Owen Rudy Torguson

Owen Rudy Torguson
Husband, Father, Grandfather (Papa)

“A beautiful and strong soul is never forgotten”

Sunrise April 29, 1946 - Sunset March 11, 2023

Referred to as a beloved husband, father, grandfather (“papa”), Owen was born in Washington, D.C. to Rudy and Ida Torguson and grew up in Forestville, Maryland. He graduated from Suitland High School in 1964 and attended the five-year journeyman program at Steamfitters Local 602 school-graduating in only four years (rather than the typical five) and representing the Local at Purdue University exemplified his abiding and relentless approach to his work—and to life.

After a proud 45-year career in the HVAC field, Owen retired in 2012. During his career, Owen was proud of his role as a trusted mentor--imparting his knowledge and skills of the trade to help his peers reach great heights in their HVAC careers.  As a deliberate, flawless, and intentional leader, Owen had an excellent work ethic and proven problem-solving skills that not only gave him a stellar reputation in his industry—but were qualities that were passed down to his hard-working son (Ryan) and daughter (Rebecca). Many have indicated that he taught them everything they know both in and outside the industry. 

In addition to a long-standing career, Owen was a dedicated, loyal, and loving husband and father first and foremost. Owen and his beautiful and devoted wife, Cherry, were married for over 47 years. They had many wonderful and lasting memories together, among them were the purchase of their historic Aquasco, Maryland home and the birth of their two children, Rebecca, and Ryan.

Owen was devoted to his family.  Given his love for the outdoors, he regularly took them camping and skiing. But by far, his favorite family time was walks around the 13 acres of his beautiful home. Before he passed, Owen took his grandson, Rory, (and his dog “Ruby”) to the “north 40,” a common saying that he used to refer to his property.

In addition to his love for his family, Owen enjoyed drag car racing and won best car in show at the Rod and Custom Show in Washington, DC.  After he retired, he loved working on his house and taking care of the property on which he lived.   Additionally, Owen had a fondness for animals, like his horse, pony, dogs, and cats—which further proved his loving and empathetic spirit.

Owen succumbed to Lewy Body Dementia after battling the disease for several years.  He is survived by his loving wife, Cherry, children Rebecca and Ryan (and his wife, Kim), two grandchildren, Rory and Parker, as well as three sisters, and their families.

In addition to being the definition of a strong Norwegian storyteller, (dry) comedian, and Mr. “fix-it,” beyond all, he was a loving, sincere, and loyal man, husband, father, and papa—who will be forever missed, but never forgotten. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for family and friends to donate, in Owen's memory, to the Lewy Body Dementia Association: https://www.lbda.org/donate/