GERALD M. TURNER - MILTON - Gerald Merchant Turner, 82, of Milton, and Lake Wales, Fla., passed peacefully at the Vermont Respite House on Thursday, March 21, 2013, of cancer. He was born Aug. 12, 1930, in Middletown, Conn., and grew up in Burlington, Vt. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in 1952, and a Master of Education in 1953. He received his Master of Science Degree from Syracuse University, N.Y., in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army in the Counter Intelligence Corps, 1954 to 1956. An ardent believer in lifelong learning, he continued to take courses throughout his 30-year teaching career, especially in the fields he loved most - environmental science and photography. Affectionately known as "Mr. T" to his middle school students, Jerry retired from Albert D. Lawton Intermediate School in Essex Junction, in 1985, where he taught natural sciences for 23 years. He also ran the after-school photography club, and taught at Camp Keewaydin on Lake Dunmore for many summers. He taught in Hinesburg, Vt., and Whitesboro, N.Y., early in his career. A keen observer of nature, Jerry enjoyed camping, paddling, hiking, birding, hunting and fishing with friends and family in Maine, Vermont and Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, especially with his lifelong friend, Harry Varney. He took photos wherever he went and never tired of sharing the wonders of nature. He was also an avid vegetable gardener and spent many spring evenings rototilling gardens for others. After retiring, Jerry returned to his boyhood hobby of designing, making and flying model airplanes. He also continued his woodworking craft and built lightweight canoes which he deployed on the ponds, lakes and rivers of northern New England and Florida. He and his wife spent winters in Lake Wales, Fla., where he established a flying field and made many lasting friends. Gerald leaves his wife of 39 years, Patricia Gervais Turner of Essex Junction; daughters, Ann (Donald) Whitman of Bolton, and Joan (Martin) Snider of North Clarendon; sister, Catherine (Harry) Varney of Essex Junction, and Englewood, Fla.; brother, Robert (Patricia Follansbee) Turner of Charlotte, and Clearwater, Fla.; grandchildren, David and Katherine Whitman, and Jesse, Matthew and Andrew Snider. He also leaves his stepchildren, Christopher (Debora) Long of Deephaven, Minn., Jonathon (Patricia Pike) Long and his children, Danielle, Jamie and Samantha, of Essex Junction, and Jennifer (Richard) Berg and her children, Christopher and Matthew Snelling, of Milton; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and devoted friends. He was predeceased by his daughter, Amy Turner Bradley of Roundrock, Texas; and his parents, George W.C. Turner and Edith Merchant Turner of Burlington. Visiting hours are from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2013, at the Ready Funeral Home Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Dr., Essex Junction. Condolences may be left at www.readyfuneral.com. A private interment will be held at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to Audubon Vermont, 255 Sherman Hollow Road, Huntington, VT 05462.
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I´m thinking of you flying a drone around Heaven these days checking on friends and family. We miss you.
Brother, Robert & Pat
Robert Turner
Family
March 16, 2023
Mr. Turner, thank you. You were a great teacher!
Karen Wemmelmann
Student
March 16, 2021
Mr Turner and Pat were our neighbors....right next door on Redwood Terrace for many years. Mr Turner was always tinkering with things and made time to explain the things he was doing to all the neighborhood kids. He was kind, fun, and made learning a blast. A wonderful neighbor and friend. God bless. Our deepest condolences during this diffficult time.
The Tzavaras family
Scottsdale Arizona
Constantine Tzavaras
April 8, 2013
Mr.Turner was an awesome teacher,one of the reasons I love and am curious about the environment in general,and the stars&planets...God Bless
Marcy Yandow-Rayta
March 30, 2013
Ann - Very sad to hear about your Dad... Martha
Martha Turek
March 26, 2013
To Joan, Ann and your families, I am so very sorry for your loss-it is wonderful that your father's love of flora, fauna and animals was passed along to both of you. I remember vividly all the critters he brought home to save and nurture! God Bless
Nita Bodette
March 25, 2013
Dear Brother Gerald,
As this day moves on with your loving family all together, I am recalling a prayer I sang years ago. "May the angel chorus sing sweet anthems to welcome you and guide you into paradise."
I shall miss you Brother Gerald. I pray your family finds peace as they support and love one another.
Pat #2
Pat Turner
March 24, 2013
Uncle Bob, Pat, and family,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. May you have peace knowing Gerald is at home in Heaven.
Love,
Joyce
March 23, 2013
Mr. Turner was a nice man, a good teacher and a big part of my fabulous experience at A.D.L. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Sue-Ellen Paquette Kelly
March 23, 2013
Ann, Joan and family, my sympathys on the
loss of your father. He was a great teacher. May your memories help you through this very difficult time.
Shirley Paquette FitzGerald
March 23, 2013
Pat, Chris, Jon, and Jen, my thoughts are with you, and I'll always cherish the times we spent together in my youth. Some great times spent camping with Gerry and you all......I recall not being able to get to sleep at night because of Pat and Gerry's laughter. I also had Gerry as a science teacher at ADL, and he was one of my favorites. One of the gentle ones. RIP
Joe Ketcham
March 23, 2013
Ann and Joan, So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Pat O'Brien-Breen
March 23, 2013
Gerald and Amy's smile are so much alike it makes me cry. I pray they all are smiling in heaven.
David Turner and Family - Rosie, Zachary, Adam, Mariah, and Olivia
Davie Turner
March 23, 2013
To a great teacher, good bye Mr. Turner,my sympathies to the family
Karen Wemmelmann
March 22, 2013
Sorry to read the loss of Jon's father in the paper. My prayers are with Jon, Pat and family in this time of sadness. My love to you and yours..
Ruth Rothenberger
March 22, 2013
Dear Ann, Joan and family,
My heart goes out to all of you. I will remember your dad (my Uncle Jay) with love and respect as I have many happy / funny childhood memories of him and your family. My recent time spent and conversations with your dad are a gifts I shall cherish forever. He was a talented guy who made a difference.
All our love to you. Linda and Steve and children Leah (Joe)(VA), Billy (NYC) and Hannah (DC)~ oxoxoxox
Linda Reinhalter (Varney)
March 22, 2013
Pat and family,
I remember with great fondness Gerry and my work with him at ADL. He was a great colleague who enjoyed his work and found time to help his fellow colleagues in their work. He will be greatly missed. May your memories of him help you get through this most difficult time. Gary and Lynn
Gary Moreau
March 22, 2013
We are so sorry, Pat and Family. We will miss him so very much. His friendship,good times,his knowledge,as well as his help at camp,thru the Summer and Fall.
Elaine,Greg,Mary and the rest of the Mayville families
We are so sorry, Pat and family.We will miss him so very much.We will miss his friendship,knowledge,good times at Camp,and all the help thru the summer and fall. Elaine,Greg,Mary and the rest of the Mayville families
greg mayville
March 22, 2013
Sorry to hear of Gerry's passing.
God bless you all.
Randy Snelling
March 22, 2013
Sorry for your loss Jon, Chris, and Jen. Many great memories as a child with all of you. Peace be with you.
March 22, 2013
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