Robert Torrance

Robert L. Torrance , 90, of Milton, ND and Jamestown, ND died unexpectedly Tuesday, January 21, at the Jamestown Regional Medical Center, during a holiday visit to his son. 

Bob was born October 4, 1934, in Grand Forks to John and Annie (Cudmore) Torrance. He was raised in Milton, ND and graduated from Milton High School in 1953. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1958. 

In 1957, he married Helen Bowles, his high school classmate. (She was valedictorian and he was salutatorian-a fact referenced between them all their married life.) 

After graduation he began a teaching career in Clearbrook, MN; then Winnebago, IL; Minto, ND; and back to Milton until retirement. Bob frequently subbed in Edinburg for some years. 

Bob was a typical North Dakota nice guy. He served as township clerk for over 40 years, was treasurer of Senior Citizens, sat on election boards, and the senior facility in Osnabrock. 

He was a successful basketball coach, taking his Minto team to the state finals in 1974, effective teacher and caring friend to his students. He was as ardent Sioux hockey fan, enjoyed hunting and gardening. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lois Price; his son-in-law, D. Jerome Tweton; brothers-in-law, Jack and Harlan Bowles, and Cliff Ekdahl.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen; daughter, Paula Tweton, of Fessenden; sons, John (Maxine) of West Fargo, Dr. James of Jamestown; sisters-in- law, Margaret Ekdahl of Lake City, MN, and Helen Bowles, Milton; three grandchildren Emma (Nick) Vitale, Brainerd, MN; Charles (Tessa) Torrance, Horace, ND and Alexandra (Chris) Jackson, Yuma, AZ; four great-grandchildren and hundreds of former students.