Eight Bells: Gordon Torresen

Gordon Torresen

Gordon Torresen, age 85, passed away Thursday July 28, 2016 in Muskegon, MI. He was born May 15, 1931 in Staten Island, NY, to Adolph & Elsie Torresen, the youngest of four children. Gordon moved to Muskegon in 1959 to take a job with Brunswick. His love of Muskegon Lake, racing sailboats, and helping his friends with their boats led Gordon to start Torresen Marine in 1965.

He would spend most of the next 50 years as a competitive racer and helping customers meet their dreams of enjoying their time on the water. Gordon’s abilities and work ethic resulted in his being inducted into the Michigan Boating Industries Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and recognized as 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce.

Due to Gordon’s desire to preserve Muskegon Lake, the asset that contributed to his favorite past time and business, Torresen Marine became the first certified Michigan Clean Marina in the area.

He married Joanne Boertman in 1968 and they had two children. He was three time commodore (1961, 62 & 64) and life member of the Muskegon Yacht Club and member of the Vikings. He was also an avid racer of 210 and J/24 sailboats, and he thrived on sailing upwind. As Gordon would say “Downwind is boring.”

He is survived by his daughter Kathleen Torresen of Muskegon, son Brian Torresen of Muskegon, Daughter-in-law Emma Torresen of Muskegon & granddaughters Lila & Elsie. Gordon was preceded in death by his wife Joanne, sister Edith and brothers John & Rob.

VISITATION: Thursday August 4, 2016 from 6-8 P.M. at the Young Funeral Home.

Source: Muskegon Chronicle