Migs was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and is survived by his wonderful wife Diana (nee Jenkins, married 1948) who supported and took care of him for 71 years, including raising their family when he was at sea or overseas attending United Nations and NATO conferences; their children: Michael (Alison Swick) in Oak Bay, Wendy (Ben) Rotteveel in Kingston, and Barbara (Mark) Norton in Brockville; grandchildren: Evelyn (E.V.) and the late Bryan (Kate Rodrigues) Turner, Michelle (Scott) Arnold, Sandy Fanning and Heather (Nick) Leverty, Joseph (Lori) Norton and Diana (Bruce) Lefebvre; great-grandchildren: Ryleigh and Logan Arnold, Benjamin, Emma and Cassidy Fanning, Addison Leverty, Emerson and Everley Norton, and Maurice and Marion Lefebvre.
Migs was predeceased by his parents, Aileen Sophie Wiglesworth and Maurice William Turner, both born in England, and by his brother Brigadier General Ret’d. William Wiglesworth (Hope) Turner in 2017.
Migs attended St. Michael’s Boy’s School in Oak Bay 1935–40 and University of Toronto Boy’s Schools 1940–43. He served as a Gunner/Lance Bombardier in the 7th Toronto Field Regiment (Reserve) RCA 1940–43 and was a Midshipman in Sea Cadet Corps Temeraire 1942–43. In May 1943, he joined the RCNVR in WWII as an Ordinary Seaman. Commissioned Sub-Lieutenant in 1944, he served on the midocean convoy escort in the corvette HMCS Guelph 1944–45 during the Battle of the Atlantic. (At night in March 1945 in heavy seas off Iceland, Migs jumped overboard to rescue Guelph’s After Lookout Able Seaman Robert Stewart RCNVR.)
After the war, Migs transferred to the RCN, specializing in communications and electronics; served at sea “on exchange” with the USN; commanded HMC Ships New Liskeard (Algerine class Naval Research ship developing Variable Depth Sonar) 1954–56 in the Atlantic, and Saskatchewan (destroyer) 1964–66 in the Pacific and Far East; served with NATO and as a Director of Communications at Naval Headquarters in Ottawa, participating as head of DND delegations to NATO, UN, and other international conferences. Migs joined and served in the Canadian Coast Guard in Ottawa 1974–77 and then relocated to Vancouver 1977–88, where he was Superintendent Vessel Traffic Services (Pacific) and then Regional Manager Fleet Systems (Pacific and Western Arctic).
In his active retirement, Migs was president and past president of the Naval Officers Association on Vancouver Island; founding president of the Retired Coast Guard Officers Association; founder of the Aloha 34 (sailboat) Owners’ International Network; past director of the Victoria Branch Alzheimer Society, the Royal United Services Institute and the Canadian Institute of International Affairs; and member of the Victoria CCG Local Marine Advisory Council, Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Victoria Golf Club, Kiwanis, Victoria PROBUS, Oak Bay PROBUS and St. Mary’s (Oak Bay) Parish Council.
Sailing in their Aloha 34 sailboat Sea Vixen provided considerable enjoyment to Diana and Migs, initially out of Vancouver and later Cadboro Bay, Victoria. When Diana “retired” from sailing to concentrate more on her knitting and other volunteer activities, Migs continued with the crew he had drafted for year-round Saturday sailings, weather permitting. He delighted in sharing photos of his Christmas sails with his eastern Canadian friends.
Our thanks to: staff at Oak Bay Recreation Centre where Migs enjoyed swimming with friends 1989–2014; family, friends, Dr. David Brook and Carlton House staff who made life easier and pleasurable for Diana and Migs in recent years; and the remarkably caring staff of 8S Royal Jubilee Hospital who cared for and comforted Migs during his final days.
At Migs’ request, there will be a private family service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army or Red Cross are most appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Ivan Watson
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John Macleod John Macleod
OIC VTS Vancouver ret.
It was a great honor to serve with such a man as MIgs,as he was a mentor and constant source of encouragement thru out my career. He will never be forgotten by those of us who served at”Vancouver ,Tofino and Prince Rupert Traffic”. One of a kind .
John Macleod
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Carol Rudd Migs was a gentleman through and through, and this was always appreciated! He was also a great storyteller, and like most storytellers, he loved to repeat them, but I never tired of hearing how he met Diana, and seeing his face light up at the memory. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.
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Minca and Tom Smaak Recently, during the outside ‘French Lunch’ at Carlton House, at a table for four, Migs, Diana, Minca and Tom were
sitting together. At the last ‘Mix and Match’, again the four of us were sitting at a table for four.
Migs told stories, which we had never heard before. They will stay with us for ever.
Migs was a humble man, who dearly loved Diana.
Minca and Tom wish Diana and her family strength in this difficult time.
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Cindy Taylor My sincere condolences to Diana, and family. Captain Turner was a true gentleman and professional. He set the standard in leadership and integrity.
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Terry Weber My condolencesto Diane and your family.I remember Migs as a real gentleman who cared about the people he worked with.
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Alec Provan I was one of the “Saturday Afternoon Sailors”, invited by Migs to sail on Sea Vixen most weekends, and to enjoy the post-sail hospitality once the vessel was securely moored at the Yacht Club. Migs ensured that all on board took their turn at the helm and assisted to trim the sails to ensure maximum speed. He was a great leader and good friend. My condolences go out to Diana, and members of the extended family. Alec Provan
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Art Mountain It is with great sadness that I acmnowledge and accept the passing of my good friend and Canadian Coast Guard colleague “Migs” Turner.
They simply don’t don’t come any more committed to striving to make things turn out right than Migs was!
All the very best to his wife and family at this difficult time!
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Rick Bryant - CCG Retired Nancy and I were greatly saddened to learn that Migs had passed away and offer our sincere condolences to Dianna and the family. We will miss our visits to Carlton House that had become an important element in our lives over the past few years. Migs will be remembered as a gentleman and as an exceptional manager and leader. I first met Migs in 1982 when I was transferred from Toronto to Vancouver with the Coast Guard. While I was nominally in charge, Migs took me under his wing and ensured that I met all the right people and fully understood my new responsibilities. His care and concern also extended to my family and he went to great lengths to ensure that we settled comfortably into our new home. He will be greatly missed.
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Wayne Fullerton I was saddened to learn of Mig’ passing over the bar. My sincere condolences to the family. Migs was utmost a gentleman and a steadfast supporter of the CCG. His vast experience at sea and expertise in communications provided many of us in the VTS and CG Radio branch with much wise counsel.
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Jim and Judy Siberry Miss was a wonderful neighbour and a good friend. Apart from his many accomplishments we remember Migs for his generous spirit, his sense of humour and the care he demonstrated for others. Miss was a man of principle and a good man to have known.
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Roger Pike The passing of Migs Turner marks the loss of one of the finest men I’ve known or served with. I first met Migs in 1981 when he and I were “counterparts” managing the joint CCG/USCG vessel traffic management system in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. He was a true professional, and a joy to work with. That was the beginning of a solid friendship that spanned 38 years and numerous visits. And over those years, Migs was unfailingly generous in introducing me to many of his friends who subsequently became my friends. Somehow Migs seemed to know everyone! Edna and I send our heartfelt sympathy to Diana and family, and wish them well at this difficult time.
Roger Pike, CAPT, USCG (Ret)
High Point, North Carolina
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Ted Semmens My condolences to the Turner family. Migs was a loyal shipmate and a treasured friend to my own Mum and Dad, Ted and Addie Semmens. Ted Semmens Jr
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Gaily Koonar My condolences to the family. A most true distinguished gentleman.
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Peter Jones I met Migs and Mrs Turner through my fathers association with them at St Mary’s Church. One of those families ,if you are fortunate ,to meet by circumstance in this life. Generous with his time and his sailing, definitely the passing of an era. My best wishes to all of the family at this time
Sincerely Peter Hywel Jones
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Ted Severud (CCG Retired) Very sad news indeed. I started my career in VTS under Migs wonderful helm. Migs proved to be a powerful advocate and leader for VTS in Canada. The working relationship I had with Migs continued and flourished after my retirement with many shared memories, articles, jokes and Emails. My most sincere thoughts, condolences and good wishes go to Diana and family. Migs towering presence will be sorely missed; but our memories of him will always be with us.
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George S Schober It was my pleasure to get to know Migs very well after he retired to Victoria.
He was a most honourable man, a gentleman in the true sense of the word.
Always ready and willing to volunteer, to help out.
A very knowledgeable person, endowed with a great sense of humour.
I will miss him greatly.
My wife Daphne joins me in offering deepest condolences to Diana, Michael and the rest of Migs’ family, on their great loss.
George Schober
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John Anderson Diana, Anne joins me in sending our condolences to you and your family on Migs’ death. He was so kind to me when we returned to the Victoria area to commence “retired” life. He was a fine gentleman, a great sailor and an greatly appreciated shipmate.
Most sincerely,
John Anderson
Admiral (Ret’d)
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BGen Lloyd Skaalen (RCAF retired) During my membership in the RUSIVI, I was impressed with the calm and sage contributions that Migs offered in all forms of communication. His RCN and Coast Guard services were very helpful in some of the studies entered into matters such as security measures for commercial shipping to and from Canadian ports; in fact, we submitted a joint paper on that subject which was then published by RUSIVI. I do convey my sincere condolences to Diana and their family.
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Bill Gately Wendy, I never met your father but this wonderful summary of a life well spent supports the justifiable pride you take as his daughter. Stay strong!
Bill Gately
Captain, S. V. FruitionVenice, Florida
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Captain Steen Jessen, RCN Ret'd. My condolences to the family. I was a brand new Sub-Lieutenant in SASKATCHEWAN and I remember him well.
He was a true Gentleman and a very good Naval Officer.Steen Jessen, Oak Bay
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Peter Chance Heartfelt condolences to wife, Diana.
Peter Chance
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Jonathan Gage I was sad to read of Mr Turner’s passing. Migs & Diana were institutions in the corner of the Carlton House residence restaurant, enjoyed the courtyard’s sunshine, pleasant to talk with, and good ex-neighbours of my deceased mother Doreen Gage with regular morning banana deliveries. My sympathies to the family.
Jonathan Gage, Son of Doreen Gage
I had the pleasure of getting to know Migs when I interviewed him several times for a magazine profile earlier this year. I was fascinated to learn about his incredible life story and when the article was published, he graciously invited me back to Carlton House for drinks and dinner to celebrate. I will remember his as a kind soul, a distinguished leader and a true gentleman of integrity. He cared deeply about people and clearly loved his family, his community and his country. Migs was one of those special people whom one always remembers fondly. My sincere condolences to Diana and the rest of the family.