It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of retired Staff Sergeant R.T. (Torry) Small on August 30, 2010 after a battle with cancer. He was in his 69th year.
Torry was born in Vancouver on May 21, 1942. He was predeceased by parents Robert E. and Alva Mary Small of Cultus Lake, BC.
Torry joined the RCMP ‘E’ Division in 1962 and dedicated 30 years to ‘The Force’ enjoying a distinguished career investigating and solving serious crimes and cold cases. While stationed in Alberta, among other duties he was called on to personally bodyguard many world leaders and dignitaries, including Prince Charles, Bobby Kennedy, Indira Ghandi, and Pierre Trudeau.
He transferred to Chilliwack, BC in 1980 with his children. It was then he met his wife Lois and her children. While in the Chilliwack Detachment Torry was the Sergeant in charge of GIS, the serious crimes unit. The Officers in his unit looked to him for guidance and treated him with due respect.
After retirement from the RCMP in 1992, Torry, his wife Lois and daughter Kim moved to Princeton, BC. Torry served on the board of Princeton & District Community Services for 17 years, utilizing his skills and knowledge to further the objectives of the Society. Torry served on the executive of the George Pearkes Branch #56 Princeton Legion. He was a member of the Princeton Golf Club, enjoying his friends there, and always looking for that elusive ‘hole in one’.
Torry was a loving, caring husband. He was a mentor, teacher and hero to his children, wonderful brother and the greatest storyteller and a very proud grandfather.
He leaves behind to celebrate his life his wife Lois, daughters Kim and Lori (Tim), sons Dan (Jenny) and Curtis, grandchildren Laurissa, Cole, Benjamin, CeeYan, and Renan. Also his loving sisters Patricia, Geraldine (Fraser), and Kelly (Brian). He was a friend and mentor to his nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by brother-in-law Bob, and sisters-in-law Doreen (Merv) and Jeanette.
Torry was an honourable man who “Did fill those shoes” and “Did wear those hats” with love and dignity.
‘At Ease Mountie’
Lois and family would like to thank all their relatives and friends for their kind words of comfort and help through this difficult time. Special thanks to all of the Doctors and Nurses who made a difference.
A ‘Tribute’ service will be held at the Princeton Legion Hall at 2 pm on September 5, 2010. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Princeton and District Community Services, PO Box 1960, Princeton, BC V0X 1W0.
There will also be a ‘Tribute to Torry” open house in Chilliwack on September 18, 2010 from 1 pm - 4 pm at 46200 Larch Avenue.