Bruce Archie Turner

TURNER, BRUCE ARCHIE - World War II Navy Veteran Bruce Archie Turner, age 94 years, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 20, 2013 at Parkstone Enhanced Care, Flemming Way. The last surviving member of his family, Bruce was born in Windsor, Ontario October 3, 1919 and was one of three sons born to Archibald Sydney and Lily (Hodgson) Turner. He attended Sandwich High School where he received the school letter for basketball. Before he could finish and graduate high school, he joined the Navy, and left for training in British Columbia. After training, he was drafted to Halifax during the Second World War and proudly served as Chief Petty Officer on the Flower-class Corvettes. He married the love of his life, Geraldine Earle, on September 21, 1942 and they happily celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2012. Bruce loved Navy life, but being required to retire at age fifty, Bruce went back to school. He obtained his Grade XII GED and then enrolled as one of the first male students to attend Mt St Vincent University in the late 60’s, graduating with his Junior Diploma in teaching in 1971. He taught at Bloomfield School and Clayton Park Junior High School for ten years before retiring at the young age of 62. The next phase of his life saw he and Gerry enjoying road trips across Canada, renting a home in Florida and going on many cruises. Even with their travels, Dad had time to show his creative side. Turner means a “turner of wood” and, as his name implies, he became a fine wood carver of birds and animals, as well as, a creator of children’s toys. A poet at heart, Bruce found joy and solace in both the creation and reciting of poetry, which he was able to do from memory, even in his final days. Bruce is survived by his daughter Jan Cochrane (Phillip), sons Michael, Eric (Marie), Greg (Lynn) and sister-in-law Laurel Turner; Grandchildren: Ericka, Sean, Erin, Adrianne and Christopher; Great Grandchildren: Ben, Nik, Julia and Liam, as well as, many nieces and nephews. Bruce was predeceased by his true love, Gerry, his parents and his two brothers Sydney and Ronald. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street in Halifax. The funeral will follow the visitation, at 2:00 p.m., in the Chapel at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home with Father Lloyd O’Neill officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery immediately following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Special thanks to the staff, and residents, of Flemming Way for their kindness and friendship to Dad. They were truly his family, when his family could not be there with him. We love you forever and always, Papa. To send or view an online condolence to the family please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com

“And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over”