Gordon I Torstenbo

Gordon Ivan Torstenbo, 85, went home to be with his heavenly father, Tuesday, July 12, 2022. He was born Nov. 7, 1936, in Seattle WA, to John and Sophia Torstenbo, Norwegian immigrants. He grew up in the Ballard neighborhood, known for its Norwegian commu­nity. Upon graduating from King's High School, Gordon attended Seattle Pacific University where he obtained a dual degree in History and Education, as well as a MA in Business. He went on to seminary and pastored Hamlet Church of the Nazarene in Amarillo, TX, before return­ing to Washington to teach and coach in the Battle Ground School District. After teaching, he became a lobbyist in Washington DC, but the majority of his professional career was spent as a successful business owner in the plumbing supply industry. While keeping his business going, he also taught business classes at Port­land State University and University of Portland. 

While living in the Vancouver area, Gordon was a member of Columbia Presbyterian Church and Vancou­ver First Church of God. He married Pat in 1995. They built a home in Washougal, WA, where they have resided for the past eighteen years. He retired in 2008, and continued to be actively involved in the Royal Rosarians as well as serving on neighborhood boards, church boards, and the board at Kona Billfisher in Hawaii. He was outgoing, friendly and often ran into someone he knew when traveling on the other side of the world. Gordon was a highly capable leader, often described as large and in charge. He loved the sunshine and spent part of the winter with Pat at their condo in Kona, HI. 

Gordon had three daughters with his first wife, Marion Winter: Lynnae Lovs, Tamara Kerr, and Teresa Bates. He raised his girls to be strong, independent women. He played the trumpet and passed his love for music on to his girls. He is also survived by his wife Pat, and Pat's three children; Tom Smart, Janae Hiersche, and Jon Smart; along with ten grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. 

To share a memory, select guestbook above.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gordon I Torstenbo, please visit our floral store.