Ronald Joseph Torres – born March 2, 1944, in Camp Cooke, California–died March 10, 2024, in his home in Boise, Idaho, and has lovingly joined his Heavenly Father after a courageous battle with incurable blood cancer.
A dedicated Yankee for life, he had pinstripes in his blood, not merely on his shirts and hats.
Ron spent 61 years helping people get health insurance, starting at Blue Cross of Oregon. This career brought him and his family to Boise, Idaho, in 1980, where he eventually started his own health insurance business in 2000 and helped the local community for 23 years.
He met his wife, Pam, in Vancouver, WA in 1970. Ron’s pride in his children was overflowing and evident to everyone, especially his kids. In Ron’s words, “Troy (wife Rika), “the sailor,” Rook (wife Kayla) “the future Mayor,” he says, and Simi Jo (husband Matt) “the sweetest girl I know.” have always made me happiest out of everything in my life.” Six grandchildren also blessed Ron’s life and he was able to get to know all of them and engage in their growth and lives. Sports were central to raising kids for Ron, which is appropriate as a lifelong Yankee! Many trips were centered around traveling for his kids’ sporting events and tournaments which allowed him to lovingly show his family new experiences, places, and life lessons.
Ron’s magnetic personality and contagious laugh made it impossible to go anywhere without seeing people who knew him. They always had to stop to say hello and share a smile. Ron loved hamburgers! Later in life, he developed a big love for sushi and even requested caviar and teppanyaki as some of his last meals to savor with his family.
Early last year, he visited Rika’s (his daughter-in-law) homeland of Japan and spent a couple of weeks in Japan with his kids in tow. His smiles while eating birthday sushi will be treasured forever.
One of Ron’s last big requests was to visit the new Yankee Stadium and see his beloved Bronx Bombers. Boy, did he do it! Simi, Rookie, and Kayla swept him off to New York! While enjoying amazing pizza, sights, and subway rides, he got special box seats and unlimited hot dogs while watching his team win! In the end, while the Frank Sinatra classic “New York, New York” was playing, as is always the case, Ron said with a huge smile, “I’ve always wanted to hear that song in this place.”
He wanted a special thanks to:
Karen and Linda House for all the meals and love.
Jasmin for outstanding friendship and care.
Jeri Corrie for her many prayers and loving friendship.
A celebration of life will be held, 2:00 pm, Friday, April 26, 2024 at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr., Garden City, Idaho.