Obituary of Michael Torpey

Michael Torpey, 66, died January 3rd 2015 at his home in Seaside, CA. He was with his wife Becky Johnson and their son William M.Torpey of Santa Cruz, CA. Michael was cared for by hospice during a long battle with cancer. His family was with him when he passed. Born in Chicago Illinois to Rita Madeline (nee St Julien) and William Edward Torpey, Michael's family moved to New York where his father worked in the advertising business for several years before relocating to South Bend, Indiana where Michael graduated high school and then joined the Navy. He met his first wife in South Bend and their daughter, Adonna, was born. Michael served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge. Michael moved to California and married Becky Johnson in Santa Cruz. Their son William Torpey was born there. He worked with computer technology for many years. His older sister Caroline Marie (nee Torpey) Shank lives in Florida. A complicated & "big" personality,"Mike" had an unending curiosity for science nature and technology. He was an astronomer, Baha'i, beekeeper, bipolar, bird watcher, boy scout, brother, cannabis enthusiast, Catholic, citizen, cultivator, Dad, dog lover, farmer, furniture mover, professional gambler, husband, homeless Vet, IT technician, geek, lover of books, philanthropist, student of Native American Studies, sailor, saxophone player, scuba driver, son, truck driver(18 wheelers), service-connected disabled Vietnam veteran, writer. Michael is survived by his wife Becky Johnson, his son William, his daughter Adonna of South Bend Indiana, his sister, Caroline Shank of Florida, niece Laurie Zagorski (Nee Shank) and Madison and Matthew Zagorski, his nephew Kevin and Kevin's daughters Leah Wilde and Bella Stollenmaier, and two stepchildren, Rachel Johnson of Oakland California and Alexander Southard of Santa Cruz and two grandchildren Zack and Zoey. He is also survived by many friends, Terry Bolling of many years and Richard Feingold since high school and David Minton Silva, as well, to name only three. A funeral service will be held at Mission Park Mortuary, Seaside California Date and Time are pending. Please wear colorful clothing as Mike would have wished. In lieu of flowers donations in Michael Torpey's name to the St Joseph's Indian School South Dakota or to the visiting Nurse Association of Monterey County would be gratefully appreciated.