William G. Turner

TURNER
WILLIAM G.
William G. Turner died peacefully August 24, 2003. Even at age 90, he radiated his usual humor and positive attitude that typified his approach to life. We first became aware of our father's rich childhood with his, "When I was a little boy..." stories. These vignettes centered around his playmates from John Borrough's School in St. Louis, many of whom remained life long friends. His camping trip to Europe with the 1929 Boy Scout Jamboree provided another source of colorful tales as well as an adult commitment to the scouts. This ranges from being a council member to selling Christmas trees every winter where he amassed an entourage of repeat customers. Our father attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he was affiliated with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He has continually studied history when not enjoying the New Yorker, placed strategically in little piles around the house. In 1951 "Bill" moved with Branch Rickey, Sr. from the Brooklyn Dodgers to the Pittsburgh Pirates where he worked for 31 years. Typical of his generosity, he set aside one night a month to give inspirational baseball talks to various schools and civic organizations. The film clip of Mazeroski's home run to clinch the series sparked excitement for years to come. Even in retirement our father led an active life. As part of the Red Cross swimming program, he taught life saving, was involved in community activities and constantly traveled to maintain ties with friends and family all over the country. This made us somewhat apprehensive when he drove out to California alone at age 80, visiting 94 friends and relatives along the way! Our father's warmth and consideration touched the lives of everyone around him. Sometimes this would take the form of a cheerful e-mail to an elderly friend. Other times a neighbor child would simply drop in to see "Mr. Bill". For all of you who knew our father, thank you for enriching his truly exceptional life. He will be fondly remembered as the devoted husband of Helen (deceased 1986) and father of Jean (Mellie Turner) Weiss, John B. Turner, Katherine Turner Van Tilbury and William M. Turner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Liberty Family Health Ctr., c/o Dr. David Hall, 7171 Churchland St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Wilkinsburg, Thursday, August 28th at 7pm. Interment private. Arrangements by H. SAMSON, INC. (412-621-2800). www.hsamsoninc.com
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