E. Silas Torvend

Obituary E. Silas Torvend 1921-2015   We give thanks to our loving God for the life of the Reverend E. Silas Torvend, born on December 2, 1921, to Silas and Emma Torvend in Silverton, Oregon. He died on April 17, 2015, in Tacoma, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Palmer (+ Nordis); and his sister, Agnes Phillips (+ James). He is survived by Alice Kjesbu Torvend, his spouse of 67 years; his sisters, Eunice Hansen (+Allen) and Olga Christian (+ Charles); his son, Samuel (Sean Horner); his daughter, Rebecca (Frank Rainsberger); his beloved grandson, Rex Torvend Rainsberger; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graduate of Silverton High School, he received the B.A. in Sociology from Pacific Lutheran University (1947) and the M.Div. from Luther Seminary (1950). He was ordained a Lutheran pastor in 1950 and received his first call to Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Puget Island, WA). He served Lutheran parishes in Burlington (WA), founded Bethel (Cupertino, CA), served at Emmanuel (North Hollywood, CA), Christ (Lakewood, WA), Glendale (Burien, WA), St. Mark's (Lacey, WA), and Trinity (Parkland, WA). He continued his post-graduate education at the Graduate Theological Union (Berkeley, CA), Cambridge University (England), and St. Andrew's University (Scotland). He was a steadfast supporter of his alma mater, Pacific Lutheran University, where 17 members of the Kjesbu and Torvend families were educated. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed golfing with friends in Canada, England, Scotland, and the U.S. He was a steadfast supporter of teams with both winning and losing records ("There's still hope!"). He possessed an uncanny knowledge of the plays that would spell victory or defeat on the baseball or football field and would frequently urge players from the stands or in front of the television to follow his sage advice. He served as a regent of California Lutheran University (Thousand Oaks, CA), chair of the board of Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, and was an expert trainer in Stephen's Ministry. His ability to guide flourishing parishes was recognized by the Lutheran World Federation in sending European pastors and administrators to observe his use of organizational methods in sustaining healthy congregations. And yet he was best known for his warm and magnanimous personality, his open welcome to friend and stranger alike, his affirmation of those marginalized in American society, his resistance to judgmental forms of Christian faith and life, and his abiding respect and concern for the lives of others. Silas embodied the unconditional grace of God and the love of Christ for this earth and its many and diverse inhabitants. May he and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Three events mark his death: a Vigil with sharing of memories on Friday, April 24, 7:00 p.m., at the Gaffney Funeral Home (1002 South Yakima Av., Tacoma, WA; 253-572-6003); the Holy Communion with Commendation on Saturday, April 25, 1:00 p.m., at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows, followed by reception (6730 North 17th Street, Tacoma, WA 98406; 253-752-4966); and, after the Holy Communion, Burial at Dunn Cemetery (also known as Harmony Cemetery: from Interstate 5, south of Chehalis, east on Highway 12, through Mossyrock for 1.5 miles; right turn where Larson Road intersects Highway 12). In lieu of flowers, the family recommends gifts to the Silas and Alice Torvend Scholarship at Pacific Lutheran University (Office of Advancement, PLU, 12180 Park Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98447); Faith Action Network (The Rev. Paul Benz, FAN, 6218 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108); or St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.