Stephan Pauls TorokJune 17, 1951 - September 3, 2017Stephan Pauls Torok was born on June 17, 1951 in Elgin, Illinois to Ernest Joseph & Margaret "Peggy" Pauls Torok. His family soon relocated to Salem, where he attended Highland Elementary, Waldo & Parrish Middle schools, and graduated in 1969 from North Salem High. He earned his associates degree at Western Oregon State College. Steve met Mary Evans in 1975, and they were married in 1977. Steve was a driver for USSF Reddaway for 30 years, then retired and went on to drive school bus for the Salem Keizer School District.Steve passed away very unexpectedly on September 3rd. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary; daughter, Emily (Curtis) Sloan & their children, Malia & Grady; & son Benjamin (Samantha) & children, Talon & Kaya Torok. He is also survived by his sisters, Margaret Gaffrey of Salem; Robin Duffy of West Jordan, UT; Marilynn Russell of Portland; & Maryann O'Day, of Federal Way, WA.Stephan was preceded in death in his infancy by his father, Ernie; his stepfather Leon Russell; his mother, Peggy; & brothers Ronald & David Russell. For more than 40 years, Steve officiated high school & college football games throughout the Pacific NW. It was one of the many things he loved doing. Another of his favorite activities was riding his bicycle with his dear friend, Frank Witherspoon. They traveled countless miles over the years. A source of great pride was his "wall of grandkids." He adored his grandchildren, and was always encouraging and supportive of their many interests. Always the proud Grampy, he attended gymnastics meets for Malia, watching her become a talented gymnast. Baseball is the sport for Talon and Steve attended as many games as possible, rooting & cheering for Talon & his team. Grady's sport of choice is basketball. Steve enjoyed watching as Grady was becoming more proficient with each game, even enrolling him in and taking him to a basketball camp just last week at The Hoop. Then there is Kaya, at 2 years old, whose "sport" was wrapping Grampy around her little finger! She was quite skilled at this. Steve & Mary had become RV owners and enjoyed camping together, with and without the grandkids. Steve loved the outdoors, hiking & biking, but not yard work. He loved his Oregon Ducks, especially football, attending many home games and very seldom missing a game on TV. His sense of humor was a gift he shared with everyone, and the amount of trivia inside his head put others to shame. Why did you leave us so soon, Dad? "It never hurts to ask!"A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, Sept. 9th at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.