Geoffrey Turner - Obituary

Geoffrey L. Turner

Turner, Geoffrey L. LATHAM This obituary was written by Geoff Turner who passed away on February 13, 2019. "I was an idiot who made the same stupid decision, day-after-day, multiple times per day. I was a smoker and even though I knew it may eventually kill me, I chose to deny the truth to myself. The pain and suffering I caused my family was not worth the perceived "satisfaction" that really did nothing more than waste money, separate me from my family, and eventually destroyed my body. I did many good things, helped lots of people, and even made a decent living. At 66 years old, I lived a decent life, but there are so many events and milestones I will not be able to share with my loved ones. The moral of this story - don't be an idiot. If you're a smoker - quit - now - your life depends on it and those that you love depend upon your life. I am survived by Josie Turner, the best wife/nurse/ friend I never deserved; my loving kids, John "Jay" (Mariana) of Centerville, Ga., Shawn, Peter (Glorimar) of San Mateo, Calif., Sarah (Robert) Huiest, and Alexis; four fantastic grandchildren, Alexander, Jacob, Dumitru, Paulina; and my brother Ted (Barbara) of Deptford, N.J. My brother Ted is five and a half years older than I am, and even though I never stood a chance we competed at everything. Jim, John, and Frank, play the next round as a threesome rotating my shot between you guys. Remember, life is good - don't let it go up in smoke." The family would like to extend their extreme gratitude to the outstanding team of D3N at Albany Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held on March 9, in the Community Reformed Church of Colonie, 701 Sand Creek Rd., Albany. Family and friends may visit at 10 a.m. with the service beginning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the American Cancer Society or a children's charity of your choice.

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Published in Albany Times Union from Feb. 16 to Feb. 17, 2019.

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42 entries

March 7, 2019

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Geoffrey. Today is day one for me after an appointment at the VA today I was informed that I had suffered an aneurysm on my aorta along with emphysema. I've been smoking for 45 years and never wanted to believed it would catch up to me. I am worried about my daughter and family will go through. May peace be with your family.

Ken Hunt

March 6, 2019

Geoff was one of a kind. Enjoyed working with him.

Gerry Fassett

February 26, 2019

I didn't realize you passed until I read it in the Washington Post. I remember our younger times, high school days. You were my brother -in-law for a short time.
You did a final a selfless act of writing your obituary, telling the truth about the dangers of smoking. Addiction destroys and kills.
God keep you in the arms of the angels -forever in your family's hearts and mind.

Cynthia DeLong - Allen

February 25, 2019

Deepest condolences to the Turner family. Thank you for sharing Geoffrey's words with us. He will truly make a difference in the lives of others who read his honest message.

Daria Wikber

February 25, 2019

I didn't know Mr. Turner, but what he did was very courageous. Both my parents died due to smoking cigarettes. My mother, at sixty-two from lung cancer, and my father in his later sixties from irreversible vascular disease. He had stopped smoking more than 20 years prior. The four siblings who grew up on our home have never smoked a cigarette, yet we have suffered from upper respiratory disease and asthma all of our lives. I pray your family gets comfort from your father's selfless act.

Lillie Hampton

February 25, 2019

My deep condolences to the Turner family. I lost my dad at 62 to lung cancerhe didn't smoke but worked in a smoke-filled office. Smokers: the odds of being successful go UP every time you try to quit! Don't worry if you've failed in the pastit may be easier to succeed this time!! This is based on research; my husband did his dissertation on smoking cessation and he taught me this fact. Keep trying to quit, no matter how long it takes!

Rut Greenwood

February 25, 2019

Henk and Jana Bouw

Sharing your message in the Netherlands...North Holland. Too many people here still smoke. I hope my friends will get the message and quit smoking, live another day, and give their brothers a run for their money! God bless you Geoffrey and God bless your memory. Your family was and is blessed by you, and so are the rest of us, too! I'm a poet and didn't know it.... ;)

Jana Harms-Bouw

February 25, 2019

What selfless final act. Sharing his most private thoughts and feelings with strangers in an effort to save lives. God bless you and your family Mr. Turner

Pamela

February 24, 2019

Thanks for keeping it real Geoffrey tomorrow is going to be 35 days after smoking 43 years and close to 70 cigarettes a day.I ended up in the er and after i couldn't breath.

Walter

February 23, 2019

Geoff was my friend. Along with Jim and Frank, we played golf together for almost 20 years. When I read his obituary I hear his voice speaking. It's taken me a while to write this because I thought if I did not, it would not be final. Hopeful thinking does not make it so. Geoff was a kind and loyal person. He was steady. Towards the end we were talking about how difficult it is to be a caregiver. My stepdad had just died and I told him I was tired. He said being sick was easy. The hard part was being a caregiver. He worried about the cost in giving him constant care and comfort. He worried about his wife. He said she amazing. A rock who never let him down. He worried about her strength and the future. He said he was not afraid to die and knew it would soon come. That was Geoff. Worrying about his family with no self pity or anger. Josie, I hope you know just how proud he was of you. He was so grateful to you. He loved you more then himself. I could tell many stories about this good man, but I'll be selfish and keep them in my memory. I will say on the fourth hole at Saratoga Spa golf course, he hit the longest drive I've ever seen. The man had game. Miss you brother.

John

February 23, 2019

I learned about you reading the BBC. God bless you and your family. Sorry for your passing and families loss. Yes 66 is not enough but we take what we can get. Taking time to write this obit was very courageous and hopefully will help one person kick the habit for good. If you can do that, it was all worth it. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace good fellow.....

John Ford

February 23, 2019

A poignant message that resonates with me. Thankfully I quit my 20+ a day habit fifteenn years ago.
I watched and cared for my father and brother both die from cancer. Both lifelong smokers. What a waste.
Rest In Peace Geoff

Colin Farrell

February 22, 2019

I am sorry for your loss. I quit smoking three weeks ago - have been tempted - but this reinforced my commitment to quit.

M Yamamotto

February 22, 2019

What an amazing man. Thank you for this final act of love for the whole world.

David Chan

February 22, 2019

At age 34 I've been an on-and-off again smoker for around 8 years now. I recently quit a few months ago along with my husband, but recently have had temptations to cave and buy a pack - this was a helpful reminder not to go back down that road. Nothing good can come of it. Thank you.

Sloan W.

February 22, 2019

Bob Wintz

Grandparent

February 22, 2019

I just saw this on BBC, moments after thinking about the need to kick a habit that I know is detrimental to my health. Thanks for sharing this with us. It really does put the importance of action and persistence into perspective. Wishing your family comfort in this difficult time, and wishing anyone who reads this the strength to persist in making those fundamental lifestyle changes. As Mr Turner said, 'your life depends on it'.

February 22, 2019

I've shared your story with my friends and hope they will keep sharing to spread the word. Thank you.

Janette

February 22, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. I am 67 and have smoked for 50 years. I am amazed I have not died yet. As a result of your husband story, I looked at my 7 children and 5 grandchildren and I will try and stop. I stopped drinking and using drugs over 31 years ago. When I tell people it is the hardest drug to quit, almost everyone says no. Again so sorry for your loss and all I can do is take the first steps to try and stop. I hope I am successful soon for everyone's sake.

February 22, 2019

I am a smoker of 15 years at 32 years old. I have a 6 year old daughter that I would hate to put through that pain. I have attempted to quit in the past and have failed. This has inspired me to try again and do it, for my daughter if not for myself.

February 22, 2019

My condolences to the Turner family. When I saw this in the news I was very moved by the words of your father. We lost my dad to congestive heart failure at 77 last year. He was a lifetime smoker and the end was not happy for him or for our family. Hopefully your dad's last words will inspire at least a few people to never take up this terrible habit or maybe finally take that most difficult step to quit while they still have life. Rob R.

February 22, 2019

Read the obit on BBC. I quit Chewing Tobacco almost 4 months ago after doing it for 9 years. You're an inspiration. Rest in Peace.

Ahmetcan Caglayan

February 22, 2019

As a nurse, I thank you, Mr. Turner, for being open and honest about smoking, and I am proud of your family for letting your last words be published for others. I wish comfort for your family during these hard times and pray all the best for you in the next life.

Mary Parker

February 22, 2019

Sincerest condolences for the entire family...so glad the obituary he wrote was published.

Cindy LaValle

February 22, 2019

God bless you for this. I lost both my parents to smoking, and have struggled with this terrible addiction most of my life. My sister will probably die from it also. I think of my parents every day and all the things that they have missed. I hope this message helps others. It was written by someone who clearly had a beautiful spirit.

Lynn Smith

February 22, 2019

Dear Mr. Turner,
Thank you for being brave enough to write the truth. I gave this article to my mother-in-law. You will be missed.

Monika Blair

February 21, 2019

I've been a smoker for years, but have recently given up for what seems like the millionth time. Currently on day 28 without a cigarette. It's usually about this time that my will power diminishes, my mood wavers and I finally crack, today I've fought the urge to buy a pack and smoke them all. This obituary has refuelled my will power to continue without smoking, and for that I am extremely grateful. Please know I am truly sorry for your loss but thankful that I came across this obituary today. I hope others read this and realise that the satisfaction of smoking truly isn't worth it for ourselves and for our loved ones

James Sinclair

February 21, 2019

Dear Turner Family -

I lost both of my parents to lung cancer. It is a relentless and devastating disease. My father, like yours, assumed responsibility for his decisions and the tragic final result. You should be proud of your father and his efforts here to make an impact on others to quit. May you all find comfort in your memories and pride in your father's/husband's final act of compassion for so many people that he never had the chance to meet. My deepest sympathies go out to all of you.

Cynthia Purce

February 20, 2019

This obit was right from the horses's mouth as they say. I've known smokers all my life and noted so many ending up not being able to simply breathe -nothing is worse. Thanks Geoffrey I sincerely hope people take your simple advice STOP SMOKING"
Rest in peace!

Lynn Stote

February 20, 2019

Dear Turner family,

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Geoff. I do not know you or Geoff but I can definitely relate to what you are all going thru as I am going through this now.
My husband has Copd and emphasema and it is very hard on him breathing or able to live life like he would like to and is hard on his family and friends to watch him suffer. I Appreciate Geoff's obituary and hope people listen as we have seen this first hand. Geoff does not have to suffer any longer.
God bless everyone and your in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan Eastland

February 20, 2019

Prayers to you and your family and thank you for sharing such an important message with others. Blessings to you all.

Barbara Howard

February 19, 2019

Deepest condolences to the Turner Family and thank you so much for sharing this powerful message. May all your memories comfort you at this very difficult time. God Bless Geoff for his words and willingness to share them.

Maureen Gannon

February 19, 2019

Thank you Mr. Turner!!! I pray you are in a better place, and your courage to write this, is a wake up call to all the smokers out there. You will help many more people through this simple act of honesty.

February 18, 2019

My sincere sympathy for your family. I admire that this obituary was written in honesty and appreciate the intent of the sweet man writing it. many of us were in his shoes, some could stop, others cannot...hope this message gets to those that will try. I quilt 20 years ago, wish Geoff had also...he obviously loved you all very much...will think about you all in my prayers.

Caring for Others

February 17, 2019

Josie and Family, Thank you for sharing Geoff's farewell invitation and important lifesaving advice. We send our Love and Prayers to you during this sad moment. We are sure Geoff's Spirit will warm your Hearts each day. Marco remembers Geoff's friendliness and his Special Aquarium. Love, Gina, Marco, Allegra and Gianina

Gina Padula

February 17, 2019

rest in Peace , you were always considerate of your co-workers

jean tomlinson

February 17, 2019

To the Turner Family,
I did not know Mr. Turner , he moved me by writting his own obit. This shows what kind of man he was to be humble face the truth and have a heart to help someone along the way. Family you have a lot to be proud about and a legacy that is left to you all about making a difference in people's life. He did it his way and to God be the glory!

Touched my heart

February 17, 2019

Thank you.
May you Rest In Peace

February 16, 2019

Your message has been heard. Perhaps this was the reason you were put on this Earth. Condolences to your family.

February 16, 2019

May you rest in Peace.

February 16, 2019

We wish to express our deepest condolences on Geoff's passing. For over 30 years it was my pleasure to know Geoff as a neighbor, friend and golf buddy. Per his wishes, John, Frank and I will be honored to play a forth ball for him annually at his favorite course - and this time he will have to accept my gimmie putts :)

Geoff was a good and kind man who loved his family and friends, and who did much good in his community. He will be deeply missed - but never forgotten. Rest in peace our dear friend.

Jim, Deb & Family

February 16, 2019

A friend put Mr Turners obit on Facebook, I quit smoking 29 years ago. I hope his message reaches people who needed it. I am sorry for your families loss.

M F

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