William James Turnock

1954 - 2012

William James Turnock obituary, 1954-2012

BORN

1954

DIED

2012

William Turnock Obituary

William James Turnock, founder of Sycan Springs Trout Farm near Beatty, died on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, from complications due to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
He was born on Jan. 23, 1954, and the family moved in 1958 to Lake Oswego, where he graduated from Lake Oswego High School in 1972. He attended Oregon State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in fisheries biology in 1976.
Through his service in the Peace Corps, Bill had an opportunity to learn and teach fish farming in Thailand for a year, which also established a lifelong love of spicy Thai cuisine. From 1979 to 1985, he worked in environmental consulting, both in Southeast Alaska and Northern California, and learned well the biology of Pacific salmon and trout.
Bill's real dream was to build a trout farm in Oregon and, after earning an MBA at Oregon State University, broke ground near Beatty in 1987 and established Sycan Springs Trout Farm. It was quickly a successful business that sold fresh trout to area resorts and Oregon stores and the product line was enhanced by adding smoked trout made with his personal recipe. He was a respected member of the Klamath Falls community and contributed directly to its economy.
In 1991, his health was compromised by melanoma that required multiple brain surgeries, which were performed at Merle West Medical Center. Bill was able to keep working until 1996 when he was forced by his health to close the farm. He moved back to Lake Oswego that year to be closer to his family and friends. The CLL diagnosis in 2008 was a difficult new challenge, but Bill, as always, dealt with it through his humor and positive energy.
Bill's surviving family include his father William K. Turnock and sister Mary Ann Turnock, both of Lake Oswego, and brothers Richard Turnock of Beaverton, Steve Turnock of Black Diamond, Wash., and Jack Turnock of Seattle, Wash.
Donations in Bill's name may be made to Angel Flight, which transported Bill from Klamath Falls to California for many experimental therapy sessions.
A private gathering to honor Bill will take place at the Lakewood Center for the Arts in Lake Oswego.

Published by Herald And News on Oct. 14, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

To Bill's family & friends the bible gave me such comfort when I lost my wife, scriptures such as 2nd Corinthains 1;3-7 where it speaks about the "StanGod of all comfort"

Stan Harrison

October 17, 2012

So sorry to hear about Bill. I enjoyed working with him, and cooking up his delicious trout.

October 16, 2012

So sad to hear of Bill's death. He was a great neighbor, always friendly and helpful. His enthusiasm for the farm and everything fish was contagious. It was Beatty's loss when Bill had to leave. We were all graced to have known him.

Marc Valens

October 14, 2012

I was a good friend of Dick's but I remember Bill's spirit and smile.
I am sorry for your loss.
Love and Peace, Jane Rush Kreider

Jane Rush-Kreider

October 13, 2012

Saddened by your loss Bill, but gladdened to know that YOU are still with us. My twins, who are also 58 now, well-remember that red-head from their scout troop - - under your tutelage. Call me someday soon 503 694 6196

Bob Cortright

October 12, 2012

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