Obituary of Peter Thomas Turner

Peter Turner of Calgary, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2008. Peter was born in Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, England to the late Mr. William (Bill) and Mrs. Rose Turner. Peter received his early piano training at the Berkshire Conservatory of Music, from there winning a scholarship to the Royal College of Music where he was awarded the Licentiate and Associate Diplomas in Piano Performance, Teaching and School Music. His teachers included Lance Dossor and the distinguished pianist and scholar, Denis Matthews. He gave recitals in London and English provincial towns and appeared as a soloist with orchestras. Peter became a member of the piano faculty at Mount Royal College in 1965 and was presented with a Distinguished Teaching Award. His students, past and present, have enjoyed success at local, provincial and national levels. He retired from Mount Royal in 1998 and then enjoyed teaching in his home. He was a senior examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music and adjudicated extensively across Canada. Peter was also the beloved organist for Riverview United Church (Living Spirit) from 1965 to 1980. He was one of the most outstanding piano teachers in Canada. Peter gave unstintingly of his time and helped his students to exercise their talents to the fullest. He taught them life skills as well and in return they adored him. During his year of illness with cancer they and their parents were of great support. He loved teaching, England, afternoon tea, and his garden. Peter became a Canadian citizen in 2006. Peter is survived by his sister-in-law Mrs. Doris (Ken) Turner and her two daughters, Barbara Gibson and Julie Turner of Australia as well as his cousins Diana Chibbett, Celia McCullough and Pamela Coventry of England. He will be missed the most by his close friends Stutt Pottruff of Calgary and Haig Robinson of Ipswich, Suffolk, England. Peter was predeceased by his two brothers, Ron and Ken. A Memorial Service will be held at Scarboro United Church, 134 Scarboro Avenue S.W. on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Judy A. Chapman DM officiating. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire memorial tributes may be sent directly to the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival, 450, 301 – 14 St. N.W, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 2A1, 403-283-6009 or directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. Stutt would like to thank Dan Morin, Unit 47 of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the Agape Hospice for their loving care of Peter. In living memory of Peter Turner, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.