Obituary of Roald Torpe

Roald Fridtjof Torpe of Camrose passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at the age of 83 years. On October 4th, 1930, the world claimed Roald Fridtjof Torpe as its own. His residence - the Provost homestead of Herman and Clara Torpe. Roald was the sixth of seven children in a family that included brothers Norman, Curtis, Louis, Gerald, Mike, and sister Aletha. Roald worked the family farm before and after school 'til it was time to leave home to study agriculture at Vermillion School of AG. He subsequently brought his knowledge home with him, continuing to work family farms at Provost, Olds, and Bawlf. He picked up carpentry on the side, a skill that came in handy when building the family cottage. When the Torpes moved to Camrose, Roald began working at the Camrose Hardware Store. While there he met and married Lois Cappis of Bawlf, Alberta. Shortly thereafter a family was started beginning with Debra Lynn and followed by Jacquelin Dawn, Darcy Lane and Lisa Kelly. In 1966 Roald was selected to be a member of the first ever Camrose letter carriers. It was a job he enjoyed immensely. He also enjoyed a satisfying social life filled with skiing and skidooing, bowling and slow-pitch, cribbage, cribbage, and more cribbage. Roald loved to spend time involved in his children's sporting and social activities, teaching them to ski and skate, coaching their teams and chauffeuring them tirelessly around town. As a founding member of the local chapter of the Sons of Norway, he also encouraged his children to explore their Norwegian heritage. Roald retired after 24 years service to Canada Post. He spent his golden years actively involved with the Royal Canadian Legion. He took great enjoyment from his volunteer work with the weekly meat draws, the poppy fund and the Ladies Auxiliary's swan races. He also managed to squeeze in the occasional cribbage game - here and there. Roald, known to all as "the character", "the one who could be counted on to offer a helping hand", "the humorous kind-hearted one", passed peacefully in his sleep with his daughters Debra and Lisa at his side, on June 4, 2014, at the age of 83. Those living to carry on his memory include Lois, the mother of his children; his children Debra Torpe of Vancouver, B.C., Jacqueline (Jerry) Leedholm of Red Deer, Darcy Torpe (Angie) of Edmonton, and Lisa Blok of Edmonton; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Also carrying his memory are two siblings; two in-laws; numerous nieces and nephews; assorted extended family; plentiful friends and acquaintances; the loving and compassionate staff of Bethany Meadows; and the entire membership of the Camrose Branch #57 of the Royal Canadian Legion. A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 14, 2014 from the Burgar Memorial Chapel with Mary Ann Pastuck officiating. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are gratefully accepted to The Legion Poppy Fund.