D. Alan Turnquist

January 26, 1927 – September 23, 2018

D. Alan Turnquist passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Aurora, Colorado, on September 23, 2018, after a June diagnosis of bile duct cancer. He was 91. He loved sunsets over Salt Pond in Narragansett, RI, where he and his wife Barbara lived for many years. The family got him back to Salt Pond and a big family gathering in July. He also loved Rhode Island clam chowdah, clamcakes, Allie's donuts, grinders (RI-speak for sub sandwiches), coffee ice cream, and Bloody Marys. Boats, golf, and digging with his toes for clams were also close to his heart. He was not demonstrative, but he had a wicked sense of humor and delighted in his 8 great-grandchildren.

Alan was born in Providence, Rhode Island on January 26, 1927, to Henry V. and Bertha K. Turnquist. He graduated in 1944 from Cranston High School, and 6 days later enlisted in the Army. He received an honorable discharge in 1946 and enrolled in engineering at Brown University, from which he graduated in 1949. Alan married Barbara E. Bateman in 1951, raised their three children together, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before her death in 2011.

During his career Alan worked as an engineer in fire protection systems. They lived in Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut, finally retiring to Rhode Island in 1993, and moving to Colorado in 2003 to be closer to children David and Susan. Alan and Barbara travelled often to visit family around the country as well as in South Korea and Indonesia.

Predeceased by his wife Barbara and two brothers, Henry Jr. and Edward, Alan leaves behind three children: David C. (Laura Lee), Susan (Timothy Hibbs), and Robert (Gail); seven grandchildren (David J. Turnquist, Chris Turnquist, Gwen Ambler, Tenise Lenta, Chase Ambler, Kyle Ambler, and Luke Turnquist); and eight great-grandchildren, as well as his brother Nelson K. (Peggy) Turnquist.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 14 from 12-3 pm at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club, 23155 E Heritage Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80016.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Denver Hospice online at https://thedenverhospice.org/get-involved/giving/donation/ or by check sent to The Denver Hospice - 501 S. Cherry Street, Suite # 700 Denver, CO 80246.