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Graham Turner Obituary
57 of Phoenix passed away June 27, 2013 after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Coronado, California, to Graham and Margaret Turner. Alex attended Arizona State University, graduating with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence. He leaves behind Karen, his wife of 28 years, one sister Marilyn Smart and niece Rebecca. He loved architecture, gardening and cooking. He was an Assistant Attorney General with the Arizona Attorney General's Office and represented the Early Childhood Development and Health Board, aka "First Things First." He also taught night classes on contracts and business law for Glendale Community College. Family and friends will come together at 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 22, 2013 at Central United Methodist Church, 1875 N Central Ave in Phoenix to celebrate and honor his life. The family requests remembrances be made to the church or Southwest Collie Rescue. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Mortuary, Mesa, AZ.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Graham Turner
July 29, 2013
Karen, Wish we had gotten to know Alex better! Too many "shoulda gotten togethers" and not enough just doing it! In memory of Alex, let's "just do it" going forward. Mary and Roy Miller
Jodi and Bruce Liggett
July 24, 2013
What an incredible loss. My husband and I worked with Alex in many capacities over the years. He was unfailingly informed, eloquent, and on point. A true professional and wonderful human being. Please accept our sympathies.
July 22, 2013
Karen,
My thoughts are with you - Alex was a wonderful person and a terrific mentor to me. He was beloved by all at the attorney general's office and gave of himself to the citizens of Arizona in a fabulous way. We will all miss him and are thinking of you as you grieve.
Kindly,
Barbara Burke
Former Assistant A.G. with Alex
abby cooksey-williams
July 22, 2013
Karen - My thoughts and prayers for you. We are so very sorry for your tremendous loss. Words cannot express. Abby Cooksey-Williams
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Debbie & Casey Taylor/Casdorph
July 22, 2013
Karen,
I can't even begin to say what I am feeling. Both of you have been "family members" to us and always will be. There are times when it's harder than others but Alex and Angus are watching over you. Know that you are loved and we are here for you always. Love you.
Nancy & Frankie Barstow
July 22, 2013
God bless you. I see that Alex was a great guy, human being. Sorry for your loss so suddenly and so young. God has his plans for all of us. You have memories to enjoy. Take one day at a time.
July 17, 2013
Karen, I worked with Alex both at ADOA & FTF and was saddened by the news. I will never forget sitting with you at the reception for Donna and Joe Singler and asking how you two met and you guys telling me about playing Trivial Pursuit at a party and being on the same team! What a great story. You are in thoughts and prayers,
Sincerely,
Marla Heiler
Doug Boyer
July 17, 2013
Alex was a key pillar in the public procurement community, and a consummate professional. I also know that he eschewed politics and the negative impact it could (and did) have on the public procurement process. For these attributes, he was deeply appreciated by those of us in public purchasing.
So very sorry to hear of his passing, at such a relatively young age, and in such a short time.
July 17, 2013
Alex was a friend to most of us in procurement. In fact, when I was between jobs after a very painful time in my life and career, he gave me a key recommendation that got me and my professional life back on track. When I mentioned it and tried to thank him, he acted like he always did when he helped out, it was nothing more than a days' work. I pray his family knows he made a difference at many levels for quite a number of people.
He championed the cause we all fight every day to preserve the integrity of the processes and the professional approach we all try to embody to protect our ultimate customers…the taxpayers of Arizona.
He will be sorely missed.
Dennis J. Kirkland
Procurement A/P Manager
City of Surprise, Arizona
John Adler
July 17, 2013
Those were great times. We handled many challenging buys and several protests and claims. Alex was always there with his calming manner and wit and good ideas.
Few can understand the stress and pressure of the public procurement... Alex was alway our net on the procurement tightrope. He was smart, funny, articulate, kind, sincere, honest and ethical.
I will miss my friend and wish I could be there for his send-off.
John
Loral D.
July 15, 2013
Karen, my thoughts and prayers are with you -- I am sickened by your loss, especially that it came so suddenly. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Elaine D
July 14, 2013
So sad for your loss, and keeping you and Alex in prayers. Let us know if we can help you with anything, you are such dear neighbors.
July 13, 2013
Karen, I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Alex passing. Please know my prayers and thoughts are with you. Also know that Alex is free of pain and disease and he will always be looking down at you with his love and presence. I will miss him too! He had such a wonderful way of making me laugh and smile. He will be missed by many. May you find comfort as you continue to live the life as you both intended until you meet again in the gates of Heaven.
God Bless in His Love,
Gabe D'Ulisse, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania
Carolyn Vasquez
July 12, 2013
Karen, I was so very sorry to hear of Alex's passing. I know you two were devoted and he will be sorely missed. God will watch over both of you.
Love,
July 11, 2013
I just found out this evening and can not begin to tell you how sorry I am. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Karen, you are in my prayers, as is Alex.
Jeannine
Alex & Karen 2009
July 11, 2013
Receiving the Past Presidents Award-NAGDCA
July 11, 2013
NAGDCA Conference Austin 2009
July 11, 2013
Barry Gorsky
July 10, 2013
I was shocked when I received the news of Alex's passing. Although I did not know him well; I DO know that he was loved by his friends and family and very accomplished and well respected in his professional life. My deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go out to Karen and those who were close to Alex. It is always a sad surprise when we lose someone near and dear to us. Especially when they are taken too soon. I hope you can find some comfort in the fact that Alex is no longer suffering.
Peace, Prayers & Blessings,
July 10, 2013
My heart goes out to you, Karen
It is a hard thing to go though.
I still have a hard time with
Jerry gone, I have such wonderful
memories and I know you do also.
Jo Bridgman
My
Tina Rankin fka Hunt
July 10, 2013
I read the obits everyday and was so sadden and surprised to see that Alex has gone to a better place. RIP Alex and may you and God watch over the funniest gal I know, Karen. God Bless.
Alex aboard S/V Pinguino, having a wonderful time!
Mary Jo Smith
July 10, 2013
Karen my love may angels guide you through this most difficult of life's transitions and know that Alex's strength will always be with you. I am filled with so many memories of Alex. As accomplished as he was professionally it is the fun-loving Alex that I remember. I see him sitting on our sofa in his pjs with his laptop and blackberry, lounging in our pool with a cocktail, drinking Johnny Walker blue from the svaroski crystal glasses you gave us (only the best for Alex and his friends), throwing corks into the chandeliers at our club, walking into Brian's 50th birthday party to the amazement of all of us, and most of all travelling with you to the British Virgin Islands so that he could sail on Brian's boat Pinguino (see picture), even though he hated the humidity and the close quarters, he wanted to do that for his friend. And the look on his face the first time he met me at Ham's :) He never missed an opportunity to see Brian, his brother, and his closest friend of more than 40 years. We treasure our memories of Alex Turner and while we will never fill the gaping hole in our hearts, these memories will provide us comfort.
Beautiful couple
Darrell & Ida Scheetz
July 10, 2013
We will miss Alex for his loving attitude, knowledge,and his great cooking. Alex will be missed at the family functions.
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