George Ernest Turner

(Age 96)

Parted peacefully on New Year’s Day 2016 at the age of 96. He was the oldest living son of James and Alma Turner of Minnesota, born October 15, 1919 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. George married the love of his life Avenelle Peckham on July 20, 1941. Being a self-made man with limited opportunity for education, he became an incredible auto mechanic, as well as a man that could fix almost anything. He enlisted in the US Army in 1942, being trained as an Automotive Mechanic, Combat Infantryman Expert Bayonet in Co 38th. He fought in the famous “Battle of the Bulge” and Normandy Invasion in WWII. He received an honorable discharge, receiving the distinguished unit badge, Purple Heart, and the good conduct medal. After his military service, he went to work for Harms-Rofinot Chevrolet and Washington Water Power. Following his retirement he worked at his son’s business, Spokane Ditch and Cable. George and Avenelle spent many winters in Nilan, California at the Bashford Mineral Spa with many of their close friends and relatives.

He is survived by his children Jorja Jones of Fresno, CA, Ron (Loree) Turner, Connie (Ken) Stacy; as well as grandchildren Rhonda Smith, Aimee Livingston, Holley Haneke, Jamie Tosland, Jared Senn, K.C. Stacy, Tyson Stacy; and 17 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff and aides at Guardian Angel Homes for all the love and care they gave George the past five years. A celebration of George’s life will be held this July. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Spokane or a charity of your choice.