barney McCoy
January 6, 2025
Torey Southwick and Ol Gus were appointment TV for generations of KC area kids in the 50s, 60s and 70s. What a life well lived. Torey was even memorialized decades ago at the peak of his popularity by the great singer-song writer Roger Miller. https://youtu.be/NBeXnzjvMrk?si=KHQYfFHNLwhyOz53
Lynn Paris Martin
January 6, 2025
My Brownie troop was on Torey Time in the 60´s, and it was such fun for us! Torey was so nice and friendly, and who wouldn´t love Ol´ Gus! Rest in peace, and Thank You for the memories.
Leo Mills
January 6, 2025
RIP Torey, fond memories
Jeff Duer, KCMO
January 6, 2025
What a great childhood memory.
Torey and Gus!
God Bless
Beth Salomo Haney
January 6, 2025
I grew up watching him in KC, MO, and was so excited to be at the show, as my postcard was drawn. Many happy memories growing up with Torey!
Kathleen Sproules
January 6, 2025
I remember him well. My brownie troop was on the show once. Fond memories. My sincere sympathy.
mike
January 6, 2025
Great memories of Torey and O'L Gus from my childhood in the 60"s in Kansas City....everyday after school and every Sat morning.....thank you Torey and RIP
Tony
January 6, 2025
I remember everyday watching in the 60s May God bless his family and may he rest in the presence of the Lord! ( I always wonder what happened to Torey and Ol Gus great memories
Chris Andrews
January 6, 2025
Condolences to the family. I grew up watching Torey and Ol Gus in Kansas City the entire time he was on air. What a fun and fond memory of him. May he rest in Peace.
Janice McCormick
January 6, 2025
Watched his show everyday on TV, faithfully n loved it RIP TOREY N OL GUS
Marie
January 6, 2025
As long as Torey and Ol'Gus were on every day, all was well with our world.
Ol'Gus, we named several of our pets after you.
I will always remember Ol'Gus asking Torey: Do you have any spinach in your kitchen? Oh those days of Popeye, Ol'Gus and Torey were magical and made so many of us here in KC good kids! Love to your family and we'll forever have Torey and Ol'Gus in our hearts. That's for sure....right Gus? Righto Torey!
John H Moorefield
January 6, 2025
Couldn't wait to get home from school so I could watch you Torey & Ol' Gus!! Rest in PEACE my friend!!!
Cindy Hoffecker
January 6, 2025
Thank you, Torey. You gave my childhood some stability. You and Ol´ Gus were on my TV every day. I put on several carnival fundraisers for Muscular Dystrophy when I was a child because I was encouraged by his show. I have such admiration for him and all he did for kids in Kansas City. Thinking of you, Terri and your family at this time. Thank you for sharing him with me!
Cathy Bukaty Peterson
January 6, 2025
I'm 70 now, a former fan of Torey and Friends. I remember Torey and Ol' Gus encouraging kids to host a backyard carnival to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy research. My mom footed the bill for carnival prizes we bought at the local TG&Y. It was very "homespun," but my friends and I made $32 to send to Torey for that cause. Here's to you, Torey, and all of the good you did on this earth!
Randy Baker
January 6, 2025
I was on Torey and friends with my cub scout troop in the 60's. His show's were a staple in Kansas City for many years. I hope he had a happy and healthy life. He left a good, lasting impression on me for a lifetime. RIP
LANE KLEIN
January 6, 2025
To the man that never said a bad word, God Bless You!!
LANE KLEIN
January 6, 2025
My favorite Torey expression: "That makes me so mad I could eat fried chicken", and I used it often when things got tough at home.
Crystal Oates
January 6, 2025
I was on Torey Time. I also won prizes. Rest in Heaven.
Chris Dahm
January 6, 2025
I think most of us hope we can make a positive impact on the lives of others before we leave this existence, if nothing else through our own children. But Torey made a positive impact on thousands of kids like me, as evidenced by others' posts. Thanks Torey and God Bless Your Soul!
Lee Huett
January 6, 2025
I came home every day from school to Torey and Old Gus. As a latchkey kid it was like coming home to friends. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Dennis meehan
January 5, 2025
Thanks for entertaining us in the old days
Lori Emanuel
January 5, 2025
I remember watching him as a kid in KCMO. He was my favorite! My father was his insurer agent at one time. That made me feel like we were celebrities! Thank you for making such great memories from your show. God rest your soul
Susan Voss
January 5, 2025
Thank you for helping to raise me so well!
Melinda Sykes
January 5, 2025
Enjoyed his afternoon shows with my little sister. He was amazing. God bless his family. Sending my condolences. I know he´ll be missed.
Connie Bullock
January 5, 2025
I was one who grew up with Torrey! I watched him every afternoon after school in the sixties,,,such a wholesome show. So sorry for his loss ...
Andy Youngworth
January 5, 2025
I remember being on his show as an elementary school kid, but will forever remember him for the Chiefs Huddle Club pictures we received with Torey, Len Dawson and Willie Lanier!
Joyce Turner
January 5, 2025
What a great man. Torey gave so much joy to so many of us as children in Kansas City. Thank you
Lisa Elliott
January 5, 2025
What a great gut.
Once I got to be on Torey's show as a kid. I think with a girl scout troop?
I lived in River Forest and knew which house was his. His daughters were a little older than I.
My condolences to his family. He left a great legacy.
Jim Holmberg
January 5, 2025
I learned to tell time as a five year-old in Overland Park so I'd know when Torey and Ol' Gus were on TV.
RIP Torey! And God bless you for all the joy you brought to me and a few hundred thousand other little kids!
Richard L Briggs
January 5, 2025
Gosh --- sad to hear --- What a great early childhood flash back --- HOWEVER --- the POPEYE Party lives on! Thank you Torey!
Jim Lickteig
January 5, 2025
He helped make my childhood very enjoyable and I have often thought about him & gus throughout the years
Linda Clark
January 5, 2025
It is with fond memories I recall watching Tory and Ole Gus after school everyday. RIP Mr. Southwick
Jerry Webb
January 5, 2025
Thanks for all the happiness you brought to kids!!
William varner
January 5, 2025
I remember Torey and Gus a long time ago May he rest in peace May god blessed his family and friends
Roger Beatty
January 5, 2025
Really enjoyed your show growing up.
carol m dahn-harper
January 5, 2025
Many good memories growing up during difficult times watching Torey bring laughter and learning into our lives. Went to grade school with Terri and we were always envious that Torey was her dad! Condolences to the family.
Joe Webster
January 5, 2025
Thank you Torrey for all those great times growing up. RIP
Jim Cox
January 5, 2025
Thanks for making many childhoods special, Torey.
Jean Bratt
January 5, 2025
I was too old to watch Ol´ Gus and Torrey but I knew the show. It was quite a surprise to be sitting in a class at UMKC and see Torey walk in. He was quiet and pretty much kept to himself and when we would, lovingly call out "Torey, the kids are here" (like Ol´ Gus did on the TV show), he was not particularly amused. But we all thought it was pretty cool to be in class with him.
Carrie
January 5, 2025
I so enjoyed watching you and Gus on TV when I was a child. You were a great model for children. Prayers for his family.
Timothy Post
January 5, 2025
When I was a child, my sister and I would rush home after school every day to watch Torey. It was an excellent kids' show, with cartoons and lots of variety entertainment.
Denise
January 5, 2025
I have frond memories of his show and truly appreciate his dedication to children´s programming.
Karen
January 5, 2025
Prayers to the family. Thank you Torey for the great memories from my Kansas City childhood!
Diane
January 5, 2025
Torey & Gus were an important part of children lives growing up in KC. Thank you for being a kind influence in a crazy world. Peace for all
Jp
January 5, 2025
Wow , so sorry. Had not remembered ol gus n torey til now. I was in front of that TV every time ready to watch. Such wonderful memories!
Teresa Peterson
January 5, 2025
I grew up with Torey and Friends. My heartfelt condolences to your family.
Barbara
January 5, 2025
My brother & I loved Torey & Ol' Gus and would watch them every day. On November 22, 1963, we were home from school, having lunch (that was way back then) & watching the beloved duo, when the news from Dallas broke. We have never forgotten where we were on that day & how important Torey & Ol' Gus were to us then and continue to be even to this day. Thanks, Torey Southwick for all the beautiful, funny, entertaining & poignant memories. You two were an important part of our young lives.
Vern Lafferty
January 4, 2025
He was a big star when I was a child in KC thanks for the memory Tori and Friiends
DON L BARNHART
January 4, 2025
My children watched Tory (KC MO) years ago, they are in their 60s. Prayers to the family.
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