Robert E. Turney, Died November 6, 2019
Robert
E. Turney
Died
Nov. 6, 2019
TRAVERSE CITY –Robert Edmund Turney, 89, of Traverse
City, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019 at Cordia in Grand Traverse Commons
surrounded by his loving family.
Rob was born
on Dec. 27th, 1929, at Park Farm in Brixworth, England. He
married Peggy Anne Sheppard on Aug. 20th, 1955, in the village of
Old, England. They had
two daughters, Carol (Russ) Shipley and Sarah (Barton) Faylor. They
lived in a number of places, from Kenilworth and Thorpe Bay, England to the
other side of the Atlantic in Rosedale Park, Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills,
Michigan.
After purchasing their beloved “Barn” in Leelanau county in
1983, they finally fulfilled their dream of moving there permanently in 1990. In 2003,
the second “Turney Barn” was lovingly built further up the hill on Darwin Road.
For the
past three and a half years, they have enjoyed a full and active life at Cordia
in Traverse City.
Rob graduated from Luthborough
College in Leicester. He began his Engineering career at Armstrong Siddeley (Rolls
Royce), moving on to the Ford Motor Tractor Company where he worked for 25
years. Ford
moved him from Essex, England to Troy, Michigan in the 1970’s.
He treasured his five grand
daughters- Megan Shipley (Thomas Cook), Claire Shipley, Emma Shipley (Ben
Roos), Sydney Faylor, Sophie Faylor. Much to his delight, his first great
grandchild, Ruthie Cook, was born in 2016. His devoted four legged companions included Tinker, Chloe,
Pickel, Daisy and Millie.
Rob was the epitome of the definition
of an English gentleman, despite years of residence in the States. He loved
the countryside and tending to his garden, he would read books voraciously (no
subject went unturned), they collected Art from their travels or supported
local artists they admired, he could recite poetry at any given moment, he was
a “Mr Fix It” extraordinaire ...but mostly, he was loved for his kind,
generous, humorous and humble nature. Family was everything to him.
He was a lifelong member of the SAE
and IMechE. He helped
establish the Glen Arbor Art Association and was President for 7 years. He was
Chairman of the Board at the Grand Traverse Community
Foundation and he shared his skills with many Nonprofits throughout his life.
He and Peg lived a 64 year marriage
filled with love and respect, with some patience and good humor mixed in. They were never happier
than when they were with family or hosting friends at their farmhouse kitchen
table.
Rob is survived by his wife Peg; his
siblings Richard (Mo) Turney and Kate (Ian ) Wilson and many beloved nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in death by his
parents, Katharine and Edmund Turney and two siblings, Margaret (John) Burt,
John (Sue) Turney.
A celebration of Rob’s life will be held
at 11:30 on Saturday, Nov. 23rd at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church. Rev. Dr. Robin Carden will
officiate.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorials may be
directed to Traverse City Salvation Army, PO Box 5228, Traverse City, MI 49696-5228 and/or Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, 223 Lake Avenue,
Ste B, Traverse City, MI 49684.
Please share condolences with Rob’s
family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:
My name is Jean Johnson and I am a college friend of Roberts’s daughter, Sarah. Robert had the most sublime sense of humor, was especially kind and I always felt that he looked out for me in the best and caring way. He touched my heart and his loss is a sad one. Sending much love, thoughts adn prayers to Peg, Sarah and the entire Turney family. I wish I lived closer.
ReplyDeleteDear Peg and family,
ReplyDeleteWe so adored Rob and the many, many special qualities that made up his “Robness”: intelligence and modesty, curiosity and kindness, humor and quiet determination to make a difference. What a man, what a gentleman.
Much love,
John and Marta
Dear Peg and family,
ReplyDeleteWe so adored Rob and the many, many special qualities that made up his “Robness”: intelligence and modesty, curiosity and kindness, humor and a quiet determination to make a difference. What a man, what a gentleman.
Much love,
John and Marta
Peg, my sincere sympathy goes out to you and your daughters and friends. Our Tuesday yoga class really enjoyed Rob's presence and wit. We will miss him.
ReplyDeleteDear Peg,
ReplyDeleteIt was a joy to know you and Rob and to work with you at the Art Association when I lived in Glen Arbor. My sincere condolences.
Growing up as part of the "British gang" with "the Turneys" as one of our adopted families was an amazing blessing. I love you all, and Rob was such a kind-hearted, intelligent, and engaging man - I remember as a teenager having dinner at your place, and having long and super interesting conversations with him - he was always interested in hearing others' views, and had a way of making me feel comfortable sharing my thoughts (hard for an introverted teen!). Holidays with you all were such great times, and made up for not having "real" extended family in the US. I'm so glad Kylie and I saw Rob and Peg a couple years ago, and only wish we had seen more of you both over the years. Rob will be missed, I'm so thankful to have known him. Love to you all, God bless. xox Liz and Kylie (Wiseman)
ReplyDeletePeg,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of the loss of Rob! I loved working the desk nights and listening to him regale me of tales from all over the world. Loved working with both of you over the last five years. Sympathy to you and your daughters on the loss of Rob.
Gretchen Fontichiaro