Russell A. Torrey Jr.

Russell A. Torrey, Jr., known to family and friends as Russ, died in Scottsdale on Sunday, April 27. Russ was 82. He led an active life and had many interests. He was an avid supporter of UCLA sports as well as a golfer, fisherman, world traveler and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. In 1944, Russ graduated from San Fernando High School, a six year school serving a rural agricultural area in southern California. During the remaining years of World War II, he was chosen to attend officers candidate school and the Navy assigned him to a V-12 unit and later a NROTC unit at UCLA. During his college experience, Russ became a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. It was a lifetime association in which his closest friendships developed. Even after more than 60 years, the brothers of his college days still assemble for an annual luncheon. A graduate of UCLA with a degree in Business Administration in 1948, Russ spent his working years in bulk sales with Procter and Gamble. Russ is survived by his wife of 25 years, Charlene, son David Torrey of Palo Alto, CA, daughter Carol Torrey of Fremont, CA, a step-son Jon Tulien of Colorado Springs, CO. The grandchildren are Kate and Will Torrey of Palo Alto and step-grandchildren Sarah and Chris Tulien of Colorado. Memorial services for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 2 PM at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Road in Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Russ and Char Torrey Football Scholarship Checks payable to: UCLA Foundation~fund #8774 send to: UCLA Athletics, P.O. Box 24044, Los Angeles, CA 90024-0044, attention: Emily Lerner. Sign the Guest Book at eastvalleytribune.com
This obituary was originally published in the East Valley Tribune.