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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
TURNER, Sydney Brett - It is with heavy hearts that the family of Sydney Brett Turner announce his passing at the age of 95 years on Saturday March 12, 2022 at Hogarth Riverview Manor. He died peacefully surrounded by family and in the loving embrace of Shirley, his bride of 75 years. Syd was born April 25, 1926 in Fort William Ontario to parents Mary Florence and Raymond Hilton Turner. He was the fourth of eight children.
When war broke out in 1939 he and his older brothers Bill and Ray found ready employment at Canada Car building Hawker Hurricanes for the war effort. As soon as they were old enough each in turn hurried down to the recruiting offices. Bill and Ray joined the RCAF and in 1944 at the tender age of 18 Syd was accepted into the Royal Canadian Navy and trained in Halifax Nova Scotia. When war in Europe ended he volunteered for service in the Pacific theatre, but the surrender of Japan shortly after meant he would be mustered out. Returning home to his Westfort roots he and his brother Bill resumed civilian life operating Service Taxi on the corner of Edward and Frederica streets. Tragically brother Ray did not make it home, having made the supreme sacrifice in the cause of freedom at age 20, serving in RCAF Bomber Command. A comely young lady who walked by the taxi stand daily on her way to her job at a nearby confectionary caught his eye and he eventually overcame his natural shyness and worked up the courage to speak to Miss Shirley Kate Porter. She was smitten by the gentle nature of this handsome young man and on February 15, 1947 they were married in St. Thomas Anglican Church, a mere stones throw from the taxi stand. Syd and Shirley have been steadfastly devoted to one another through all of life's ups and downs, and celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on February 15 of this year, surrounded at home by a host of family and friends, three relatively normal children and a gaggle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren are the product of their happy union.
Syd tried his hand at a number of occupations including taxi service operator, automobile dealership owner, and market gardener, before settling on his true passion as Claims Manager for local trucking company Lakehead Freightways. He absolutely loved this work and his strong organizational and interpersonal skills made him the perfect fit for this role. He was extremely well liked and respected by customers and colleagues alike. Company owner Harvey Smith recognized a kindred spirit in Syd Turner and the two of them developed a deep personal and professional bond that lasted until Harvey's untimely passing.
The family camp on Kabaigon Bay of Lake Shebandowan played a pivotal role in his life. He and mom purchased the property in 1955 and it has been a treasured haven and sanctuary from the challenges of life for our family for some 67 years. Countless family gatherings and precious weekends and holidays have been enjoyed there. Nothing pleased him more than to have us all together at the lake. He had a passion for anything outdoors and loved hunting and fishing, gardening and yard maintenance. He was a founding member of the Thunder Bay Trap and Skeet Club. His fellow members acknowledged his hard work and dedication with an honorary life membership, a tribute he deeply cherished. He introduced his oldest son Bob to the sport in 1975 and they enjoyed this fellowship and friendly rivalry for more than 35 years.
As they grew financially more stable Syd and Shirley found they shared a common love of travel and adventure. The ensuing years brought trips to Arizona, Hawaii, Florida, Australia, Israel, western Canada and numerous US destinations. A trip to England to visit his brother Ray's grave and to connect with members of his parents families held special significance for him. Those connections led to numerous visits to Canada by our British relatives. Those relationships mom and dad forged have enriched our family enormously. After satisfying their wanderlust they finally settled on a winter residence in Florida, a life they treasured for more than 25 years.
Faith in God has always been a guiding principle in their lives and they have been devoted supporters of St. Thomas Anglican Church their entire married lives. On the occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary on February 15, 2017 they renewed their vows in that same church where they wed so many years ago. Bob had the enormous pleasure and honour of walking his mother down the aisle that day in the company of adoring family and friends.
Syd was first and foremost a family man. An often difficult home life during the Depression years brought a unique closeness between he and his siblings and their love and support for one another never wavered. One by one they have passed on, and he was the last of 8. He was tough when he needed to be but incredibly kind and supportive of others, especially his children. When his daughter Janis' marriage ended prematurely, he stepped up to be a surrogate father to her 2 young boys Ian and Mark. In his mid 50's he took up downhill and cross country skiing and any other fun activity the boys wanted to try. He even went sky diving when he was 65. A shared love of hockey saw dad and son Syd glued to the tv many a Saturday night although they rarely cheered for the same team. When son Sydney's children Leslie and Sydney relocated with their mother to Oshawa dad went to extreme lengths to make sure they felt welcome and included in family events. In 1994 Bob and Linda built their home on Pennock Dr and invited Syd and Shirley to spend their retirement years sharing that home. Syd was a master gardener and spent countless hours beautifying the yard. Because of these living arrangements he developed a special bond with his granddaughter Sara. Raising chickens, selling eggs, raising homing pigeons and relocating nuisance squirrels was the order of the day, and until Bob wisely put a stop to it, a pony was in the offing. If you were Syd's friend it was for life, and you always knew you were loved, respected and valued. Perhaps it sounds trite and is an overused sentiment, but he truly was one of a kind. We have been blessed beyond measure to have had him for almost 96 years. His loss is a severe blow, but his example is an enduring inspiration to us all. He was a true gentleman.
Sydney Turner is survived by his beloved wife Shirley, chosen sister Dorothy Kirk (Jerry), children Bob (Linda), Janis Barker (Garry), and Sydney.
Left to mourn his passing are grandchildren Ian Milani (Kellie), Mark Milani (Jennifer), Leslie Keith (Jeff), Sydney Turner (Amanda), Sara Turner (Rob) Lisa Barker, Nick Barker (Heather) and special niece Jennifer Lake.
Greatgrandchildren are Noelle, Ryder and Bella Milani, Lincoln and Ainsley Hovi, Kelsey Keith, Sydney, Ewan, Madeleine and Audrey Turner. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
He was predeceased by parents Mary and Hilton Turner, siblings Connie Lake, Bill Turner, Raymond Turner, Minnie Hanson, Alice Chorney, Jack Turner and Thomas Turner.
Funeral services will be held Monday March 28, at 11am in St. Thomas Anglican Church 1400 South Edward St. Reception to follow at the Victoria Inn.
Donations in his name to St. Thomas Anglican Church or the Northern Cancer Fund would be greatly appreciated.
The family would be terribly remiss if we did not acknowledge the wonderful care he received from the amazing staff of Hogarth Riverview Manor 2 North unit. We also extend our gratitude to the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital for their loving care while he was a patient on 4 and 5 North. (Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal 19 Mar 2022)
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