Gerald Robert Turnbull

Turnbull, Gerald Robert

1944 – 2018

Gerald passed away from natural causes at his home in Summerland, BC on April 3rd, 2018. He was predeceased by his father Don Turnbull in 2004, his brother Terry Turnbull and sister in law Lynn in 2011, and his cherished mother Ilda Turnbull in 2013.

He is survived by his loving sister Joan Marles (Les), niece Suzanne Turnbull (Derrick), nephew Bill Turnbull (Jennifer), nephews Nick Marles and Tim Marles (Patricia), 2 great-nieces, and 1 great-nephew.

Born in Abbotsford on August 10th, 1944 into a RCAF family, Gerald was the second son and child.  Over the years that followed, his family lived in Elgin, Vancouver, and Summerland.  Gerald’s childhood included happy times with his parents, his older brother Terry, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  My memories of my big brother will always be cherished.  He was a gentle companion and the best playmate that a little sister could have ever had.       

It was evident from a young age that Gerald’s horizons knew no limits.  He enjoyed and did extremely well in school.  His love of reading was very evident.  By early grade school, he was reading the works of William Shakespeare.  In high school, he and his Summerland High School teammates achieved great local recognition after being on the television show, “Reach for the Top.”  This fame is still remarked on by Summerland old timers.  His entire family was so proud of him.

Gerald graduated from Summerland High School in 1962.  After receiving 2 degrees at UBC, he moved to Ottawa to work for the federal government, first in finance and then the National Library.  In 1973, he moved to his much-loved New Zealand and worked for over 19 years in the New Zealand Parliament.  He left this fascinating job to return to UBC as a mature student where he obtained his Master’s in the Library Sciences.

Throughout Gerald’s adult life, he was a devout Quaker.  He volunteered and supported human, animal, and civil rights organizations.    

Deciding to stay in Canada, Gerald’s career entered the computerized age.  He found his new field in Vancouver’s theological libraries very intriguing.  Whenever possible though, he did return to New Zealand to visit.

Gerald was a very devoted and loving son.  Returning to New Zealand was always his dream.  Still, he stood by his choice to stay in Canada to be available for our mother and father in their elder years of need.  He was our mother’s rock after our father’s passing and her devoted companion and later, loving caregiver until her final breath.   

Gerald was an intensely private man known by many.  He will be missed.  To Gerald’s extended family, friends and neighbours from around the globe: be assured your interest, love, and support meant much to him throughout his life. 

At Gerald’s request, no memorial service was held.  His cremains are to be scattered in the Karori Memorial Rose Gardens, New Zealand.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, nor any more pain, for the former things are passed away.  Behold I make all things new.”  Revelations 21:4-5

Condolences may be directed to the family through providencefuneralhomes.com 250-494-7752 or marles@outlook.com.