Turner W. Branch

1938 - 2016

Turner W. Branch obituary, 1938-2016, Albuquerque, NM

BORN

1938

DIED

2016

Turner Branch Obituary

Branch, Turner W.



We lost a legend, a warrior, a champion, a respected colleague, and a very good and decent man this past week, Mr. Turner W. Branch, Esq.



Turner W. Branch was born on August 22, 1938 in Houston, Texas to James and Juanita Branch. After a lengthy illness, he died in Phoenix, AZ on August 4, 2016 at the age of 77. In addition to Margaret Moses Branch, Turner's wife, friend and law partner, he is survived by Brian Branch and his wife Dawn Chavez Branch, children Nicholas and Samuel; Rebecca Branch and her husband Clyde DeMersseman, children Victoria and Branch DeMersseman; brother James Branch and wife Joni; sister Virginia Branch-Perret. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Nancy Huitt.



In 1956 Turner graduated from the Marist School in Atlanta. In 1960 he graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of New Mexico where he was student body president and a member of Phi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honors Society. He was also a member and remained active throughout his life in the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.



Turner was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps on active duty at Quantico, VA. He was assigned to Camp Pendleton, Ca. and joined the Second Battalion of Fifth Marines, First Marine Division where he served for three and a half years.



After an honorable discharge in 1963, he graduated in 1965 from Baylor Law School, where he was a section editor of the Law Review. He received the T.R. McDonald Award as the outstanding student at the Law School. He served as chairman of the Student Grievance Committee, was selected to Omicron Delta Kappa and to the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi.



He returned to Albuquerque, N.M. to practice law in 1965. He was a member of the State Bars of New Mexico, Colorado and Texas and the Bar Association of the District of Columbia. He also served the state he loved as a N.M. State Legislator.



Turner was the founder of the Branch Law Firm, one of the oldest personal injury firms in New Mexico, and has been known for taking on challenging, complex and controversial cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, products liability, as well as catastrophic class actions and mass torts against pharmaceutical companies on a national and international basis. He was a board recognized Specialist as a civil trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the State of New Mexico. He has been certified as a Civil Trial Specialist since 1984; a Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, a Diplomate in the American Board of Trial Advocates; and has served on their Board of Directors. He authored and contributed to numerous articles, books and speeches in the field of personal injury and spoken to trial attorney associations nationally.



Named Baylor Law School Lawyer of the Year, Turner was also instrumental in shaping New Mexico law. In 1976 he was lead counsel in the land mark decision of Hicks v. The State of New Mexico which for the first time allowed injured individuals to recover damages for the wrongful conduct of the State. Turner also represented the State of New Mexico in litigation against the big tobacco companies. Recently, the Branch Law Firm® argued successfully that the discovery rule should apply to the statute of limitations governing product liability and medical malpractice cases.



One of Turner's favorite roles was that of grandpa, or Poppi as his grandchildren called him. He took time from his busy schedule to go to his grandchildren's plays, football games, lacrosse games, soccer games, basketball games, concerts, science fairs and many other events, too numerous to mention. Whenever one of his grandchildren came into the room, Turner's face would light up with love and pride. He loved them with all his heart.



Other than his family, his dogs and the law, Turner's greatest love was the UNM Lobos, he was also part owner of KQTM, (101.7 FM) the City's ESPN Radio affiliate. In 2012, the Branches donated $1.5 million to the University of New Mexico athletic department. The field is named in their honor. Lobo Football Coach Bob Davie observed "I knew the moment I met him that he was different and he was unique…….He's been relentlessly good to the people of New Mexico, and particularly the University of New Mexico and the athletic department."



Turner defined success as "giving it your very best at all times and letting others judge the results without paying attention to what the 'the judges say one way or the other'; but at all times keeping your eye on the objectives for and on behalf of the client. Unfortunately, success is measured by the accumulation of wealth. If you're doing well financially you're successful. I don't think this is a judge of success or not. I think success is being able to know you've given it your very best and looking in a rearview mirror of life and saying I did my best â€" that's success." Using that definition Turner was a success in every aspect of his life.



To Turner, family meant a lot more than a relative by blood or marriage. It means the people who accept you no matter who you are, where there's no hatred or judgment. The love of a family should be unconditional, and everyone should try their best to provide all they can for the people in their family, emotionally and financially. Family are the people that everyone deserves to feel secure, and comfortable with, even if they aren't lucky enough to have that. From his immediate family, to his friends, colleagues and even strangers on the street corner, everyone was Turner Branch's friend! Turner's family numbered in the hundreds if not thousands.



Honorary pallbearers will be: Rich Baca, Brian Branch, Michael Danoff, Neil Frumkin, Stuart Leatherberry, Tom Moses Jr., Joe O'Neil, Doug Oltmans, Ed Romero and Joe Stowers.



A Funeral Service will be recited on Monday, August 15, 2016, 4:00pm at the Cathedral of St. John Church, 318 Silver Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM; a private family interment service at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with military honors will be held on Tuesday, August 16th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the University of New Mexico Lobos Athletics,

http://unmfund.org/LoboClub To view information or leave a condolence, please visit

www.FrenchFunerals.com.



FRENCH â€" University

1111 University Blvd. NE

505-843-6333

Published by Albuquerque Journal from Aug. 7 to Aug. 14, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
for Turner Branch

Not sure what to say?





Four years. Seems like yesterday. I still quote him when I teach lawyers about representing plaintiffs. He'll have that legacy for as long as I teach.

Katherine James

Friend

August 1, 2020

First, my condolences and heavy heart for just now finding out of Turners passing. I am originally from Iowa now living in New England for the past 40 years and he was the man along with the coaches of U of Mexico who recruited me.I will complete my thoughts at another time.

REST IN DEEP PEACE TURNER

Phillip Hayman

June 10, 2018

I'm sorry, I didn't know he had passed. I was named after him. Turner was a cousin of my Dad's. I'm Samuel Turner Hockaday. I still have Turner's old baseball glove he played with as a kid. He gave it to me and I still got it!

Samuel Turner Hockaday

April 18, 2018

Today Turner would have been celebrating seventy-nine years ... I think of him: a wonderful man and a true friend who left us too soon! May God rest him in peace! Flavius Baias, Bucharest, Romania

August 22, 2017

So very sorry to read of Turner's passing - a true light in the darkness of injustice, a man of integrity, and an honest to goodness gentleman. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences to Margaret and the family, and to his colleagues at The Branch Law Firm. Alan Blumenfeld and I extend our deepest sympathy.

Katherine James

December 27, 2016

Brian et al,
Just learned of your dad's passing. Please except our deepest condolences. He was quite a guy.

Peter Meehan

September 17, 2016

There are not enough words to explain how much Turner Branch will be missed, nor the gratitude for the profound and positive effect he had on my life. Many of my fondest memories were created during the years I worked for Turner Branch. I will never forget how everyone, even strangers, would gravitate toward him when he entered a room with his charismatic voice and personality; how he would literally make any person or animal feel truly special with his genuine concern and generosity; and how he could instantly motivate us at the end of meetings with his closing phrase: "ONWARD & UPWARD"! Margaret, I love you and my thoughts and prayers are with you, Brian, and Becky.

Shelly Stephens Flores

August 18, 2016

So sorry we couldn't be there, Brian. Sending our most humble regards to you and your family.

Kelly Nelson

August 17, 2016

My condolences to the Branch family. Mr Branch was one of the kindest patients I've had the pleasure of caring for. His smile brightened many lives. God bless Mr Branch and his family. Sincerely, Rita Walz RN

Rita Walz

August 17, 2016

I send my sincere condolences on behalf of myself and my co-workers at Albertsons #937. Mr. Branch was one of our #1 customers! I will miss seeing him walk into the store and greeting me with a big smile! May he R.I.P... I will continue to keep all the Branch family in my thoughts and prayers!

Sabrina Jablonski

August 15, 2016

My heart goes out to Margaret, Brian, Becki, and the rest of the immediate and "extended" family. There was no other like him, and it saddens me deeply to hear this. I loved and respected him like a father. Rest in peace, Turner

Amy Rigg

August 15, 2016

We were so sorry to hear of Turner's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Margaret and the Branch family during this time.

Nedra & Richard Matteucci

August 15, 2016

I was so sorry to learn of Turner's passing. He was a wonderful man, a good friend and an exceptionally gifted lawyer. Rest in peace my friend.

Chris Parks

August 15, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family of Turner Branch. Everyone who knew him when he attended UNM, would tell you that he was destined for greatness. He met and exceeded those expectations.. What a great life of achievements, caring and giving. RIP, my friend.

Ron Pies

August 14, 2016

No words to express our sorrow over Turner's passing. Sending so much love and heartfelt prayers for our friend Margaret and the family during this difficult time.

Julie Satterberg=Clemons

August 13, 2016

Couldn't believe Turner is gone. He was such a wonderful human being. He was so kind and caring to my two boys. Gonna miss him.

Anna Duran

August 12, 2016

Turner was a great family friend. As a little girl I remember my family and I going out on his boat. One time, water was gushing in through the bottom of the boat as we put it in the water. Turner was so focused on the task at hand he didn't notice the water. I remember being very concerned and trying to alert "uncle Turner". Finally, he turned around and saw what I saw. We gunned the truck and trailer and pulled the boat out of the water. The bottom plug wasn't in!

My success as a lawyer is due, in part, to Turner. I wouldn't be where I am today, helping victims of crime, if I didn't have the opportunity to attend Baylor Law School. Turner helped make that possible and I am grateful.

My prayers and thoughts are with Margaret, Becky, and Brian. May God give you strength and peace during this time.

Elaina Chavez-Roberts, Legal Director, Stalking Resource Center, NCVC

August 11, 2016

Prayers for your family.
God bless them.
It has been a pleasure to have known you.

Leslie Dobbins

August 11, 2016

We are very saddened to learn of passing of Turner.
Our hearts go out to Margaret and rest of family.
We cherish the memories we have of our times together in the past.
Goodbye to a real legend !
Love,
Ruth Ann and Broadus Spivey

RuthAnn and Broadus Spivey

August 11, 2016

May you eternally rest in peace, as fond memories of you live on.

Terri Hagan

August 10, 2016

Turner Branch was a good man to work with on legal matters; he was so knowledgeable in many areas.
We all truly loved his great sense of humor.
He will be greatly missed by many folks in our community.
Please accept my sincere condolences to Margaret and all Branch Family members.
Teresa DeMenge, Zia Trust, Inc.
Albuquerque, NM

August 10, 2016

Turner Branch was my hero. It was with great sadness that I learned of his death. I met Turner in the Spring of 1983. He took the case of a 29 year old widow with 3 young boys, whose husband had been killed in a construction accident. Because he was killed 2 miles inside NM from the Colorado border he took my case to help me get OSHA claims and executor powers settled. As he delved into the case he and Jim wound up suing Willbros Equipment Company for wrongful death. Although he was unsuccessful in getting them to admit liability, he was successful in getting them to compensate for the loss of husband and father. I went from not knowing where next month's mortgage payment was coming from to being able to send those three sons to college! I trusted Turner and his judgement completely and am still benefiting from his hard work. Turner Branch was an honest and honorable man and a lawyer definitely worth his salt! Bless you Turner Branch!

Sherry Brusin/Blodgett

August 9, 2016

Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of grief. My sincere condolences.

Ina P. Brown

August 9, 2016

I met Turner W. Branch in September 1994, when I had the chance of an internship in his law firm. I do not exaggerate saying that those period has consistently influenced my subsequent professional evolution. But above it I had the chance to meet an extraordinary character and to gain an incredible generous friend.
Next time, when I visited him (together with my family), he gave me a figurine of a man flying, on which is written: Your attitude always determines the altitude you reach in your life. Dare to soar!
I took this as a lesson, but I believe it is also a definition of Turner's life!
He will be always in my heart! The world will be definitely poorest without him, but the heaven will be definitely richer!

Flavius Baias
Dean
Law Faculty
University of Bucharest
Romania

August 9, 2016

Bob and Lyn Parks from Miami, Florida send their love and friendship wishes to the Branch family. We loved being with him and Margaret as they were so much fun. we treasure our memories. god bless. Lyn and Bob

August 9, 2016

cheryl DeCandia

August 8, 2016

cheryl DeCandia

August 8, 2016

Mr. Branch a caring funny and giving man. He definitely made the world a better place. You could see how deeply he loved his wife. He will be missed. Sandia will not be the same without him. Heaven gained a wonderful man than can never be replaced.

Gloria Sena

August 8, 2016

May our Lord bless and comfort all the family and friends during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Sean and Denise Farrell

August 8, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Branch family, may you all be blessed with his memories. May he R.I.P.

Velvet Money

August 8, 2016

Turner;
You made an indelible mark and shared your success with those you loved and cared for. A wonderful legacy. I'm blessed to have known you for so many years.

Buster

H L Quist

August 8, 2016

May the peace that only God can give, be with you. May your family find comfort in the days to come remembering how you loved them all.

Rebecca Armijo

August 8, 2016

I worked for Turner as a receptionist for 5 years in the early 2000's then moved away for almost 8 yrs. When I left the firm, he said if I ever moved back to give him a call and he would find a spot for me if I wanted it. Now what person would say that & really mean it? Turner W. Branch.

He kept his word when I moved back and started working as a legal assistant and learned so much about myself through having that experience. I didn't have great faith in myself but he and Margaret did and let me know for the following years that I was valued and that what I did for them and the firm, counted.

Turner made a difference and my work ethic and morals are greatly due to how he allowed me to grow. I am a much more patient and empathetic person because of knowing him.

Rebecca Morphis-Armijo

August 8, 2016

I am so sadden to hear of Turners passing. He was a a great friend. He will be sorely missed. SEMPER FI
Elaine Aragon

Elaine Aragon

August 7, 2016

Turner was a kind and generous man. My parents were blessed to have his friendship for many years and I know they will miss him. Thinking of his family and friends, sending love and prayers

Jody Ralph

August 7, 2016

Turner was one the greatest men I'll ever know. I was lucky enough to work for him for 16+ years. I was his right hand man to the very end. He was fearless, very intelligent, giving, funny, & stronger than you can imagine.
He loved NM & he especially loved Albuquerque. I once asked him "Why did you decide to stay in Albuquerque? You could have gone anywhere and been successful." To which he replied "I fell in love with this place. I had a strong vision of what Albuquerque could be. I knew I could make it better and be a powerful voice for those that didn't have one." He absolutely made it better and boy was that powerful voice heard. During his 50 years of practicing law, he stood up for, and represented thousands of New Mexicans and people across the country.
We had so many great times together. I was lucky enough to travel all over the country with him. Over the years we literally attended over a thousand Lobo sporting events. As you can imagine he attended thousands before that, as he was one of the most faithful and devoted Lobos, since he graduated in 1960.
I'll miss him dearly... I'm a much better person because of him and hope I can make him proud by doing everything he taught me. He left the world a much better place than he found it. I hope I'm able to do the same.

Rich Baca

August 7, 2016

When my daughter was killed by a drunk driver, he and his firm represented my daughters estate with caring and compassion, a kindness I will never forget...my heartfelt condolences to his wife Margaret and family.

Carolyn Bell

August 7, 2016

One great man! Heaven is sooo lucky!

Laurie Morales

August 7, 2016

I worked for Turner as a legal assistant about 7 years ago and ran into him quite frequently when I worked for ESPN Radio. He was a great man and loved his community very much. He will be missed. Prayers to his family for love and comfort.

Andres Trujillo

August 7, 2016

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St. John Cathedral Church

318 Silver Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM

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