Donald Frederick Turner
July 26, 1939 - December 18, 2023
Donald Turner, beloved husband of Elena Turner of Calgary, passed away in Calgary, AB on Monday, December 18, 2023, at the age of 84 years.
Don was the loving father of Mark Sullivan (Andrea), Alistair Sullivan, Christoper Turner (Stefanie), and Jacqueline Turner. He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Savannah, Sadie, Mackensie, and Oliver; brother, Derek (Margaret); as well as many other extended family members and friends.
Don was born in Blackhall Colliery, Durham, England in 1939 to his parents, Ralph and Elizabeth. After graduating from Mechanical Engineering, he took a position in Hong Kong in 1969 – briefly with the government before he found his calling working with China Light and Power. Five years later he met Elena, and they began their lives together. In order to retreat from the fast pace and high stress of his position he and the family moved to Canada in 1994. After such challenging work he soon grew restless and immersed himself in the restaurant industry. Initially it was meant to be something easy to keep him busy while he was semi retired. The first venture was a Humpty’s in Crossfield. They later added two other restaurants (Ricky’s Sunridge and Ricky’s Airdrie) to their portfolio. He was dedicated to the business and made many genuine connections with the communities he worked in. His presence will be missed by, not only his family, but the staff and guests who saw him tirelessly working.
Don was intelligent and quick witted; his storytelling was a mix of fact and fiction; he often left the listener to distinguish one from the other. He kept that humour throughout all the years and his positive and engaging spirit throughout his battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to Foothills Medical Centre.
A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 3:00 pm at Choice Memorial Rocky View Chapel (243256 Garden Road NE, Rocky View County, AB).
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Don with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
