Duane Nathanael Torgunrud (Feb 2, 1935-May 19, 2021)
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He passed at the age of 86 to one of his favorite christian hymns ‘How Great Thou Art’. Duane was the son of Edwin and Anna Torgunrud. He was born in Maxim Saskatchewan. He also lived in Moose Jaw and Outlook Saskatchewan throughout his childhood. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Odelite, and brothers Eugene and Ted. His surviving siblings are sisters Audrey, Olive, Connie and Carolyn and brother Elwood.
Duane had several pursuits in life. These included goaltending for the Weyburn Junior hockey farm team, the Moose Jaw Pla-Mors as well as another minor hockey team in Midale. He greatly enjoyed refereeing for a number of years in the Major Junior Hockey League for which he also was a potential goaltending prospect. He attended the Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute for a couple of years. While working at the Psychiatric Training School in Moose Jaw as a nurse and transport driver., he met his love and future wife Doreen. They went on to have 5 children of their own-Terry, Debra, Rhonda, Kelly and Deanne, all surviving. He subsequently acquired a job at the British American Oil company. The family relocated to Port Coquitlam, BC soon after the birth of their last child. He worked at the Gulf/PetroCan Oil refinery in Port Moody BC as a Master Operator up until his full retirement. He was a born leader and mentor. Duane always loved the mountainous beauty of BC., enjoying various outdoor interests such as camping, walking and golfing.
Duane also leaves behind his children’s spouses, 11 grandchildren and 4 greatgrandchildren.. He was actively involved in his family, helping coach both hockey and baseball, and later in life watching and supporting his grandchildren from the sidelines. He remained active in his Lutheran Christian faith and delivered many church sermons over the years. He was a natural at public speaking. Although he loved and enjoyed following many professional sports like baseball and football, his greatest passion was always hockey. The family had season tickets to the New Westminster Bruins Junior hockey team for several years. Upon retirement in ’93 he and Doreen soon moved to Kamloops, BC where their youngest daughter lived. They instantly became season ticket holders to the Kamloops Blazers junior hockey team who went on to win back to back Memorial Cup Championships the following consecutive 2 years. To commemorate these wins and each subsequent hockey season Duane immersed himself into making Souvenir Blazer Button Boards. They remain on display at the Sandman Center arena for all to view and enjoy, a true testament to his everyday creative abilities and ingenuity. He was the ultimate Blazer fan indeed.
Duane always had a cheerful disposition, words of wisdom, a constant lending ear, and a reassuring heartfelt hug or hand to offer. He was genuine with pure intentions, always invested and concerned for the well-being of others. He touched many lives along his journey, a true inspiration and man of integrity and honesty,. He had no regrets and was content with everything and everyone in his life, always heard singing or humming a song. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all. He will forever be a shining star in the heavens above. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). …
The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date. Donations if desired can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Duane Nathanael Torgunrud 1935 –..
Décès pour la Ville: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique