Obituary of Gerald Robert Mark TURNER

January 10, 1941 – Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, India

May 31, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Gerald Robert Mark Turner of Calgary, Alberta passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at the age of 79 years.

Gerald was born in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, India on January 10th, 1941. He spent his childhood years in India, before moving back to England and then eventually immigrating to Canada. He passed away peacefully on the morning of May 31st, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta.

Gerald is survived by his wife Bridget, his children Connor, Max and Theadra, his daughter-in-law Caitlin, and his granddaughter Theodora. Gerald is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews that he adored - Jane, Carol, Linda, James, Julie, Norah, Dian, Noel and Mairead. Gerald was predeceased by his father Alfred Gerald Aitkins Turner, his cherished mother Theodora Isabella Turner, and his beloved sister Theodora Ann Turner.

He lived an adventurous life that was filled with travel, hard work, love, and laughter. He was a man who said very little, but when he did, he told elaborate and fascinating stories. He was eternally optimistic, full of worldly advice, and no matter the circumstances he didn’t let life weigh him down.

Gerald lived a ‘renaissance man’ lifestyle, by first studying at the Ealing College of Art in London and then pursuing careers as a carpenter, crystal store owner, real estate agent, software developer, tailor’s assistant, portrait artist, and most noteworthy travelling the world within the Oil & Gas industry as an MWD/DD. Gerald loved to travel and would share stories about growing up in the mountains of the Himalayas and art scene in London and his adventures in the Middle East, South America, North Africa and Northern Alberta. His ‘biggest achievements’ include an incredibly disappointing 2-190 record in NHL 1998 for the Sega Genesis after numerous losses to his youngest son and his collection of friends.

Gerald’s favourite sayings were “it is simple trigonometry my dear son”, “art is everywhere in life”, “that was unfair his players were monsters”, and “well, if you are offering I will actually take that cup of tea.” Gerald will always be remembered by his dry wit, overt politeness, sense humour, never wearing shorts or jeans, his modest chuckle, and an insatiable appetite for tea, coffee and cigarettes.

Due to COVID and family considerations, a celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at the end of July 2020 in Calgary, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that a donation be made to Antyx Community Arts Society (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/antyx-community-arts/). Gerald was a passionate supporter of the arts and we know he would love knowing that future generations are able to get involved in the arts.
 

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gerry’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Gerald Turner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.