Keith A Turner

Keith was born in Inglewood on October 1, 1951 to Emelia and Kenneth Turner. He graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 1974 with a degree in Urban Planning and began his career as a Planner for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Keith and his wife Clare moved to Ventura in 1979 where Keith continued his career at the County Government Center and served as the County Planning Director from 1987 through 2001.

After retirement, Keith continued public service with his 2005 appointments as a Commissioner to both the Ventura Port District and the Ventura County Transportation Commission.

Keith’s passion was the ocean. He spent time at sea in several capacities, including yacht racing, logging sea time in gaining his Captain’s License, and traveling extensively in domestic and foreign waters in his own beloved Equinox which he built and outfitted from a bare hull that served as home for six years.

Keith enjoyed many hobbies including model railroading, gardening and working on his home of 25 years. Keith had a great curiosity for learning and had numerous interests which contributed to his impressive depth of knowledge in so many subjects, including history, geography, astronomy, baseball, plants, maps and charts.

Keith will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his wit and wisdom, and as a kind and gentle soul. Keith exemplified the Golden Rule each day and touched many lives with his cheerful and optimistic interactions in both his personal and professional life.

Keith is preceded in death by his son Garrett; his mother, Emelia; and his father-in-law, Roy Christensen. Keith is survived by his wife Clare of 33 years; his son Alan; father, Kenneth Turner of Turlock; sister, Sheila (Gary) of Turlock; brother, Larry (Linda) of Idyllwild; aunt, Dorothy (Tom) of Turlock; brothers and sisters-in-law; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Services will be held Friday, September 7, 2012, 10:00 a.m., at Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High Point Drive, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.