Charles Anthony Torres

Type of Donation:       Corneas and Tissues

Age and Location:      Age 56 – San Bernardino, CA

Date of Donation:           01/02/2021

Sponsor:                      Honored by OneLegacy

CHARLES’S STORY

In our world of sophisticated technology, if you could place an order for the most giving son, brother, or friend, you would be gifted Charles Anthony Torres.

Charles lived a humble lifestyle but made a point of always being charitable and willing to lend a helping hand. He lived his short life to a fault, always putting others before himself. He gave with an open heart and without hesitation, never asking for anything in return. If you met him, you were his friend; of which he had so many. We would go out somewhere and enviably someone would say, "Hello" to him. When asked, "Who is that?" He would say, "My friend."

Charles was a proud California native, passionate about his sports teams. He was always rooting for the LA Dodgers or LA Chargers, especially when they were the underdogs. He would not give up on his teams and always had something positive to say about them. When his family and friends would give him a tough time about how poorly his team was doing, he would say with a confident smile, "next year." He was also a huge music fan of all genres. He enjoyed attending concerts (often proudly wearing a new tee shirt of the last concert he attended); and listening to music on vinyl records.

As Charles did not have a Pink Dot on his driver's license, his family's decision to donate Charles' corneas made them proud. They knew that Charles would be happy helping someone in need; and he would approve of the decision his family made on his behalf.

His generosity was always without recognition. Until his passing, Charles' family was not aware of his countless charitable deeds towards others. Charles was taken from us at the early age of 56. His corneas were donated to a 20-year-old young man.

His family knows that with his humble style and with an infectious smile, Charles would be wondering why he was selected to be a member of the 2025 Donate Life Rose Parade float; probably saying, "I never did anything special." His family and multitude of friends would overwhelming disagree. He will always be lovingly remembered for his larger than life giving heart.