Donald Edwin Torguson – Medford News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2011-03-20

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Donald Edwin Torguson Mar 20, 2011 12:00 AM A A February 3, 1928 - March 10, 2011 Donald Edwin Torguson, 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 10, 2011. He was born to Edwin Cornelius and Manetta (Mosher) Torguson on February 3, 1928 in Los Angeles, Calif., and lived in Southern California until 1986 when he retired to Medford, Oregon. Don served his country honorably in the Navy in the Pacific theater during World War II. He worked as a deputy sheriff in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department before becoming a teacher at Sun Valley Junior High School. Don received his Bachelor's Degree in English and the Humanities, and his Master's Degree in Education Supervision and Administration from California State University, Northridge. Don was also a graduate of the U.S. Navy School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill. Don was an active western historian and scholar. He was Sheriff of the Los Angeles Corral of the Westerners, President of the San Fernando Valley Sportsman's Club, a Director of the Death Valley 49ers, Noble Grand Humbug of Platrix Chapter #2 of E Clampus Vitus, and the Exalted Ruler of the Medford Elks Lodge #1168. He was recipient of the Westerners International "Philip A. Danielson Award for Excellence in Historical Writing" for his work on Hubert Howe Bancroft. Don is survived by his wife of 51 years, Eleanor; his children, Kirsten and Michael Torguson (Laura); three grandchildren, Donald and Nicole Felan, and Stephen Geyer; his dog, Lucy; and countless others whose lives he touched with integrity and thoughtfulness. Don requested that remembrances in his name be directed to either the Humane Society of Southern Oregon or the Medford Gospel Mission. Private services were held at the Eagle Point National Cemetery. Don, you are forever in our hearts. All who knew you will remember your good humor and kindness. Donald Edwin Torguson