Robert (Bob) James Torpey, P.Eng

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert James Torpey on January 20, 2023 at Scarborough Health Network. Bob is survived by his wife, Moira McCarthy, his children: Kathleen Gendron (Guy) and Louise McClellan (Tony) and Moira’s children: Allan (Suzanne) and Karen (Peter) and his grandchildren: Emily, Julia, Nicole, Chantal, Erin, Ashley and Nathan. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Santapaola and his many nieces and nephews and their families.

Born in Quebec City on August 3, 1937, Bob was the sixth of seven children. He was predeceased by his parents, Marguerite and Henry Kane Torpey and siblings: Henry (Joanne) Rita (Ron) Janet (Ken) Richard (Shirley) and Margaret (Jean).

Bob grew up in Quebec City of American parents. English was his mother tongue and when it was time to continue his studies, his father sent him to Laval University where Bob became fluent in French. Bob graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering and began his long career in broadcasting, as a broadcast engineer at the CBC in Montreal. He moved to Toronto in 1966 to work in the engineering department at Richmond Hill Labs. In 1968 he joined McCurdy Radio Industries and was employed as Director of Engineering.

In 1975, Bob founded Torpey Controls and Engineering. He designed and manufactured clocks and timing products for the radio, TV and Digital markets and operated successfully until he retired in 2011. He designed an electronic time system for the national TV and radio broadcasters that ensured a standard operating reference. When he retired, he joined the East York Barbershoppers where he learned a lot about how to sing. In addition, he was the Chorus Librarian, responsible for the music library. He enjoyed the annual family barbeques at Harmony Ranch, as well as the camaraderie among the barbershoppers.

He was a member of an amateur theatre company, “Stage Centre Productions” where he enjoyed the technical side of setting up the sound and lights. However, his favourite job was driving the rental truck for the setup and strike of the productions. Moira and Bob enjoyed the Toronto Symphony Pops. Although he was a large supporter of the performing arts, he would also cheer and jeer at a good Blue Jay baseball or Argonauts game. His favourite teams were the Montreal Canadiens and the Montreal Alouettes.

Bob encouraged his grand-daughters’ love of baseball and his company, “Torpey Time” sponsored the BGSA Brampton Girls Soft Ball Association for many years. Moira and Bob loved to go cruising and Bob’s favourite places were the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Most of all, Bob loved spending time with family and friends. We miss him but we know that he is once again surrounded by his parents, brothers and sisters all trying to talk at once. Bob lived by his motto, “ Don’t get too uptight about anything, take each day as it comes.”

Visitation will be held at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill (905-889-8889) on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the chapel on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2 p.m. You are also welcome to join the family virtually through a livestream. For online condolences and livestream details, please visit the website at: www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, would be appreciated.