On Tuesday, May 15 we lost our beloved Bruce Turner. He was born September 13, 1951. He was our confidante, protector, DIY guru, and friend. He taught us to shoot, back a trailer, lay a hardwood floor, find a scallop, plaster a wall. Whenever friends or family needed a hand, he showed up in his magic bus, a van filled with tools and weapons and a dog or two, and would help finish the project, explaining patiently how and why. He devoured books, loved to hunt and fish and boat. He worked hard and laughed a lot. He was kind to animals and generous to those less fortunate. He was the strongest man who ever lived. He married his best friend, Donna, and for her we grieve. Disconcertingly, when he died, the world did not stop. As our hearts broke open, the mailman delivered mail, phones rang, planes flew overhead. Life went on. We who loved him go on, too, even though it really hurts. We cling to a series of lasts….the last time he said, “I love you,” the last meal shared, the last time we hugged him tight–all hard, wiry muscles and bristly beard, smelling like trees and leather and sawdust. Our brother, son, husband is gone. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives. We are going on. We will carry him with us. Loved and missed by his wife, Donna, mother, Arbutus, son, Brandon, sisters, Peg (Paul) Coffman, Pat (Allen) Floro, and Pam (Bryn) Jones, brother, Bryan (Linda) Turner, numerous nieces and nephews, especially his hunting buddy, Zac. A celebration of life will be held privately with family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please help someone in need, adopt a pet, thank a veteran, hug your loved ones.
