Obituary of Nigel Turner

NIGEL TURNER

August 21, 1940 – September 19, 2018

Warrior. Comforter. Sailor. Father. Trusted friend.

Peace marcher, teacher.

Cherished and admired Husband.

Wise and silly grandfather.

Best big brother.

Brilliant Psychotherapist. Oilman. Seeker. Curious. Courageous.

An AA success story with 46 years sobriety.

A skier, dog lover, witty and humourous conversationalist.

Nigel died peacefully at home with his beloved wife and sister by his side.

Nigel leaves his beloved and cherished wife and best friend Nishe Catherine, his treasured children Alison Turner (Brad), Helen Turner-Fisher (Mark), and Michael Turner (Rena), his adored and adoring grandchildren Turner, Gibson and McKenzie Crombie; Oliver, Ava and Spencer Turner and Nigel’s best sister Claire McConnell (Kevin), James and Tim. Also Nigel’s dear stepchildren: Scarlett Farquhar (Bryan), Justin Farquhar (Tanya), Cheryl Champagne (Dana), Holly Champagne (Bob) Richard Champagne and grandsons Jonathan Champagne and Addison and Garrett Fisher.

Nigel had a great ability to make people laugh, a thirst for knowledge, and a passion for life.

Born in London, England in 1940 during wartime, to parents William and Aileen (nee Higby), Nigel graduated from the London School of Economics in 1964. After a volunteer stint as a teacher with VSO in Nigeria, he pursued a long, successful, and often storied career as an oilman. He moved to Canada in 1969 and raised his three children in the Beach area of Toronto, for a number of years as a single parent. At a crossroads at age 60, he attended George Brown College for the Human Services Counselor program, graduated at age 63, and launched a successful career as a Psychotherapist for the last 15 years of his life. Nigel’s work with clients was incredibly meaningful to him, and he felt it was a privilege to work with them. He felt that they learned a lot from each other, so that giving this up as he entered palliative care was extremely painful for him.

Throughout his life, Nigel had many struggles, in his childhood, in his relationships, with alcohol, and with what he later learned was ADHD. Looking back over his life, Nigel feels a sense of pride at how he faced these challenges, and how he was able to use his experiences compassionately to inform his work.

Nigel continued to grow and learn and to help others up until his final day.

Nishe would first like to thank the many relatives and friends who helped out in so many wonderful ways: visits, food, providing respite, but mostly providing love and care for Nigel in his final months. We are also deeply grateful to Rev. Wayne Walder, the Comfort Choir at Neighbourhood Unitarian, Suzette Turner, Dr. Joshua Wales, Faith Walker, Simcha ben Abraham, Dr. Phyllis Billia, the Peter Munck Cardiac Centre, the LHIN people, and Hospice Toronto. Last but not least is Dr. Jim Dubbin, who cared for Nigel and his heart for 40 years. Special thanks to Roger Slade, his flatmate from LSE who flew in from the UK to visit Nigel during his final days.