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Raul D. Torres

05/14/1943 - 01/18/2022
Service Date: 01/18/2023
Service Time: 4:00 PM
Service Location: Bunker's Garden Chapel
Visitation Date: 01/18/2023
Visitation Time: 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Visitation Location: Bunker's Garden Chapel - 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201

Live Stream Link To View Service:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85684776206?pwd=UnhQNm5TOWtKaGpscjJlUW1keTQ2QT09

Meeting ID: 856 8477 6206Passcode: 655658

Raul (Rudy) Torres (78) fondly known as Grampadude, peacefully passed in the Lord’s loving embrace on January 18, 2022. Grampadude was born May 14, 1943 in Garden Grove, California to the late Maximo and Maria Torres.

He served in the Air Force as a Sgt. at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. After his military service, with degrees in engineering and computer science, he spent his career as a Civil Engineer for the City of Mesa until he retired. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and actively volunteered as a Mesa Lion.

His 54 year marriage to Mary Helen included four children from a previous marriage Kris Anest (Jim), Kathy Moran (Mike), Jamie Brown (Virgil), and James Stough II. Grampadude and Mary had his beloved son Charles whose career in the arts was cherished and took them all over the country. He so loved his grandchildren, Bradley, Ethan (Anna), Tyler, Peter (Nia), Christopher, Matthew, Joseph, Lea, and great grandson, Elias.

He leaves behind his only brother, Joe Torres, niece and nephew, Ivan and Belinda, along with many nieces and nephews. We would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gordon Grado who is more a member of the family than a gifted and respected doctor. Grampadude leaves this world loved by many. He was fiercely humble and private. In place of a memorial, he wishes for all of his loved ones to embrace their memories and love each other.

His ashes will be delivered in the Pacific Ocean where he can swim with the dolphins, by his loving son Charles Torres.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Condolences

  • How beautiful.
    It is clear where Charles gets his zest for life, sweetness and loyalty. May Grampadude rest in peace.

  • What a beautiful tribute to your father and to you as well. He was such an accomplished man. He had life a well lived.

  • What an amazing life! Condolences to you all.

  • Beautifully summarized your father’s life and the love that he leaves sealed in your heart. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to your family members.

  • Joseph and Keiko Zmuda

    A touching tribute to a warm and wonderful man. We’re certain he is now at peace in the kingdom of the Lord and the angels. 👼👼

  • Joseph and Kazuko Zmuda

    A touching tribute to a warm and wonderful man. We’re certain he is now at peace in the kingdom of the Lord and the angels. 👼👼

  • Dr. Teri Martinez, and the Martinez Brothers and Sisters

    Dear Mary Helen, Charles, and family, we send the sincerest condolences as you grieve the loss of Rudy. We all respected and loved Rudy immensely. A man that needed no words to express his concern and love for us all. I am sure you will all miss him, as we miss all the family members that have passed in the last few years. Just be reassured that they are all in glory together, and we all be together again. Love and prayers to you all.

  • I am so sorry to hear of Raul’s passing. It’s been many years since I have seen him, as we worked together at the city for years, but I have been retired for almost 20 years. He was always a softspoken gentleman who commanded respect and friendship from the Engineering staff.

    I pray the family receives peace and comfort during this time of grief. May God be present in the lives of all who knew and loved Raul.

  • Jackie Martinez - Urquijo and family

    My dear Aunt Mary Helen and family,
    I am so sorry to hear about sweet Rudy. He was such a sweet, kind soul and will be missed greatly. Heaven had gained another angel and he has one heck of a party welcoming him with open arms. May the good Lord bless you all with faith, healing and comfort.

  • Ivan and Shirley

    Our sincere condolences and may his soul rest in peace. Sending our prayers from the land of down under to Uncle Rudy and family.

  • Epitaph
    by Merrit Malloy

    When I die
    Give what’s left of me away
    To children
    And old men that wait to die.
    And if you need to cry,
    Cry for your brother
    Walking the street beside you.
    And when you need me,
    Put your arms
    Around anyone
    And give them
    What you need to give to me.

    I want to leave you something,
    Something better
    Than words
    Or Sounds.

    Look for me
    In the people I’ve known
    Or loved,
    And if you cannot give me away,
    At least let me live on your eyes
    And not on your mind.

    You can love me most
    By letting
    hands touch hands,
    By letting
    Bodies touch bodies,
    And by letting go
    Of children
    That need to be free.

    Love doesn’t die,
    People do.
    So, when all that’s left of me
    Is love,
    Give me away.

    Grace, peace, and love to the Torres family in their beloved’s blessed memory.

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