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Stephen Turner Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of (Stephen Eugene) Kwame Turner announce his unexpected passing on July 9, 2017, at the age of 74 years.
A native of Seattle, Kwame was a proud graduate of Garfield High School, and graduated with a degree in oceanography from the University of Washington. He also served in the United States Navy.
He worked for the National Marine Fisheries, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and retired from the Ballard Locks as a Lockmaster in 1997.
Kwame was involved in numerous activities and organizations, including the Garfield Golden Grads, the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, and the Senior Games, as a medal-winning competitor.
He was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Vickie, and survived by his wife, Zenkosi Zulu, his sister, Norma Turner, his brothers, Jeffrey and Darrel Tymony, his daughter, Gina Turner, and son-in-law, Drayson Hounsome, stepdaughter Jabulile Dayton, stepson and daughter-in-law Themba and Terri Dayton, and was "Khulu" (grandpa) to their children Thandi and Tyler. He is additionally survived by countless loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, and many, many dear friends.
A Celebration of Kwame's Life will be held from 3:30-6:00 pm,
on Monday, July 17, at
Evergreen Washelli Celebration Hall
11111 Aurora Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98133
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Kwame can be made to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, to support Biological Oceanography.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Turner
Sponsored by The Family.
Madeline Crowley/Oral Historian
July 31, 2017
I had the great fortune of working directly with Kwame on a piece written about his good friend, Fordie Ross. We worked closely on that over a period of maybe a couple of months, spoke on the phone and spent an afternoon at the NAAM looking at an exhibit together.
I am so sorry to learn he's passed on, I had such respect and affection for him. I am glad I knew him and very sorry for Seattle and the BHS that he's passed. It is a significant loss.
I didn't get to meet his family but I'm sure the apples didn't fall far from that rare, quality tree. Thinking of all of you at your time of loss.
Madeline Crowley/Oral Historian
Pumla Bolani
July 30, 2017
Kwame, as we affectionately called him in South Africa, was our loving uncle. I first him met in Durban, South Africa when my mam'ncane (mom's younger sister) brought him to meet the family. We all loved him and 'approved'of the planned marriage. He was the gentlest giant, considerate, smart, funny and knowledgeable. He cared about people, loved them, loved us. When we visited Seattle in 2001, behind his wife's back, took us to have the best junj food ever. He sent me Otis Redding dvd, which is such a reminder of him in so many ways. He loved his sisters-in-law and neices, nieces, grandkids he inherited in South Africa. We will always miss him and remember him with love and respect. Hamba kahle qhawe
Lawson
July 29, 2017
Kwame - We had no much more to talk about and to accomplish. I will continue to miss you. - Jackie
July 29, 2017
July 29, 2017 - To the Turner Family:
On behalf of the Fields family, please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your loved one. We were greatly saddened to hear of our wonderful friend's death. He truly was an extraordinary man. His infectious laughter and cheerful nature has always brought joy to our lives. We regret that we found out the sad news many days after his passing through a friend of his on the 25th of this month. Kwame, and my deceased father Fordie Ross, were very good friends. They both served in the Y's Men's Club, and participated in the Senior Olympic Games together for many years. There are no words to express our gratitude for all Kwame has done for my father. We all thought the world of him! Kwame brought so many happy moments to my dad's life as well as to our entire family. He has left us with a "treasure chest" of many great memories! We will continue to honor and cherish his memory, and we are praying for you in this difficult time.
Perry, Edwina and Greg Fields
zenko zulu
July 27, 2017
July 23, 2017
It's with a smile and a tear that I remember my brother-in-law: A smile because I have a lot of good memories of him, a tear because the world will be a lot lonelier without him. To G,G, Zanko and family my heart is with you during this time of sadness. Love you all. Jeanee Barnes
Jane Commet
July 21, 2017
I miss his wonderful smile.
Paul Jackson
July 21, 2017
A true champion.
https://vimeo.com/raepop/kwameshirley
Program for Memorial: inside
Gina Turner
July 18, 2017
Program for Memorial: Front and Back
Gina Turner
July 18, 2017
July 18, 2017
My dearest Gina and Zenko,
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you in this time of great sadness.
The passing of Gwame is a great loss he was a gentleman in the true sense of the word. I am thankful for the time spent together at your wedding.
With much love to you both, God bless
Love Ann Hounsome
Erika Moore
July 16, 2017
Dear Gina, My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I will be praying for God to strengthen you and your loved ones in the days and nights ahead. Kindly, Erika Moore (formerly a member at Grace United Methodist Church).
Joan Smith
July 16, 2017
My thoughts are with you, Gina and Zenko. He was a gentle soul that will be missed.
Conne Banaag-Cannon
July 14, 2017
What a very sweet, kind gentleman and positive friend. Always wanted friends to remain in touched with maybe a quick lunch or just a short chat. He loved connecting with classmates and old friends from the old neighborhood. Kwame was one of a kind person, who can not be replaced. To Kitten and the family may you see the joy Kwame has brought to so many. Fudge Banaag and Connie Banaag-Cannon
July 14, 2017
Kwame was our neighbor for a number of years. He was a cheerful and helpful neighbor, and a good friend. We will miss him. Our sympathy goes out to his family and all his other friends.
Chris Conly & Pat Naughton
Jill Brewer
July 14, 2017
So sorry for your loss Gina. Your father was a kind hearted and loving soul who made this earth a better place. Heart breaking news. Sending lots of love,
Jill Brewer and family
Sharon and Jeff Kenyon
July 13, 2017
Such a shock and heart break. We always looked forward to seeing Kwame during the holidays. He always put a smile on our faces. I remember, he once brought collard greens for Christmas Eve dinner. They were the best collard greens ever! Blessings and prayer to all the family.
Elisa Hirvonen
July 13, 2017
To Gina and her family - Wishing you all gentle grieving and finally acceptance for the passing of a man who must be very dear to you.
Jessica Warner
July 13, 2017
My love, and thoughts and prayers are with you Zenko, and your family.
Catherine North
July 13, 2017
"That pain in your gut? That will go away. That pain in your heart? It will remain - but it will ease."
My heart breaks for you.
Allen R Schwerer
July 13, 2017
The men and women of the Hiram M Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) send their condolences and, for many of us, warm memories to the family of Kwame Turner.
Keep on playing K.....
zenkosi zulu
July 13, 2017
zenko zulu
July 13, 2017
I will miss you K.
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