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On October 21, 2021, Wilma Hume Turner (nee White)
passed on from our world. Wilma leaves behind a legacy of
community involvement and a loving family who will miss
her dearly. Wilma was predeceased by her parents Bill and
Lena, brother Jim and sister Donna. She is survived by her life
long partner and husband, George, Daughters Chris (Len),
Nancy (Bill), Sons Jim (Brenda) and Doug. Grandchildren,
Erin, Ryan, Jason, Jesse, Greg Sean, James, Cam, Brendan and
great grandchildren, Kayla, Jacob, Hazel and many nieces and
nephews.
Mom, was born in Negritos, Peru, to William and Lena White.
She lived her first 12 years in the small seaside village in Peru.
Her father teaching her to swim in the ocean at 6 months
old. With the passing of her Mother Lena in 1942, her family
moved from Negritos/Talara to Ontario and eventually made
their way out to Calgary. It was in her days working for Hudson
Bay company that Wilma met George. The two together, were
simply the cutest, most dedicated and loving couple one
could imagine. Wilma married George John Turner in 1950,
celebrating 71 years of marriage together this past year
(2021).
Mom loved the water and any activity around it. She was, the
essence of ‘aquatic life’. She achieved the highest honours for
her swimming accomplishments. Her love of swimming and
fitness inspired many young people in her community of
Nelson, as well as her children and grandchildren to follow in
her footsteps. Mom was, an influencer. She started teaching
swimming, at 16 and lifeguarding at Waterton Lakes.
Wilma leaves a legacy of community service behind. Recently
retiring from her paper delivery route in Castlegar the money
she raised from her paper route was donated to the ALS
society by the paper.
Many people will remember Wilma at Gyro pool, Lakeside
and the NDAC. Mom ran the lifeguarding and water safety
programs for many years. To her staff she was Mrs. “T”. To her
family she was “Wilma Water Safety”. She was instrumental in
the development of a plan that would see Nelson’s first indoor
pool. And she would go on to raise a tremendous amount of
money for the cause.
She was at one time, one of the most decorated Royal Life and
Red Cross recipients in Canada, not only qualified to instruct,
but also to examine at every level. Her accomplishments
many: diving, synchronized swimming, life guarding and
swim instruction. Her competitive spirit never waivered.
In 2011 competing in the BC Senior games at age 81, she
garnered 7 medals, and again at age 88 in 2018 she was able
to take 8 medals. Mom was known to compete in the younger
age brackets, just because she could. Mom set the bar high.
Wilma was active for a time in the Nelson United church.
She was always supportive to her family in the Boy Scout
and Girl Guide movements and to her husband George
and his passions. Wilma took up skiing and immediately
became involved in the volunteer ski patrol. She and George
networked many friends through Gyros and enjoyed the
fellowship of Gyros throughout their life together. The close
quality “home grown” friends, She and husband George met
early on remained close friends for life. Wilma always enjoyed
social interaction but in particular, her family gatherings.
The years spent on the ocean with George, in Freeport, The
Bahamas were very rewarding for her years of service to her
community. A lifetime of memories.
Wilma never missed a walk on the beach or a highway, an
excuse to exercise, or an opportunity to compete. Frequently
spotted on Nelson’s north shore (on the end of a leash with
Golden Retriever “Luna”), or in her latter years walking along
Columbia Avenue in Castlegar, where she resided until the
time of her passing.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the BC
Ambulance service, the attendants and the RCMP.
Due to Covid restrictions, the service for Wilma is by invitation
only. Thompson Funeral Service has been entrusted with
arrangements.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to ALS.
A celebration of Wilma’s life will be held at a later date in the
Spring of 2022.
We love you Mom and you will be with us forever. No more
snitching from the cookie jar.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Wilma Turner June 30 1930
October 21 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Nelson, Province: Colombie britanique