Everett Turner

Everett Turner April 30, 1924 - April 10, 2008 Resident of Martinez Everett 'Bumps' Turner was born at home on April 30, 1924 in Richmond, CA. and passed away peacefully at his Martinez home on April 10, 2008. He leaves Petal, his wife of 35 years, and countless extended family members and friends. He was everybody's 'Uncle Everett.' During World War II at the age of 19, he served in the US Navy as a pilot flying off the Aircraft Carrier USS Bennington in the Pacific. Following the war, he attended UC Berkeley and earned his MFA from the California College of the Arts, formerly CCAC, where he later became a faculty member. He was also on the faculty of the SF Art Institute until he became an Art Instructor at DVC in 1961. At DVC he was instrumental in establishing the high standards for art instruction for which he is justly accredited. He retired in 1991 as Professor Emeritus and spent his days in his beloved garden and with his chickens. He also was known for his love of a good party. Everett was among the founders 35 years ago of The Living Skills Center for the Visual Impaired, a program emphasizing independent living skills, enabling blind and low-vision individuals to become contributing members of society. Everett's other passions were his participation in the 1989 founding of the Muir Heritage Land Trust for acquisition and preservation of open space and the establishment of the Martinez Community Garden. Among his many artistic contributions was the creation in 1960 of what came to be known as 'derelict sculpture' along the Emeryville mudflats. He and his students provided visual amusement for travelers along Highway 80. The largest body of his artistic achievements was in liturgical work for St. Clements Episcopal Church in Berkeley where he and Petal were wed in 1973. Everett was well loved and loved well. He will be sorely missed by everyone who ever met him. Memorial contributions will be appreciated and can be made to The Living Skills Center for the Visually Impaired, 2430 Road 20, #B112, San Pablo, CA 94806, or the Muir Heritage Land Trust, PO Box 2452, Martinez, CA 94553. "Although luck may run out, blessings last forever."