Longtime Homer resident Robert B. Turkington, 92, died Monday, July 13, 2015, at home with family by his side.
Memorial services will be held 3 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2015, at the Homer Elks Lodge, 215 W. Jenny Lane. Honorary pallbearers are Sean Presley, Daniel Presley, Scott Turkington, Ryan Turkington, Matt Turkington, Vladimir Martushev, Jason Huffman and Braden Huffman.
Robert Turkington was born May 21, 1923 to Milton and Clara Turkington in Manchester, Conn. He graduated from Manchester High School and then went on to honorably serve in active federal service in the Army of the United States of America as a pilot from 1944 to 1946.
Bob and his wife Carolyn made their trek to Alaska in April of 1949. They and three other men left Manchester, Conn., on April 11, 1949, to drive the Alcan Highway in two 1929 Model A Fords towing two springless trailers. The trip took them 25 days and Bob and Carolyn celebrated their first anniversary while on the road.
The young couple spent their first winter in a Wanigan at 8 mile outside of Homer and the next spring they moved into Homer. They were blessed with their first child, Alan, and a short 11 months later their son, Bruce. Two years later their only daughter, Gail, was born.
Robert — known as Bob Turk — was a man of many talents, and had a strong determination to make a go of “Life in the Last Frontier.” Bob wore many work hats as he built his life in Homer, while raising and supporting his family. Bob was self employed in construction, commercial fishing, farming and land development.
In the early 1950s, he worked for the first taxi cab business in Homer and later acquired the business. This enterprise led Bob to install the first phone system in Homer, enabling customers to call for a cab. The phone system consisted of army field phones strung through the trees — about 30 phones in all. Moose strolling through created frequent problems.
Bob also had the school bus contract for 20 years for the Homer area. Over the years Bob was an active participant in the Homer community, as part of the HEA board of directors, Homer Elks Lodge, American Legion, and as a volunteer firefighter. He received numerous awards for participation and volunteering in the Homer area schools supporting the youth.
When he wasn’t working he loved hunting, farming, playing cards and he was an avid ice racer in car No. 77.
His example of hard work, serving his community, giving back and love of family was instilled in his three children and they continue to follow his example. He never put off until tomorrow what could be done today.
Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He always had time for his grandchildren and was always forgiving of mistakes and accidents. Bob got to watch his 10 grandchildren grow up and was enjoying his 14 great-grandchildren and loved having them all visit. The grandchildren have many fond memories of their Grandpa Turkington.
During the last few months of his life he stated numerous times how happy he was with his family and the adults that his children had become, how hard they worked and how good they were to him.
“He truly felt so blessed and the truth is we are the blessed ones — having the father, grandpa, friend which he was to all of us. He will be deeply missed. Love you, Dad!” wrote his family.
A special thanks to the women of the American Legion Auxiliary, you took such good care of Bob each day with snacks and a warm welcome. Bob looked forward to those afternoon outings and fellowship. It meant so much to him having his name on that stool.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn; his parents, Milton and Clara; stepfather, John Wallett; and four brothers, Milt, Roy, Alan and Philip.
Bob is survived by his brother Steve Turkington of Tucson, Ariz.; sons and daughters in-law, Alan and Joyce Turkington of Homer and Bruce and Debbie Turkington of Homer; daughter and son in-law, Gail and Danny Presley of Happy Valley; granddaughters, Joy (and Jason) Huffman of Homer, Treva Turkington Huff of San Diego, Calif., Ashlie Turkington Bishop of Seattle, Wash., Kristin Presley of Happy Valley, and Mala (and Vladimir Martushev) of Wasilla; grandsons, Scott (and Hester) Turkington of Homer, Matt Turkington of Phoenix, Ariz., Ryan Turkington (and Larissa Norgren) of Homer, Sean (and Leah) Presley of Ninilchik, Daniel (and Randi) Presley of Soldotna and 14 great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Bob to the American Legion Auxiliary No. 16 Scholarship Fund, P.O Box 2643, Homer or to Hospice of Homer, P,O Box 4174, Homer.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel & Crematory
