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Obituary of Edward "Ted" Kerr Turner
TURNER, Edward “Ted” Kerr
(1927 – 2018)
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather on Thursday, November 1, 2018 in Regina. Ted is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years and best friend, Mel; his daughters and grandchildren: Jan (Dean Norton), Anders Nelson (Kara), Jessica Nelson (Shawn) and Taylor Nelson; Joy (Murray Owen), Vanessa Owen (Scott) and Shane Owen (Joanne); and Jill (Murray Walker), Allison Frenette (Nathan), Thomas Walker (Amy) and Shannon Walker (Andrew); and by his little great-grandson Kiefer Owen-Cameron. Ted is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Jim Bright (Jane) and Wayne Bright (Carol); sister-in-law Liz Bright; his “sister” Doreen Rouse (Cy); numerous nieces and nephews; and the Spina family in Australia.
Ted was born on the family farm at Maymont, Saskatchewan on April 6, 1927 to Thomas and Jessie Turner. He was the youngest of five children, with siblings Tom, Winnifred, Evelyn, and Joyce. Ted met Melville Bright at school and they were married in 1950. He had completed his Diploma of Agriculture (1948) from the University of Saskatchewan and had taken over the running of the family farm. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ted became involved with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, at first serving on the local committee, then as delegate and director. In 1966, Ted was elected First Vice-President, which required moving to Regina. It was a big change for the whole family, but especially for Ted as it marked the beginning of his life-long career with the Pool. He served as president from 1969 until his retirement in 1987. During Ted’s tenure with the Pool, he travelled extensively throughout the province, Canada, and internationally. He was an integral part of the expansion of the company, influenced international trade agreements and agricultural policy. Ted never truly retired, just shifted his focus. He became a fundraiser par excellence, particularly with the University of Saskatchewan and the Hospitals of Regina Foundation. Ted served as Chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan for six years and over the years maintained close ties with his Alma Mata. He was a proud member of the Regina Rotary Club for 50 plus years. Ted believed in service to his community. And if that wasn’t enough, he wrote the book Beyond the Farm Gate, 2014 and collaborated on The Sodbusters Vision, 2017. While Ted received many awards and distinctions for his work in agriculture and community, he was most proud of his Order of Canada, Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and honorary Doctors of Law from the University of Saskatchewan.
No matter how busy Ted was, family came first. He was proud of his daughters and their families and happy to brag about his grandchildren and great-grandson. Ted and Mel enjoyed many common interests and trips and wintered in Indio, California for 32 years. From early years playing hockey and baseball, curling and later downhill skiing to a passionate relationship with golf (he shot his age 105 times), Ted loved sports. He was a member of the Wascana Country Club for 50 years. Ted was a Roughrider season ticket holder for 48 years and a vocal spectator, attending two games in the new Mosaic Stadium. He was delighted to see his Boston Red Sox win the World Series and the Riders win their final season game.
Ted was genuinely interested in everyone he met and could converse with anyone anywhere. He was known for his sense of humour and love of puns. Ted lived by the Rotary Creed and the strong sense of values he had grown up with and was a member of Wesley United Church for 52 years. He never walked away from a challenge and that included his battle with lymphoma, which he faced with determination and optimism. Ted faced it as he had lived his life.
A Funeral Service for Ted will take place at Wesley United Church, 3913 Hillsdale Street, Regina, SK on Saturday, November 10, at 2:00 p.m.
Family and friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, Prairies Region, 590-1212 31 Avenue NE, Calgary AB T2E 7S8 or to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, 225-1874 Scarth Street, Regina, SK S4P 4B3.
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