Obituary of Albert Joseph TURNER

Bert Turner of Calgary passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at the age of 97 years following an unexpected decline in his health.

Bert was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1940 to 1945, with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, and as a senior NCO in the wireless section supporting convoy protection over the Atlantic. Bert subsequently became the first Commanding Officer for #604 Air Cadet Squadron in Calgary, where he served from 1956 to 1959.

Bert married Lil Rankin on October 24, 1944 while they were both in the RCAF in St. John’s, Newfoundland. From 1946 to 1950, he lived and worked in his hometown of Moose Jaw, before moving his young family to Calgary where he worked with the T. Eaton Company. Bert was a loyal Eaton’s employee from 1950 to 1978. He even modeled for some of Eaton’s advertisements.

Over the years Bert was active in his local community associations, the #701-767 Air Force Wing, and the #276 and #264 Kensington Legions. He was athletic: playing hockey and softball, curling, and five-pin bowling, in a variety of leagues. He was also an avid bridge and cribbage player. Bert loved the big band 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.

Bert leaves behind his son, Lorne and daughter-in-law Naida, and family of Richmond, B.C.; 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.

A celebration of Bert’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion (North Branch No. 264) 1918 Kensington Road NW, in the Member’s Lounge (2nd Floor), on Monday, March 12, 2018 between 2:00 to 4:00 pm/1400 – 1600 hours.

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: http://skbvideography.com/poppyfund.