John Arthur "Jack" Torrance, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Gowanda on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was born on July 2, 1937.
Jack was comforted by the presence of his beloved wife, Susan "Sue" (Campbell), who remained steadfastly by his side. Jack and Sue celebrated 64 years of marriage this past September -- a testament to a lifetime of shared love and devotion.
Jack's journey began in Cleveland, OH. He attended Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, where fate stepped in and he met Sue. He graduated from Clarkson University in 1959 with a degree in chemical engineering. Shortly after graduation, Jack began his professional career with Packard Electric and proudly served as an officer in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1969.
His career took the family from Warren, OH to Oxford, NJ, where he worked for B.P. Chemicals before Jack and Sue finally returned "home" to Gowanda for their retirement years in 2000.
Faith remained a cornerstone of his life; Jack and Sue have most recently been active members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fredonia. Jack was a man who believed in the roots of a community -- both literally and figuratively. Affectionately dubbed "Tree Guy" by his grandchildren, he was an ardent supporter of the Arborist Society and a dedicated member of the Gowanda Tree Committee, as well as serving for many years as Treasurer of the Gowanda Pine Hill Cemetery Board. His commitment to service extended to his long-standing involvement with the Gowanda Shriners and the Gowanda Kiwanis Club (President). In 2006, Jack and Sue received the Spirit of Gowanda Award for Community Service.
When he wasn't volunteering, Jack found joy in the solitude of his hobbies. He was an avid gardener, a painter, and a fisherman. He also possessed a deep curiosity for the past, spending countless hours conducting extensive genealogical research to preserve his family's history.
Jack is survived by his sister, Judith (Larry) Scott; his four children, John C. Torrance, Jessica C.T. (J.R.) Kavanagh, Jason C. (Michele) Torrance and Joshua C. (Jennifer) Torrance; eight cherished grandchildren, Emmet Torrance; Eric, Jocelyn and Bethany Kavanagh, Madison and Matthew Torrance, and Sophie and Noah Torrance.
A service in celebration of Jack's life will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 12:00 PM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Gowanda.
For those wishing to honor Jack's love for nature and his community, the family suggests that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the following organizations which Jack held dear: Gowanda Tree Committee, Gowanda Kiwanis Club, and Gowanda Pine Hill Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 East Main Street in Gowanda.
