Albert Turner

It is in peace that we share the passing of Albert CharlesTurner, with his family at his bedside at the Manitouwadge General Hospital on Sunday, October 23, 2011; after the side effects of his stroke on January 26, 2005. Albert was left unable to speak and had a more recent stroke on July 5th, this made his life quite difficult. Albert was born in Toronto on November 30th, 1937. He is survived by his wife, Marlene Ruby of 52 years, his children Kevin Albert, Suzanne Autumn Albrecht (Mark) all of Manitouwadge and Craig Norland (Laurie) of Cambridge. Lovingly remembered by his six grandchildren; Jared, Cody, Jennah, Shayne, Jack and Shelby Opal Ruby Willett. Dear son of the late Joseph and Rose Turner. Dear brother of Roy (Muriel) of Marianna, Florida, June Blough (late Tom) of North York and the late Mary Anderson (late Sid) of Madison-on-the-Lake, Ohio. Dear son-in-law of the late Alfred and Irene Lock and brother-in-law of the late Don Lock. Albert will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews. Albert enjoyed his childhood in Toronto when it was a different place. Albert and his neighbour and lifelong friend travelled the TTC to fish and explore and they also shared a newspaper route near Casa Loma. Albert missed part of his Grade 8 graduation delivering groceries. At the age of 16 Albert quit school to work for the Canadian National Telegraphs, then polishing the steam engines and the steam trains for 13 years, meeting his first fishing buddies. Albert was married in 1959 to Marlene and having a family he decided to turn to Fire Fighting. He was almost killed at one of his first fires when Marlene woke to him not being home and wondering where to phone; his blakened face appeared. There had been a hardware store on Younge Street that was freshly stocked with paint that had caught fire. Fortunately he listened to a more experienced volunteer fireman who told the new fellows to get out, shortly before the floor gave way. Albert was one of the first six full-time firefighters at Richmond Hill where he eventually worked his way up to Captain. In 1979, the family moved to Manitouwadge where Al became Fire Chief. He quit the fire department three times and enjoyed working at Superior Propane and the Ministry of Natural Resources before going back to the fire department where he retired in 1993 at the age of 55. We are so thankful for the happiness that lie ahead, before all the tears. A visitation was held at St. Paul's United Church, Manitouwadge on Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Doreen Sproule officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Manitouwadge General Hospital - Equipment Fund, St. Paul's United Church, Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family. (Arrangements enrusted to the P.M. Gilmartin Funeral Home, Wawa, 1-800-439-4937)."