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TURNER, GEORGE R.
TURNER, GEORGE R., of Northfield, died peacefully at home on October 8. George was born in Providence, R.I., on April 16, 1921, son of Lena and Raimund Turner, and was raised in Athol, Mass. Having enlisted in the U.S. Navy with the world at war, he participated in the Battle of the North Atlantic and subsequent campaigns in the Mediterranean including the invasion of North Africa, the assault on Sicily, the invasion of Italy at Salerno and the attack on Anzio. He returned to active duty for three years during the Korean War. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from Dartmouth College, a masters in education from Fitchburg State University, and a professional diploma in English teaching from Colombia University. He taught high school English and coached baseball and drama in Aruba, then joined the English faculty of Norwich University in 1959. He served in succession as theatre director, Director of Public Relations, and Sports Information Director. As described by Dr. Loring Hart in awarding him the Norwich honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, he also "established himself as a formidable golfer, dedicated caretaker of birds and animals, and raconteur extraordinaire." He became Professor Emeritus of English in 1991 and continued to teach for many years. Among his many awards, George was the recipient of the College Sports Information Directors Citation for Excellence, Norwich University Board of Fellows Outstanding Service Medallion, the ECAC citation for Excellence, and was inducted into the Norwich University Athletic Hall of Fame. George leaves his loving wife of 63 years, Ann Turner, daughter Diane and husband Steve, son George and wife Mary, daughter Patricia and husband John; sister Kathleen and family; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many dear friends.
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