David J. Turk

David J. Turk, a dedicated endocrinologist and beloved member of the Bellingham community, passed away peacefully on February 9th, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born in Moscow, Idaho on November 3rd, 1960 to Lillian and John Turk, David's early years were shaped by the values of hard work and community. He spent much of his youth assisting at the family florist shop, participating in activities at the Catholic Church and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and water skiing (despite a strong distrust of open water), bowling competitively, and playing board games with his siblings.

After attending the University of Idaho his goal of becoming a physician led him to medical school at the University of Washington where he met his wife Eileen who was studying at Seattle University. David finished his training at Virginia Mason and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, forging lifelong friendships along the way.

In 1994 David moved to Bellingham with his family and spent the next three decades in the community. He was a devoted and loving father to his sons and instilled a strong work ethic and moral compass. Family was his top priority, and joining the Mt. Baker ski patrol created a family tradition of ski trips and lifelong memories of weekend trips to the mountain. In his leisure time, David found joy in reading, hiking, and, in his later years, developed a passion for biking. A cherished tradition was the annual family backpacking trip to the Cascades, which later evolved into a "guys' trip," allowing him to revisit his favorite serene locations and marvel at constellations in the open night sky. Special gatherings with family and friends often featured home-cooked salmon, paired with single malt scotch or vintage port.

David is survived by his wife Eileen, and his sons, Greg and Jake. He leaves behind a legacy of humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those he cared for.