The Death Of Bill Torrens

[thea_447]

It is with a heavy heart that I report the death of Bill Torrens, a former poster here who was one of the finest historians I've ever known.

Although Bill was a librarian in Buckinghamshire, England, and had lived his entire life in England, his heart belonged to the Confederate States of America.

About 7 years ago, I believe I joined this board and was met with enthusiasm by Tommy, also known as aphillbilly or mental_nomad, but mostly as Tommy.

We thought we were debating pretty well until we met Bill Torrens who taught us that there is indeed an "art" to it. I believe this was about a year after I joined. Then a lovely Canadian lady named Dawna joined us and we became the "Fab Four", debating right and left.

Alas, May 31, 2005 Bill found out he had colon cancer and swore us to secrecy. He went through all the chemo and drug treatments that they could dish at him and many times we all had our hopes up, only to be dashed. But Bill was so merry about it and kept right on writing on the boards.

Eventually we moved on to other boards and kept up the debates. And Bill and Barbara, his wife, continued their wonderful trips all over Europe sending back pictures of gorgeous castles, villages, cathedrals, etc.

And we kept planning "the trip". The trip was for the four of us to all meet at my house in Alabama and go to as many historic sites as possible, each night coming home to sit in the rock garden and drink "mint juleps" as Bill made me promise to make, although I've never had a mint julep in my life.

But this last trip to the hospital was to be just that. Barbara sent a note to us all saying that Bill had died on Thursday morning 6th March 2008 about 9.15 am British time. (I just got the message around 11 this a.m.)

We have all lost a valued friend, the finest debater I will ever meet again, and the South has lost it's greatest messenger.

If you believe in toasts, please drink one and raise your glass high to the finest "Southerner" the South never produced, Bill Torrens.

Thea, Tommy, and Dawna
__________________________________________________ __________

I am editing this thread because I thought I'd already posted Barbara's wishes about Donations in Bill's honor but I cannot find it on this forum so please, excuse me if this is the second time.

Barbara sent me this the other day and I am posting exactly as she send it to me.
THEA

Hello Thea,

This is the charity I have nominated for any donations in Bill's memory:-

www.beatingbowelcancer.org

And this is the email their finance chap sent me about making donations:-

"......There are various ways in which to donate to our charity. One of the best ways to be able to coordinate all donations in this circumstance is to donate online through the website www.justgiving.com/bowelcancermemory which is a secure site we have set up whereby donors can make donations in memory of loved ones etc and include a message, and we then record all donations in a special memorium book we keep at the charity. Or you could even set up your own memory page.

Our main website, www.beatingbowelcancer.org lists all the various ways (under ‘how to help’-donate) in which donations can be made securely including the above, or for simplicity we can take credit card donations over the phone (not Amex)".

I hope this is useful. I haven't made a donation myself yet but I will be shortly.I hope you are all ok.

Love Barbara

[thea_447]

Unionblue,
My head is spinning but I forgot to tell you personally something.

Bill told me that he didn't think it would be at all disloyal to us (after the "Bama" trip) if he dropped by your place in Ohio just to see whom he has been debating.

I told him I didn't think so either. I just thought you'd like to know that. You two really had some rounds, no matter what forum you were on.

Thea

[rivrrat]

Thea, it is good to hear from you again. I am so sorry that it is death that brings you back. Bill was a worthy opponent and many of us have missed him. The world is poorer for his passing.

[samgrant]

Sorry to hear that, Thea. Bill was a good bloke.

-

[unionblue]

Thea,

I have no words.

Bill was just not a logon ID to me, but had become such a dear friend and fellow traveler.

I do not make friends easily.

I take the loss of one even less so.

We are so much poorer for this loss, not only at this and other boards, but because we have lost a dear friend.

My prayers and with Barbara and with you, Dawna and Tommy. Bill is already at peace and I am sure has many questions of those that have went on before him.

We were fortunate to have known him and I am a better person because of him, because he took the time to both learn and teach.

I will miss him.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

[ole]

The loss of Bill is hard to hear. I will figure out how to make a mint julep, and hoist one in his honor. Meanwhile, I hope he doesn't mind a beer -- even if it is ice cold. Cheers, Bill. You're missed.

ole

[johan_steele]

A pity, the Confederacy never had a better advocate.

[cedarstripper]

I too am sorry to hear of Bill's passing. His arguments were always well backed up with research, great rationale, great intelligence and civility. I'll join in on the toast.

Cedarstripper

[unionblue]

ole, johan, & cedarstripper,

A toast to Bill Torrens.

A staunch supporter of the South, an English cousin who loved American history, a gentleman and dear friend whom we all shall miss greatly.

Unionblue

[matthew mckeon]

What a great sense of humor he had. "Swivel eyed loonie" Such a sharp, thoughtful, thought provoking man.