MARVIN TORRIE

1919 - 2001

Marvin Hull Torrie, beloved husband of Guinivere Torrie (nee Redd), passed away peacefully in Taber, Alberta on Friday, January 5, 2001 at the age of 81 years.
Marvin is survived by his wife and children, Wayne (Judy) of Grassy Lake, Colleen (Craig) Smith of Glenwood, LeRon (Colleen) of Grassy Lake, Richard (Sylvia) of Owasso, Oklahoma, Eugene (Susan) of Grassy Lake, Kevin (Peggy) of Las Vegas, Nevada, foster daughter Joanne (George) McGinnes of Oliver, British Columbia, thirty eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and one sister, LaRue (Joe) Roberts of Lethbridge.
He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Flora Torrie and a sister, Urilla (Luke) Raisbeck.
Marvin was born of pioneer stock in Burley, Idaho on February 12, 1919, but was raised on the southern Alberta prairie north of Grassy Lake where he ranched and farmed with his father, Albert Torrie. He was a master horseman; training, riding and driving. He was proud to say he had never been thrown from a horse in all of his riding days. He was a skilled roper of horses, cattle, sheep, and even pigs and coyotes!
Marvin attended Tech School in Calgary, studying motor mechanics and welding, then returned to the ranch. He married Guinivere Redd of Raymond, Alberta, in 1946.
They lived in Grassy Lake, where he built and operated a service station called Rhythm Motors. In 1960, Marvin and Guinivere moved to their farm north of Grassy Lake, where he ranched and farmed.
He leveled land and began to realize his dream of making the sand hills “blossom as the rose” with irrigation. From his welding and mechanic shop on the farm, he freely helped many friends and neighbors fix and repair machinery. He used his land leveler and bulldozer to move dirt, gravel and snow for many in the area. With his metal working skills, he modified and improved most of his machinery and invented countless devices.
Marvin loved to entertain. He traveled far and wide performing with his ventriloquist doll, Bert, and giving readings. He had a joke for every occasion and could always see the lighter side of life. His family spent many happy hours eating popcorn he had popped and listening to his tales of life in the early days. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing Wilf Carter songs.
Marvin served as secretary-treasurer of the Rural Fire Association, as a school board trustee, and was a founding member of the local store committee. He was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all his life. In 1953 he served a two-year mission for the church in the Ohio area, leaving his wife and three young children at home. He served for many years in numerous capacities, including ward clerk, scout master, and bishop. Marvin and Guinivere served three missions together in their retirement.
Marvin was active on the farm and ranch until his passing.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family prior to the funeral service, in the Relief Society Room of the Church on Tuesday, January 9, 2001 from 12:00 P.M. to 1:45 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, January 9, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. with Bishop Wayne Torrie conducting. Interment followed in the Prairieview Cemetery, Grassy Lake. All friends and family were invited to a light lunch in the Grassy Lake Community Hall after the interment.