Raymond Torrez Jr. was unexpectedly called to Heaven in the early morning hours of August 5, 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to being welcomed home by his Heavenly Father, surely Ray’s earthly father, Raymond Torrez Sr., was there to welcome him by saying, “What took you so long, son?”
Ray, known to his family as, “Sonny” leaves behind a very large family that will forever feel this void. Ray and his wife, Tracie, recently celebrated 12 years of marriage. In addition to Tracie, Ray is survived by his two sons, Raymond Torrez III (Candice) and Anthony Torrez (Stephanie); and his stepchildren, Andy Powell (Alissa) and Kim Gates (Brent). Ray had 11 grandchildren and step-grandchildren ranging in age from 9 to 21: Zech, Destiny, and AJ Torrez; Raymond Torrez IV and Derek Torrez; Natalee and Rachel Gates; Chad and Aaleyah Powell; and Kayla and Megan Bright. Ray also leaves behind his mother, Grace Torrez; brother, David Torrez; sister, Barb Torrez; as well as many, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, & cousins.
Ray was born in Denver, CO on August 9, 1957. He was just 62 when God called him home. He graduated from Alameda High School (1975) and Colorado Christian University (1998). Ray joined the US Navy with his best friend, Kenny, on the “Buddy Program” right after high school. After the military, Ray began working as a barber alongside his father, Ray Sr., in his father’s barber shops. Ray’s law enforcement career began in 1986 with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. Ray had a very diverse career with the Sheriff’s office and looked forward to every move, promotion, and assignment. To name just a few, assignments included Warrants Investigator, Agent with South Metro Drug Task Force, Warrants Supervisor, Investigations Division Manager, Canine Commander, and his favorite; Patrol Watch Commander. Ray retired as a Patrol Lieutenant in 2010 after 24 years of service. Ray loved being a cop and always said that he couldn’t believe he got paid to do something that was so much fun.
After “retiring”, Ray’s passion for law enforcement continued by becoming a School Security Officer at Falcon Creek Middle School in Aurora, CO. Ray left that job only because he missed “working the streets”. He was hired on as a patrol deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Ray’s last job before officially retiring and moving to Arizona was a Parole Officer with the Colorado State Department of Corrections.
Ray and Tracie moved to Mesa, AZ in 2016 for health reasons. Leaving friends and family behind in Colorado was made easier with an endless stream of visits from family. Many priceless memories were made during those visits.
Ray was an outgoing person and communicated effortlessly with anyone regardless of who they were. Whether it was a prisoner he was extraditing back to Colorado or a church member he was sitting next to, Ray treated everyone with respect. Ray made friends easily and mentored many along the way. While in Arizona, Ray established close relationships with buddies he met at the gym. He had many interests but at the top would have been his beloved Denver Broncos, attending Sturgis Motorcycle Rallies, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Some of Ray’s happiest times were riding with Tracie as they explored Arizona from the seats of their Harleys.
At the time of his passing, Ray was a volunteer with the Mesa Arizona Police Department, and a Membership Officer with the East Valley HOG Motorcycle group. Ray and Tracie attended CCV, Christ Church of the Valley.
A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held in Aurora, CO with internment at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Littleton, CO.
Contributions can be made in Ray’s honor to CCV, East Valley Fund, Christ Church of the Valley. https://pushpay.com/g/christchurchofthevalley
I simply can’t believe Ray is gone. I met Ray at my Harley Davidson HOG chapter. All of us at EV HOG will miss him. Ray was a quiet, intelligent and gentle man and a stand up guy eager to step in to help. His smile told you everything. I’ve met many people through my many years and Ray was one of the Good Guys. Rest In Peace Ray and ride on, I’ll catch up to you one day. ~Peace and Love to the family
I will miss you very much, you could always make me laugh!
I am so sorry to hear of Lt’s passing. Ray had a heart of gold and I enjoyed working with him Immensely, He always made me laugh on the radio had a quick joke to throw in all the time and made work bearable even in the darkest times. Tracie I am so sorry for your loss . You and your family will be in my prayers . ❤️
Even though we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting I am sending you love and prayers to you Tracie. May God comfort you and be your rock now and always. 🤍
Rest easy Me-Ray. I will not forget how you could crack up a room with a well placed comment. The job could be stressful, but with a leader who took the helm with wit, humor, and caring, it was more than tolerable. We did have some fun!
You will be missed very much my brother
Sonny, I met you so many years ago when we moved across the street. You were still in high school. That smile was so friendly. You will see Bud on the other side. I’m sure. He loved going out with you on your midnight runs. My family will always hold your memory near our heart. Rest in peace my friend. Toni
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Ray was one of those 86 ers that were hired to staff the new jail on Potomac St. Part of their training I was told was a stint in Court Services where I was assigned. His first trip to the Big House was one my last before going to Patrol. It was snowing hard but he wanted to drive, so he did. I was a 1974 graduate of Alameda High School and never saw his face there at school. Not once. We must have been ditching on alternate days 😁😁. We never seemed to be assigned to the same Patrol Team but crossed paths often on the streets. Ray was my Lieutenant when I retired in January of 2008. I knew things were going to be okay when he took over, and things were. Rest in peace my brother and fellow Alameda Grad.
I had the pleasure of working with Ray in the Special Investigations Section. He could make a boring surveillance entertaining with his great sense of humor. My favorite was the “McRobbers”, yes a couple guys robbed dozens of McDonalds all over the metro area. We thought we spotted them casing a place but it was too busy to rob. I said the color of the car was a champagne gold, Ray said it was green. We continued to argue about this difference of opinion for years. Although our perceptions could differ we knew we could trust each other in any situation. Ray would show off the big scar on his chest & we’d concede it was because he had a big heart.
We had the pleasure of meeting Ray through our EVHOG Group. Your friendly smile will definitely be missed, our friend and hog brother it was a pleasure to ride along side of you. We are honored to have met such a wonderful man. You will be greatly missed, ride on dear friend. Prayers and comfort to Tracie and the family.
I was a Booking Tech at Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office when I met Ray. He was a great guy and fun to work with. Say Hi to Jesus for me and we will meet again someday
I am just speechless. I met Ray and Traci in 2016 and helped them purchase their Arizona home. Ray was one of the nicest clients I ever had. He listened and was always willing to help. He made me a person better. Thank you Ray for the short time I knew you. Ray knew how big a Patriots fan I was, but for today I am a Broncos fan. R I P Ray, will most likely run into you again. God Bless, Bill
Ray and I were both hired with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office in 1986. He was always such a joy to work with. We had some great conversations over the years. People at the Sheriff’s Office had so much respect for him. I can’t remember one bad thing ever said about Ray. When I was a Lieutenant, people used to tell me I was low key and didn’t get over excited about things. I used to say, “I learned that from Ray.” Rest in peace friend.
Ray and I were hired with the Sheriff’s Office in 1986. He was always such a joy to work with. People used to tell me I was low key and did not get overly excited about things. My response was, “Well I learned that from Ray. Rest easy friend.
Ray, you lifted all of us with your laughter and steadfast leadership. Law Enforcement is a difficult job but you never lost your kindness and sense of humor. We always knew that when you were on duty we could depend on you to make sane decisions to keep us safe and help the public. I remember that you were always so respectful, even when you had to take someone into custody you remembered their humanity. I cannot imagine how Tracie and your boys can go on without you. We will try to support them while those you have mentored continue to hold the high watch. I know your good works have followed you. I hope you are enjoying a Harley with Wings. May God hold you in His arms with an everlasting love.
So very sorry Tracy we had fun with you two it was so nice to know you both Ray was an outstanding person I can’t imagism not being able to be there Stay strong He will be missed by many I’m thankful I was able to know him and ride with him again so sorry
Ray was a co-worker at Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and a friend. Ray always had a smile on his face and had the unique ability to make others smile when just thinking about him. He always did a great job and was very well admired by his co-workers and everyone who he came in contact with. “God saw you were getting tired, And a cure was not to be, So he put his arms around you, And whispered, “Come to Me.” … God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.”
I met Ray on the first day of our ACSO Academy back in September 1986. Little did I know what a wonderful friendship we would have together. Life was always good when you were with Ray Rest in Peace My Brother!!
I served with Ray from the first day he was hired in 1986 until I left the SO in 1994. Ray was a staunch worker who NEVER shirked a task or back stabbed a friend. He will be missed by his brethren. Rest in piece Ray.
I have met a lot of individuals throughout my Air Force Career (22 1/2 yrs) and my last retirement employment as a Federal Investigator. In all that time I can count the number of people I can call a “Genuine Good Person” in one hand. Ray Torrez was at the top of that list. Even though I only knew him for eleven years he will always remain in my thoughts as a Good Friend. I will never forget the first time I met him and Tracie. Ray came and offered me something to drink after watching me struggle putting up a tent (that never came out right). A funny and lasting memory that formed a lasting friendship. You will be missed Ray. RIP my friend.
My deepest condolences to your family my prayers are with you Sonny.
You were like, the cool older brother.
I never had
I remember your Camaro. you would like to do, burnouts in front of your house.
I used to think you were the coolest guy, in our neighborhood
you werw always very nice and a great friend to the whole family
w bless you.
untill we meet again my friend
John D Maestas
Ride with the wind, Ray…
Ray and I met 34 years ago during our ACSO Academy, we became good friends and pretty close, where I feel if I had the time I could write a book on our friendship and working relationship. It would definitely include his family Little Ray, Anthony and of course the love of his life Tracy. I will definitely miss the monthly phone calls we generated since we retired. RIP Ray your friend Bernie
Tracy it’s been a long time I did not know your husband and havint seen you in a long time I just felt I needed to tell you how sorry I am to hear this
My heart hurts for my cousins Ray and Anthony and their families. Tracy, I’m so sorry for your loss as well. I know the feeling of loss but not the loss of a parent. Sending you big hugs and praying the Lord brings comfort and peace. My favorite memory of Sunny is when he came to Ignacio Colorado and we all pre-gamed at my place before enjoying an amazing concert of Los Lonely Boys with my parents, Aunt and Uncle and sister!!! What a great time! We will miss you cousin, say hi to all our loved ones that met you when you arrived, may you Rest In Peace. ❤️
I have been trying to think of something to write about Ray here, then i thought hmmmm “I like to, but I just flew in”
So sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. Our prayers are with you and our hearts ache for you Tracy, and for all of your family and friends. He will be missed by many. May you feel God’s presence, His peace, and His love,, now, and during the days ahead.
Ray was my first Lieutenant when I got assigned to Investigations. I was fortunate to get to know him on a personal level. His family was everything to him. Very simply put, Ray was a great man. All of us who knew him are better people. RIP Ray and God Bless your family