It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Bruce Arnold Torbett. Born on November 30, 1938, in Enid, Oklahoma, Bruce was the beloved son of Eugene Edward Torbett and Louise Mildred Schmitt.

Bruce's early life in Enid was filled with athleticism and spirit. He excelled in little league baseball and was a standout football player at Enid High School, where he was co-captain and proudly wore number 51. He was also honored as Homecoming King. After graduating in 1956, Bruce continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, earning a Bachelor of Accounting and completing most of his coursework for a Master's degree. During his time at OU, he was a proud member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Bruce honorably served his country in the Marine Corps from 1960 to 1968. In his professional career, he achieved significant success as a CFO/President for multiple worldwide companies and was a respected member of the Oklahoma AICPA for over 40 years. He served on multiple boards and the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce.


Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce lived a life full of passion and adventure. He loved to travel the world, was an avid golfer, and had a deep appreciation for classical music. He cherished his trips to the theater with his daughter Susan, enjoying multiple performances together. He loved a good seafood meal accompanied by a fine wine. With a true connoisseur's palate, he sampled the top ten Cabernet wines in the world.

Bruce was a devout Catholic who also attended Presbyterian services with his mother in addition to Catholic Mass on Sundays. He taught Sunday school and participated in other church activities. He developed a close bond with Father Flusche, who presided over parishes in several cities where Bruce lived, nurtured by a shared appreciation for fine wine and classical music.

Bruce was a devoted fan of the OU Sooners, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Bears. He found joy in shooting guns with his grandsons and son-in-law, Jeffrey Robb, and treasured eagle watching with Jeff and his daughter Susan. He particularly cherished the months he spent in Scottsdale, Arizona, watching his grandsons grow, playing sports, and participating in various activities, profoundly influencing the amazing men they are today. They remained very close with regular weekly conversations. Embracing his Irish heritage, he enjoyed visits to local pubs and was affectionately known as "Pops" at his oldest daughter's local bar in Florida; many of us had a hard time keeping up with his spirited fun. Bruce also found immense joy in visiting and spoiling his grand dog, Gracie, who was a constant comfort during his health recoveries.

The day after his passing, his doctor extended his condolences, sharing how kindhearted and wonderfully positive Bruce remained, even while enduring numerous health challenges during his stay. He even flirted with the nurses! Bruce never met a stranger and was a master storyteller, recounting tales with impeccable detail to both new and old friends. His love for reading was evident in the vast knowledge he would share on a variety of subjects, and people often commented on his amazing stories.

Bruce was truly one of the best men many of us had the privilege of knowing. His integrity and kindness were unwavering. He was an amazing father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. While going through his belongings, we found a book gifted to him upon leaving Ponca City, bearing an inscription that perfectly captures the sentiment of those that he left behind:
"The pain of leaving Ponca can only be matched by the joy of knowing there stays a gentle man who shares his love with those who remain."

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Edward Torbett and Louise Mildred Schmitt, and his siblings, John Eugene Torbett and Teresa Louise Manhart and his son-n-law Jeffrey Robb. Bruce is survived by his daughters, Kristen Vedder and Susan Robb, his grandchildren, Alec Vedder, Austin Vedder and Madeline Gomez, and several nieces and nephews.


A Memorial Service will be Saturday, September 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Church of St. Mary, in Tulsa.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151