William Turner

Our family is sad to announce that William “Bill” Turner, a beloved fixture on the Saskatoon golf and minor hockey scene for many years, passed away on January 18, 2023, at the age of 94.
Bill was born in Kindersley to Alfred and Winnie (nee Radley) on April 24, 1928. His family moved to the Exhibition area of Saskatoon where Bill had many fond childhood memories.
Bill met Rita Cavill in Waskesiu and they were married in December, 1950, in Vernon B.C. They were married for 59 years until Rita’s passing in 2010. Following their move to Saskatoon, they raised a family of three children – Barbara, Billi, and Daniel.
He loved being outdoors, gardening, and going for long country drives. Most of all, Bill enjoyed being with his family. As a people person, Bill had many friends from all walks of life, especially those involved with sports. In later years, he and Rita spent many enjoyable winters on either the Big Island in Hawaii or in Lake Havasu, Arizona.
Work took Bill on a journey in both golf and hockey. He was fortunate to have head golf professional, Pat Fletcher, as his mentor at the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club (SGCC). After working as Pat’s assistant, Bill first became the Head Golf Professional at the Wildwood Golf Club, then returned to the SGCC as the Golf Course Superintendent. Following this, he became the Head Golf Pro at the SGCC. During the winters, Bill was either employed as the icemaker at the U of S Rutherford Rink or playing/coaching hockey.
Bill played hockey in Regina, Swift Current, Vernon and Eatonia at various levels. In the United States, he played semi-pro for the Atlantic City Seagulls (ECHL) and the Troy Bruins (IHL). At one point, Bill had an invitation to the New York Rangers training camp, quite an accomplishment for a man who was blind in one eye from an early childhood accident. Bill also coached the Saskatoon Jr. B Dunlops, the Saskatoon Tier 2 Jr. A Olympics, and children in Eatonia’s minor hockey league program.
Bill is preceded in life by his wife, Rita; his brothers Harry, Teddy, Alfred and Robert; his sister, Dorothy Galley; his grandson, Robbie Wood. He is survived by his children Barb (Allan) Bolstad, Billi (Monty) Wood, and Dan Turner. Bill is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Brendan Bolstad (Lakshmi), Gillian Wood, Erin Wood, Lily Hepp, Dylan Wood (his mom Stacy Oosthoek) and Jasmine Bolstad as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
We wish to thank the staff at Porteous Lodge, Illarion Residence and the friends who visited Bill during his time in these facilities.

At Bill’s request, he was cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name may be made to a local pet rescue organization.

“Dad, it is hard to believe that you are gone. We will miss the love and laughter that you shared with those around you.”

Cherished Memories was honoured to be entrusted with Bill’s care.