July 2, 1937 – February 18, 2026
John “Jack” Arthur Torrance, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Gowanda, New York, on February 18, 2026. He was comforted by the presence of his beloved wife, Susan (Campbell) “Sue,” who remained steadfastly by his side. Jack and Sue celebrated sixty-four years of marriage this past September—a testament to a lifetime of shared love and devotion.
Jack’s journey began in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York 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, Ohio, to Oxford, New Jersey, 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, and his four children: John C. Torrance, Jessica C.T. (J.R.) Kavanagh, Jason C. (Michele) Torrance, Joshua C. (Jennifer) Torrance. His legacy lives on through his 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 at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Gowanda, New York, on Saturday February 21, 2026 starting at 12 noon.
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, Gowanda Pine Hill Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc. 105 East Main Street in Gowanda, NY
