Gary Torrens

It is with a deep sense of sadness that we share the passing of The Rev. Dr. Gary David Torrens on May 27, 2026.

Showing love in all its facets, Gary Torrens spent the last 60 years as a Presbyterian minister, an advocate, a teacher, an apostle, and an example. His story is one of sharing God’s love with everyone. It is a story of love - Gary’s love of God and God’s children.

Gary’s life began on March 2, 1939 in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska. He was the oldest son of Leslie and Janet Torrens. His childhood was spent in Wahoo, NE where he enjoyed all the facets of small town living. He attended Midland College, University of Nebraska, Yale Divinity School and McCormick Theological Seminary.

It was in October of 1963, while at Yale that he, along with students from Stanford and Yale, went to Mississippi to participate in the Freedom Vote, a mock election organized in Mississippi to combat the disenfranchisement among African Americans. This experience was a turning point in Gary’s life and the result was his ministry of justice and equality.

Gary served as associate pastor of West Cincinnati Presbyterian Church during the 1960’s before he enrolled in McCormick Seminary’s doctoral program. He received his DMin and began his service to the larger church. He served as Associate Synod Executive of the Synod of the Northeast (Syracuse, NY), Executive Presbyter of East Iowa Presbytery (Iowa City, IA) and Associate Stated Clerk of the General Assembly in Louisville, KY. He served at all levels of the Presbyterian Church, and his final position was in the Office of the General Assembly/General Assembly Council Office of Governing Body Relations where he worked with all the Synods and Presbyteries of the church.

When he retired, communications arrived from all over the country, expressing love and appreciation for what Gary meant to individuals personally, and to the greater church. Gary showed great skill as a listener, modeling what it meant to be a servant pastor and Executive Presbyter. He was a welcoming presence, and always had time to connect, reminisce and laugh. He put his heart into his office by serving as a model of faithfulness and confidence that communicated peace and calmness to those being tossed about by turbulence and anxiety. He was a kind and gentle spirit with a non-anxious presence. He was known for his wise words, thoughtful papers, careful truthtelling, creative training, pastoral mentoring, teacher and spiritual friend. His soft spoken wisdom, knowledge, commitment, and expertise will be greatly missed.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, Leslie and Janet Torrens and his first wife Jeanne. Left to love and honor his memory are his wife Arlene McAulay Torrens, sons Michael (Claudia Radel) and Timothy, daughters Jennifer Toepfer (Todd) and Debra Semler (Steve), sister Judy Roh, brother Gene Torrens (Becky), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunt and uncle and numerous cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 am at Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church, 119 Central Avenue, Pewee Valley, KY. Visitation will be from 9:00 - 10:45 am at the church. Following the service, a meal will be served.

Memorial donations in Gary’s name may be made to Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.