Leonard Gordon TURNER

TURNER, Leonard Gordon It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Leonard Gordon Turner in his 95th year, on October 12, 2017. He was predeceased by his wife Verna, to whom he was married for 68 years. He will be greatly missed by his daughters Jennifer (Vern), Dana (Frank), Lynne (Mike) and Valerie (Ken). Cherished grandfather to Adrienne, Brendan, Ryan, Michelle, Lauren and Andrea. Great-grandfather to Jet, Laurel, Isabel, Ruby and Grace. Len was born in Regina, SK in 1922 where he grew up and spent an idyllic childhood with his brother Ken in the family home on the Parliament grounds. He excelled in tennis winning the 1939-40 Saskatchewan Junior Tennis Championships. In 1941 he played hockey for the Regina Pats Junior Hockey Team. In 1942, Len joined the RCAF where he was assigned to the 419 Moose Squadron and like so many young men from his generation, was sent to Europe. He was stationed in England and was part of a Lancaster crew, where he was a rear tail gunner until he was discharged with a collapsed lung. After returning in 1944, his outstanding athleticism earned him a hockey scholarship to Colorado College for three years. After marrying Verna in 1947, he moved to Toronto and graduated in 1950 from the University of Toronto with a degree in Physical Education. At U of T he was both the Singles Champion and the Ontario Tennis Inter University Doubles Champion. Starting his career teaching and coaching in Woodstock, his 1953 Woodstock football team won the Ontario Red Feather Championship. In 2009 Len was inducted into the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame. Len spent most of his career at Downsview Secondary School where he started as Head of Physical Education and was promoted to Vice Principal until he retired in 1981. Len was an excellent golfer, curler and tennis player, which were his passions throughout his life. Len enjoyed his many years with his friends from the Boulevard Club and North York. Accomplishments included skipping and winning the Teacher's North York and the Ontario Curling Championships. In 1985, Len was ranked number 3 in the Canadian Senior Tennis Singles. Although Len was a true gentleman in every respect, he enjoyed some healthy competition in any sport he played. He was a wonderful husband, father and the love he had for his family was limitless and unconditional. He will also be missed by countless others lucky enough to have encountered his gentle nature, keen intellect and playful sense of humour and wit. If you wish to join us for a "Celebration of Life", it will be at the Boulevard Club (1491 Lake Shore Blvd. West) on Friday, October 20th, from 2-5 p.m. The family welcomes you.