PETER TORSCHER

1924 - 2008

Peter Antone Torscher passed away at the Bow Island Health Centre surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at the age of 84 years.
He left to mourn, his loving children; Cheryl (Norman) Prestage of Camrose, Joe (Claire) Torscher of Bow Island, Whendlin (Joann) Torscher of Lethbridge, Theresa (Warren) Campbell of Bow Island and Burke (Tami) Torscher of Taber. Also left to miss their grandpa; his fifteen grandchildren, Hali (Armand) Gagnon, Nicole (Cody) Barnett, Michael, Renée and Andrew Torscher, Stephen (Suzanne) Torscher, Ryan (Kelly) Torscher, Rose and Jesse Neary, Kelli-Ann (Glen) Nixdorf, Tara (Dale) Lindsay, Kendra Campbell, Blake, Logan and Carson Torscher; seven great grandchildren, Dustin, Katie, Daniel, Alexis, Chloe, Alexandrya and Ava. Peter also leaves to mourn his sisters Katherine Einarson and Dorothy (Whendlean) Kambeitz; sister-in-law Sheila Torsher.
He was predeceased by the love of his life Lorraine; his parents Leo and Julia; brothers Joe Torscher and Ed Torsher; brother-in-law Arne Einarson.
Peter was born in Burdett on June 2, 1924. He was raised on the family farm south of Burdett. He attended Samson School and graduated from High School in Bow Island. He took over the family farm when his older brother Joe went to serve his country in the Second World War. He met Lorraine Bourque on a blind date and it was love at first sight. They were married May 24, 1952 in Calgary. Together they worked on the farm and raised five children. After hardship on the farm, Pete and Lorraine decided to leave the farm and moved into Bow Island in the fall of 1972. Pete went to work with the Alberta Pool Dwelling Crew and Lorraine continued to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Bow Island Hospital. He retired from the Alberta Pool in 1984 and then helped his brother Ed on his farm until Ed’s passing in 1996. He was an auxiliary member of the Royal Canadian Legion, a member of the Elks Club and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. In his retirement years, he enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pete was a man with strong faith in his church and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1 Street East, Bow Island, on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1 Street East, Bow Island, on Friday, July 25, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Fred Monk Celebrant. Burial to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Peter’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 210D - 12 ‘A’ Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 2J1.