Raul Torres Obituary (1945

Husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Raul Torres has gotten his wings and is now free, flying high, watching over us. He left this world on November 26, 2010 in his home in Selah, Washington, surrounded by the loving arms and hearts of his family. Raul was born March 12, 1945 in Weslaco, Texas to Francisco and Francisca (Guerra) Torres. On February 27, 1966 he married his third-grade crush and high school sweetheart, Gloria O. Rodriguez in Mission, Texas. During their early years of marriage they traveled together from state to state working in the fields to make ends meet. During their travels they ended up setting roots in the State of Washington. It was during this time that he decided he wanted to build the best life for his new bride and with much hard work and dedication he attended college. His ability to always see the positive in things and with his ever-so-loyal wife, Gloria (Cookie), always standing by his side he was able to accomplish and reach every goal he set for himself. Raul spent his life in the service of others, serving in the US Army for 3 years and in the National Guard for 22 years, he was also a retired school teacher of 30 years. During his military years he received many medals such as: Army Achievement Medal-4, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal-2, Reserves Components Achievement Medial-3, Armed Forces Resource Medal, Washington State Commendation Medal, to name a few. He graduated from Central Washington University in 1973 where he received his teaching certificate. It was at this time that he realized his true calling in life, teaching. He impacted the lives of many students throughout the years, many times taking them under his wing, to support and guide them. He became a father figure to many students and made them believe in themselves when no one else did. Not only did he serve as a positive role model but he inspired them to reach for the stars. His attitude towards education was so infectious that soon his wife was inspired to go back to school and obtain her teaching certificate as well. Together, they embarked on a life long journey of making a difference to the many students that had the privilege of knowing them. He embraced his culture and was always more than willing to share it with others. His love of the Spanish language was many times spread not only to students but to the many professionals in the community who had the privilege of being taught Spanish from Senor Torres. When he became blind he did not see it as a barrier, he saw it as an opportunity to learn more; therefore, he attended various schools to learn to read and write Braille. He then became a great advocate for the Yakima Council of the Blind. Through all the years he continued doing all the things he loved such as bowling, board games, cooking and watching his favorite television shows. He also loved spending time with his family by telling jokes and sharing his life story. Raul was a very proud and devoted family man. His family was his world and he never hesitated to let everyone know that this was how he felt. He was always curious to find out who else he could be related to and often times when he met someone for the first time you would hear him ask, Where are you from and he would eagerly try and trace it back to his family. The amazing thing was that many times he did; therefore, his family kept growing. He is survived by his wife Gloria Torres of Selah, WA; daughters, Normalisa (Greg) Torres-Strom and Delia Mae (Daniel) Torres-Morse both of Yakima, WA; grandchildren, Alexa Brianne Torres and Johnny Raul Strom both of Yakima, WA; nephew-like-son Ricardo Casares-Torres of Yakima, WA; and his sisters, Maria A. Zavala of Weslaco, TX and Rosalinda Torres of Yakima, WA; brother Rene Torres of Wilton, CA. And many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews of which he was so eager to share his life with. He is preceded in death by his parents. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Shaw and Sons Funeral Directors, 201 N. Second Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Yakima Council of the Blind. The family extends its gratitude to Davita Dialysis Center, The University of Washington Medical Center, and the many physicians in Yakima for their compassion and support to our beloved father.