It is with great sadness that the family announces the tragic sudden death of our son, father and grandfather Rickie Ron Torwalt of Saskatoon, formerly of LeRoy, on Sunday, October 24, 2010 in Saskatoon. Rickie was born the only son of Walter and Sylvia (Romanow) Torwalt in Saskatoon on March 29, 1955. Rickie obtained his education in LeRoy. Following high school he entered the workforce, working at the Lanigan Potash Mine, for Cash Motors in Humboldt and for Flexicoil in Saskatoon. Rickie also worked on the farm very closely with his father. Never afraid of hard work or a challenge, Rickie obtained his pilot license and graduated from HEINZE Institute with Computer Applications Specialist and Hardware Specialist diplomas. He had an entrepreneurial spirit, which allowed him to deal in real estate (housing and farmland), own property in Cancun and eventually brought him to own his own business, Heavy Metal Recyclers Ltd. He thoroughly loved his work and always had fun along the way. Rickie was a patient, hard-working man who had a love of farming, blues music, and traveling, especially in Mexico. He had a passion for Corvettes and Harley Davidson Motorcycles and the restoration of them. His love and talent for building vehicles showed in his meticulous work to restore a Model A Ford, which he proudly drove, and in the red Harley that he built. Rickie would be best described as a "mechanical wizard" as he could weld and repair anything to do with engines or metal, a talent he inherited from his father. Even though Rickie was an extremely busy man, he always found time for friends and family. Rickie never judged anyone and always had a kind word to say about the people around him. He made some very good friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Rickie will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his partner, Debbie Tamke of Saskatoon; son, Christopher Rickie Hallberg (Katherine Andersen) and grandchildren, Justin, Emilee, and Sara all of Saskatoon; Chris's mother, Dianne Hallberg of La Ronge; daughter, Shannon Phoenicia Torwalt (Marc Lebastard) of Saskatoon; Shannon's mother, Judy Mitchell of Saskatoon; father, Walter Torwalt (fiancé Henrietta Murray) of LeRoy; members of Henrietta's family; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. Rickie was predeceased by his mother, Sylvia (2002); maternal grandparents, Adam and Alexandra Romanow; and paternal grandparents, Martin and Martha Torwalt. A Lutheran Funeral Service was held on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church LeRoy, officiated by Pastor Lisa Skogsrud. Others taking part in the service were: organist, Eileen Block, vocalist, Leona Wakelam and words of remembrance were given by, Tracy McLean. Honorary pallbearers were: Darcy McLean, Werner Moellenbeck, Bob Bendig, Neil Stein, James Kowalski, Chirs Hudye, Neil Zentner and Ken Crowter. Active pallbearers were: Chris Hallberg, Chris Schira, Kirk Rose, Brian Kowalchuk, Mitch Parkinson and Pat Weisgerber. Interment followed at Holy Rosary R.C. Cemetery LeRoy, beside his mother. Memorial donations in Rickie's memory may be directed to The Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to MALINOSKI & DANYLUIK FUNERAL HOME Humboldt
