John Melville Turner

Passed away peacefully with his family at his side in his residence on Sunday, January 20, 2013, in his 91st year. Beloved husband and best friend of June (nee-Gadd). Devoted father of David, Jim (Debbie), Rob (Mary-Lou), Heather Dyer (Bruce), Tim (Wendy) and Ian (Laura). Sadly missed by his 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Loving brother to Dr. Arthur Turner (Margaret-Jane). Predeceased by his parents Melville and Ola Turner, his sister Dorothy Holman. John was born in Peterborough on September 24, 1922. He attended Peterborough area schools including Lakefield College School and joined the R.C.A.F. in 1942. He returned to Peterborough in 1945 and joined W.R. Turner Ltd. John was elected to Peterborough City Council in 1968. During this term, he was a member of the Board of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Peterborough and Chairperson of the Peterborough County-City Health Unit. He was elected to the Ontario Legislature as MPP in October 1971. He was re-elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1977, 1981 and 1985. He was appointed Speaker of the Ontario Legislature from 1981-1985. John was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, member of the Peterborough Rotary Club, former Worshipful Master of Wm. James Dunlop Masonic Lodge, lifelong member of Peterborough YMCA and former president of United Service Institute. In February 2012 John was a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at ST. PAUL’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (120 Murray Street) at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or the Foundation for Fighting Blindness would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to COMSTOCK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com.