Michael John Turner

On June 8, 2025 I suddenly and unexpectedly lost my husband and best friend Michael John Turner. Mike was born in Redding, California to Preston Battle and Glenda Turner on November 11, 1943. Their first home was above 'Turner's Pharmacy & Liquor' in downtown Redding. Mike attended Saint Joseph's and Magnolia Elementary schools. At the age of 14 Mike departed for boarding School at Menlo School in Menlo Park California, which was his home until graduation in 1962. Mike had endless stories about lifelong friends made and the pranks that ensued at an all male school. His next adventure was Seattle University graduating with a B.C.S. Degree in 1962. I once asked him "why Seattle?" He said "because Patrick (Fitzgerald) is going." Mike and Patrick grew up together as friends and neighbors, both with a passion for hunting and fishing.

Shortly after graduation Mike noticed a recruitment booth for the fairly new Peace Corps and signed up immediately. He soon received an acceptance to enter training for Chile. Back to Washington state for training in reforestation, working with the Mapuche indigenous people. During his training, he received another acceptance for training , this time for the Maasai in Africa. He didn't realize that once accepted for training he may receive multiple offers. Reflecting years later, he said "Spanish proved to be more useful than Maasai."

Training involved, Spanish language, classes, castrating, pigs, and butchering chickens. At this point the remaining trainees were flown to Puerto Rico. Upon arrival, each person revived a piece of paper containing names of different towns where they were instructed to stay a month. The 'catch' was absolutely no motels or hotels. If they were discovered in commercial housing, they would be flown out immediately. Mike located his little community, visited the barbershop and followed a young boy home. In probably what was not yet fluent Spanish he was able to rent a room in a very small home, which involved moving grandma to the couch. Years later on a cruise ship that stopped in Puerto Rico. We raced back to the barbershop and visited the family. We both enjoyed the surprise reunion with the entire community welcoming back the 'strange gringo.'

Mike loved and thoroughly embraced Chile where the feeling was mutual in Temuco. He was busy texting a Chilean friend the night before he passed. We both returned years ago for a very emotional reunion. It was extremely satisfying to see the successful Fir tree industry, realizing he played a small part in the obvious prosperity for the friends he cherished.

After two years Mike's assignment ended. Instead of the free flight back home, he opted for the monetary equivalent which allowed him to travel most of South America for another year. He became completely enthralled with all his adventures, especially a week-long wait for a boat up the Amazon river. Mike had amazing stories and experiences that profoundly changed his life for the better.

Mike returned to Redding after his father became ill and continued operating Turner's, which had become 'Turner's House Of Fashion' The new Mount Shasta mall was under construction where Mike designed and constructed the new Turner's. We met in 1975 in my new store 'Bresler's 33 Flavors'. Later when asked my first impression of Mike, my reply was "he certainly is 'not my cup of tea'" or something to that effect.

In 1978 we were married. After 15 years when our leases expired, I sold my store while Mike signed on for another seven years. He finally came home to retire in 1997. It was the first time in over half a century that there was no longer a 'Turner's' in Redding.

Mike didn't just retire, instead he started to micromanage my established ways of running our home. I encouraged him to "either get a job, apartment or a girlfriend and allow my routine to continue." Luckily he was hired by Redding Cemetery/McDonald's Chapel, where he found the satisfaction of assisting grieving families. After seven years, he retired as Sales Manager.

During our 47 years together, traveling was a priority. We visited a good part of the world, France being one of our favorites. We purchased a new car online with a guaranteed buyback in one month.

Arriving at the Paris airport, the kiosk for the car was empty except for a phone. We both went into 'zombie mode'.. the word scam left unspoken. Mike pressed the phone and a voice said "Mr. Turner your car is ready right outside." After the initial shock we spent 30 days traveling through most of Western Europe, with no itinerary, and yes they did buy back the car, saving us half of what a rental car would cost.

We enjoyed riding our Harleys across the states and most of British Columbia, New Orleans and Sturgis being the highlights.

This tribute wouldn't be complete without mentioning Mike's wonderful sense of humor. His friends often said he missed his calling as a comedian. Mike's personality was as large as his heart. He always made me laugh, which I now miss.

Mike enjoyed golf at Riverview Country Club, his parents joined when Mike was 14 years old. It was those summers that inspired his love of golf. We became members, enjoying many years of golf and new friendships. Mike was involved in both competitive trap and pistol shooting.

We loved each other, our home and various wonderful dogs and cats over the years. Izzy, our Standard Poodle is my constant companion these days along with 16 chickens.

I loved greatly and grieve deeply. It's so sadly quiet here now. I'll always look back lovingly and remember what Mike said every few months. "We did a good thing didn't we?" I would always ask "what is it that we did?" He would reply "getting married it turned out good, didn't it?" Yes, indeed it turned out good.

Mike leaves nephews Doug (Diana) Matthews, Craig (Lyndie) Matthews, sister-in-law Susan Silvernail (Keith), aunt Eleanor Ligon and Lindsay's uncle Allen Remell. He was predeceased by his favorite sister Patricia Matthews, and brother in law Ralph Matthews.

Thank you to all of the friends who have been comforting, let me cry, left food on the doorstep (Karly) sent messages and flowers. I'm especially grateful for our friends, Garry and Suzy Bond for listening without judgment, wise advice, food and equipment instruction. Love to you all, Lindsay Turner PS Mike would like for you to adopt a homeless animal, if you are able to..