Lee Edwin Torrance passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side on September 7, 2026. He was born on March 24, 1950. Lee was the son of Edwin and Kathleen Torrance. Lee grew up in AuSable Forks, New York, graduated from AuSable Forks High School and continued his education at North Country Community College before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. His original plan was to become a teacher, but Lee loved the outdoors and hands-on work far too much to spend his life inside a classroom.

Lee was a dedicated husband, father, craftsman, firefighter, emergency medical technician, public servant, and friend whose life was defined by hard work, service, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. Whether as a firefighter, EMT, ski patroller, Fire Investigator, councilman, Communications Specialist, carpenter, or simply a neighbor willing to lend a hand, Lee spent his life serving others.

A gifted carpenter and handyman, Lee could build or fix just about anything, as witnessed by the countless hours he put into his daughters' houses. Throughout his career, he put his talents to work in a variety of roles. He worked for Torrance and Trumbull Construction for more than a decade and, during the winter months, worked on the Ski Patrol at Whiteface Mountain Ski Center. He was especially proud to have been part of Whiteface operations during the 1980 Winter Olympics. Lee later worked at Ward Lumber Company, Mirror Lake Inn, and as a Communications Specialist with the New York State Police for more than thirteen years until his retirement.

Lee's commitment to public service extended beyond his professional career. From January 1992 through December 1999, he served as a Town of Jay Councilman, helping guide and support the community he loved.

Beyond his work, Lee's true calling was public service. Lee began his fire service career with the AuSable Forks Fire Department before moving to Jay and joining the Upper Jay Volunteer Fire Department, where he served for 50 years. During those years, he also served as Fire Chief, helping lead and strengthen the department he loved. He answered countless calls and dedicated thousands of hours to protecting his neighbors and community. The fire service was not just something he did; it was part of who he was.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Lee traveled to New York City with a group of volunteers from Essex County to assist in the recovery efforts. It was just one more example of his lifelong commitment to serving others.

Lee was also an Emergency Medical Technician and a member of the AuSable Forks Volunteer Ambulance Service. Joining in 1974, shortly after the service was founded, he became a lifetime member and contributed more than five decades of volunteer service to his community.

In 2005, Lee became an Essex County Deputy Fire Coordinator, a role that allowed him to further support and strengthen the fire service throughout the county. In 2009, he became an Essex County Fire Investigator and earned national certification in 2010. Serving first as Car 24 and later as Car 16, he took great pride in determining fire causes, helping communities recover, and working alongside his fellow investigators. He especially enjoyed attending training programs with the team and valued the camaraderie they shared.

Lee was a straight shooter and a no-nonsense man. You always knew where you stood with him. He valued honesty, hard work, and doing things the right way. He never sought recognition for the things he did and was often surprised by the respect and appreciation others had for him.

Above all else, Lee loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jackie (Hearn) Torrance; their daughters, Meredith Torrance and Kallie Torrance; cousin Patricia (Torrance) Coolidge and her husband, Calvin; sister-in-law Nancy (Hearn) Hamilton; brothers-in-law Richard Hearn and his wife, Marian, and Robert Hearn; niece Jamie Hearn; nephews David Hamilton and his wife, Elaine, and Christian Hamilton and his wife, Danielle; niece Marlise (Hamilton) Rader and her husband, Josh; and great-nieces and great-nephews Annabelle, David, Ryan, Brody, and Chloe.

He also leaves behind his grand dogs, Teagan and Cooper, Meredith's beloved companions, and Miller, Kallie's loyal sidekick. Missing him as well will be Avery, Artemus, Orion, and especially Ripley, who was undeniably Lee's dog.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Kathleen Torrance, and his brother, Bruce Torrance.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a Memorial Service at 6:00, including Fire Department honors. There will be a reception at the Upper Jay Fire Department after the services.

In lieu of flowers donations can by made to Firefighter Cancer Support (www.firefightercancersupport.org) or High Peaks Hospice.

Lee's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the countless lives he touched through public service, the communities he protected, and the example he set through a lifetime of dedication to others.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, 3 College Street, AuSable Forks, New York.