Obituary of Donald Raymond Turner

December 16, 1935 - Calgary, Alberta

August 7, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Donald Turner of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the age of 88 years.

Don was the second youngest of six children, Phyllis, Roberta, Wilfred, Frank and Steve. He attended Crescent Heights High School where he enjoyed playing rugby and where he met his wife, of 57 years Ruth. Don joined the air force reserves where he learned to fly P52 Mustangs, bombers, and even jets. This love of planes and flying would continue for the rest of his life.

Don apprenticed as a carpenter and became a master mechanic, yet his career started as a truck driver and quickly changed to terminal manager and then office manager. He worked for Miller and Brown, Direct Systems, Alltrans, TNT and Porter to name a few. On the weekends and evenings, he enjoyed working on cars and carpentry. He was always willing to open his garage to friends and neighbors to help fix and maintain their vehicles or help with renovation projects. He even helped his friend Brian, rebuild a small airplane in his garage which was a very fond memory of his.

Don was very proud of his children and their accomplishments and was always there to help. When they bought cars and homes, he passed on his skills of mechanics and carpentry.

After Don retired from the trucking industry, he started a handyman service with a friend to continue his love of building and fixing things. When his grandchildren grew up, he taught them woodworking to carry on the tradition. Even in his final days, he was still building things in his garage.

Don is survived by his sisters, Phyllis and Roberta; daughter Kathy (Nick Werner), sons, Dr. Raymond (Dr. Diana Turner) and John (Jennifer Turner); grandsons, Benjamin, Alexander, and Matthew (Darcy van Helden); and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Raymond.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Donald’s family here.

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