Tormey Louis Ward

Tormey Louis Ward peacefully passed away September 2, surrounded by his family in Scottsdale, AZ. Tormey is survived by his wife Carol, his children and their spouses, Michael Ward (Jennifer), Sheila Asher (Scot), Linda Spingler (Andrew), Brian Ward; his grandchildren Jackson, Nathan and Marshall Spingler, Maggie and Katie Asher, Megan, Michael, and Riley Ward, Ethan and Hunter Ward; his sisters Joan Joiner (Warren) and Christine Coil (John).

A native of San Mateo, CA, Tormey was born August 24, 1938 to Elizabeth and Carl Ward. Tormey’s meaningful life will not be defined by his professional career or service awards, which were plenty, but rather a legacy of kindness and caring, being a man for others, a genuine friend and the epitome of a loving family man.

A graduate of Junipero Serra High School (San Mateo, CA) and the University of Notre Dame, Torm’s interest in joining the seminary after finishing college was derailed during his freshman year in South Bend when he met Carol Kruse of Indianapolis on a blind date. Carol and Torm were a great team who would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this November 25.

After graduating from Notre Dame, Carol and Torm returned to the Bay Area where he embarked on a 38-year career in banking with Wells Fargo, University Bank & Trust, and Comerica Bank. Throughout those years, Tormey was unselfish in service to his community, especially the Menlo Park Kiwanis club, bringing that same commitment to Arizona through countless volunteer hours with St. Vincent de Paul and working tirelessly to make the dream of a permanent church for the St. Rose Catholic Community a reality.

Welcoming, kind, humble, and engaging, if you didn’t know Tormey and found yourself in the same room, you weren’t a stranger for long. He was old-school with a firm handshake while he looked you in the eye, showed a genuine interest in you, and offered a smile that put you at ease. His outgoing personality and generosity served as the glue that tied communities together.

In their empty nest years, Tormey and Carol enjoyed traveling the world on cruises and especially loved annual trips to Hawaii. They continued to make friends wherever they lived, and always had canine companions. Ben and Hannah will miss their daily walks and treats with Big T.

Tormey’s devotion to his family was unmatched, as a coach and spectator of his kids’ athletic endeavors, to spending countless afternoons watching his grandkids on the field, court and ice. Sunday dinners with family fed his soul, the more kids and grandkids in the house, the better. Always deeply appreciative of a good meal and the cooks who prepared it, Torm enjoyed his Tito’s with a lemon twist before dinner and good wine, and took more joy in the gathering itself and the blessings that surrounded him. He also loved his sports - his Giants during his California days and his belief that his adopted Diamondbacks would figure it all out one day. He also enjoyed a day with friends or family on the golf course (with two holes in one in his career) or simply watching his favorite players on TV.

Deeply proud of his family, Torm relished in his grandchildren’s achievements and professional endeavors, never missing an opportunity to brag a little (or a lot). One of Tormey’s great highlights came in early summer 2018, with four college graduations in three weeks. Donning his “Gradapalooza 2018” t-shirt throughout Chicago, Madison, Boston, and Santa Clara, Grandpa T was quick to approach strangers and share the meaning of the well-worn shirt with pride.

While Tormey’s deep faith could be found in his passionate commitment to the parishes where they lived, it was more evident in the way he lived his life each day. Faith in action sustained Tormey, whether sharing God’s word at Mass, or his unwavering generosity of his time and gifts.

If we could ask Tormey how he would wish to be remembered, he would first dismiss all the attention and be content that he was a faithful man, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a good friend and, someone who tried to make the world a better place. The way he lived his life was his message; the way he loved his family was his instruction; the way he treated people was his lesson.

A part of all of us has left with him; a part of him will always stay with us.

A mass and Celebration of Life will be held at Brophy College Preparatory Chapel (4701 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012) on Saturday, October 16 at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tormey’s name to the St. Vincent de Paul – Phoenix https://www. stvincentdepaul.net/give or the Vi-Grayhawk Residents’ Foundation 7501 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Box 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255