Obituary of Albert TURNER
Bert Turner of Calgary passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at the age of 97 years following an unexpected intense decline in his health.
He was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He first came to Calgary in 1940 with the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed at #11 Equipment Depot in Ogden. During his Air Force Service, Bert was also stationed at Brandon (MB), #1 Wireless School in Montreal, and #1 Air Navigation School in Rivers (MB). While serving at Rivers, Bert logged over 1000 hours flying time in MK 1 ANSONS as a wireless operator, training navigators (with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan). In 1943, he was posted to #1 Group HDQTS, St. John’s (NFLD), where he was a senior Naval Commanding Officer in charge of the wireless section. In 1945, with the ending of the war, Bert was discharged in Regina (SK), as Sgt. “A” Group W.O.G. Bert subsequently became the first Commanding Officer for #604 Air Cadet at summer camps at Sea Island and Abbotsford (BC). As a member of the #264 Legion in Calgary, he later acted as liaison officer for six years in the 1990’s, with the #604 Air Cadet Squadron, and worked with the cadets on poppy campaigns.
Bert married Lil Rankin on October 14, 1944 while they were both still in the RCAF, at the Cochrane Street United Church in St. John’s (NFLD), and they honeymooned at Topsail (NFLD), all on a weekend pass! From 1946 to 1950 Bert lived and worked in his hometown of Moose Jaw, moving to Calgary with his young family and settling into a new job with the T. Eaton Company. Bert was a loyal Eaton employee from 1950 to 1978, and he even did some modeling for Eaton’s advertisements over the years, taking advantage of his lean 6’-3” frame. He also participated in the annual Stampede moustache growing contests, winning the “booby’ prize in 1975 for worst moustache (a 20lb bag of fertilizer)!
Over the years Bert was active in his local community, the #701-767 Air Force Wing, #276 and then #264 Kensington Legions. He was athletic, playing hockey, softball, curling and five-pin bowling in a variety of leagues over the years. Bert was also an avid bridge and cribbage player, loved the music of his era acquiring a huge record collection over the years, enjoyed going to weekly dances with Lil, and hosting their many house parties.
He leaves behind his son Lorne and daughter-in-law Naida and family of Richmond, BC; daughter Janis of Calgary; and grandson Trayton of CFB Borden.
Bert was predeceased by Lil, his wife of more than sixty-seven years, on February 17, 2012.
Funeral Services will be announced at a later date.
If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Poppy fund, #1, 4539 – 6th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3Z6, telephone: 403-265-6304, website: skbvideography.com/poppyfund.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Albert
Joseph
TURNER 1921 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta
