Anthony Ronald Torres

Anthony Ronald Torres was a devoted father, grandfather, husband, and son. He started in a small coal mining town with very little, but his love of learning and hard work ethic led him to become a successful research doctor at two of the top institutions in the world. He passed away on November 20, 2024, at 81 years old. 

He was born in Trinidad, Colorado, to Margaret Jane Torres and Frank L. Torres on April 1, 1943. Ron is preceded in death by his brothers Leroy, Frank, Steve, and son Anthony. 

Ron is survived by his sweetheart of 49 years, Joyce M. Torres; children Ronald, Josette (Tusi) with children Abigail, Alexis, Devin, Ella, Easton, and Lily; Karissa with children Talon and Khloe; Rachael (Gregory) with children Marcos (G2), Hollyn, Venice, and Gisele; Sarah (Joe) with children Joseph Jr. (Jojo), Ammon, Beckham, Milo, and Capri; and Elizabeth (Gerik) with daughters Malibu and Coco. 

His life is an example of honor, commitment, and service to his family, his faith, and his research. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a Medical Degree from the University of Utah. Later he received a PhD equivalent (Protein Chemistry, Laboratory Biochemistry, and National Cancer Institute) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He loved his country which led him to devote 10 years to military service in the US Army working at NIH and the National Guard. 

He also became a renowned Associate Professor at Yale University, where he conducted research on displacement chromatography of simple proteins. Later, he left Yale and moved to Utah to be closer to family, where he became the Laboratory Director of the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University. He collaborated with brilliant friends on 45 peer-reviewed scientific publications and enjoyed working on many projects, consultations, and advisory boards. 

Ron noticed the good he saw in the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which led him into an LDS chapel, then he met Don Horsley, who handed him a Book of Mormon. After reading just a few pages of the Book of Mormon, he believed it to be true. Don later baptized Ron on September 23, 1967, and they became life-long friends. He met Joyce at a church dance, then a few years later married his sweetheart in the Salt Lake Temple on June 12, 1975. Ron was a faithful member of The Church, and he served humbly in many Church callings throughout his life. 

Ron considered his family the most important achievement in his life. He loved being outside. Skiing with his family was his favorite activity. He enjoyed fitness and sharing the importance of nutrition and exercise. He always wanted to be with family and especially loved celebrating birthdays with each special person. 

He was often helping others, anonymously, and without seeking credit. He mentored students to medical school, and over 30 of those students became doctors and good friends. He lived with honesty and integrity, kept a keen sense of humor, and his mind was incredibly sharp until the very end. 

Ron's legacy will live on through his family, friends, and the many lives he touched. His life will be cherished by all who knew him, and he will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed, but his wisdom and lessons will continue to inspire and guide all those who love him. 

A viewing will be held Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 950 North Main Street, Centerville, Utah. A viewing will take place at the church prior to the services from 9:45-10:30 a.m. The burial will occur immediately after the funeral at Centerville Cemetery. 

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.