Contributions to the tribute of Sqn. Ldr. Gardiner Melvin Turner AF...

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Steve Tinker posted a condolence

Sunday, March 9, 2025

My condolences to you, Sandy, and family. I will miss my talks in the park and on the reef with Mel. He was a wonderful gentleman, as have been the majority of WW2 pilots I have known over the years. His wit was wonderful and we could certainly get into some "conversations". I will miss that.

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Sandra Georgescu posted a condolence

Thursday, March 6, 2025

I’ll always remember him in the sunny rays on the back balcony, having lunch and reminiscing a lifetime. I’ll always remember him with admiration, love and gratitude for the hospitality I received in the family home. My deepest sympathies and lots of love to the entire family. James, Kate and Sandy you are always in my thoughts and heart. Sandra Georgescu Montréal

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James F. LeMesurier, K.C. posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

I joined McKelvey Macaulay Machum after Mel had left, but I got to know him through other members of the firm and through bar activities. I truly admired and respected him. My sincere condolences. Jamie LeMesurier

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Bob Charlton posted a condolence

Monday, March 3, 2025

Dear Sandy , Kate, Jamie : Please accept my most sincere condolences on Mel's passing . He will be missed by many who new him ! Mei and I met at UNB when he was studying law . We established a lasting friendship immediately , perhaps enhanced because my father was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne and served in the RAF during WW2 , my mother was from St.A., NB . . Mel was a terrific man , one of the best I had the pleasure of knowing ! God Speed . Bob

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Donne Smith posted a condolence

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Mel was integral to the success of much that occurred in St. Andrews while he practised law. And he was the ultimate legal advisor who placed his client’s interests above all else. He was held in the highest esteem by all his clients and friends and was a mentor to many an aspiring lawyer. He supported many volunteer organizations with his time and expertise and in return St. Andrews appreciated him with great respect. When he retired we lost a true professional and with his passing an outstanding citizen. To Sandy and his children I offer my deepest sympathies.

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Terry Richardson posted a condolence

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Sandy and family, I was saddened to learn of Mel's passing. I so much enjoyed our conversations and laughs together. He was a true gentleman who will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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Jack Schofield posted a condolence

Friday, February 28, 2025

So saddened from the loss of my friend whom I never met. Mel and I corresponded regularly by email particularly after he submitted his chapter published in my book titled 'Hangar Flying' back in 2017. "Once an Aviator" was his title piece in the book, revealing his great career in the RAF and the man's wry sense of humour. The Editor's Note to Mel's flying article represents my continuing recollections of this wonderful friend: Mel Turner is a lawyer who lives in St. Andrews in Canada's maritime province of New Brunswick. He is really an aviator skulking behind that lawyer facade, having logged 5000 hours on 30 aircraft types, some of which are pictured in his article. Mel Turner would rather be strapped into a Martin-Baker "Bang Seat" than dealing with habeas corpus, so it wasn't difficult to inveigle him into recording his story, which reveals an engaging writing style and establishes no small record of RAF terminologies. Mel was medically discharged from the service when he lost his flying category, from performing the unforgivable—fessing up to a medical examiner. He made it to Squadron Leader, but had doubts he would have gone higher—it seems bollocking Air Commodores wasn't a good career move—especially if repeated. Goodbye my good friend. Jack

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Anne McMullon posted a condolence

Friday, February 28, 2025

Dear Sandy, Jamie, Kate, Moe, Sebastian & Johanna, Mel will always hold a special place in my heart. He’s a huge part of my story…the warm ‘Hello Annabel’ whenever I was at your house, the reassuring pat on the back, the sly grin peeking in at us from around the door as a gang of teenage girls were laughing themselves silly listening to Monty Python comedy albums in the room upstairs…possibly disturbing his work, the ‘it would be my pleasure to speak at your wedding’ or the welcome home hug that enveloped me when I’d see him on home visits to St. Andrews. He was there, a constant. His cheerful, warm nature, his mischievous smile & that twinkle in his eyes are things I will always remember. May your memories bring you comfort & may those same memories shine a light in the quiet space that will be forever in your hearts. Sending you all love & condolences. Anne McMullon

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Nancy Young posted a condolence

Thursday, February 27, 2025

To my dear cousin Sandy and family, I was so saddened to hear of Mel’s passing. He was such a kind man. Undoubtedly, during his long life he contributed to our world in so many positive ways. I have happy memories of conversations in your home(s) and at the gatherings of relatives over the years. I feel grateful to have known him. Sending virtual hugs of caring from Vancouver Island.

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Andrena Teed posted a condolence

Thursday, February 27, 2025

My condolences to you, Sandy, Kate and Jamie. I have fond memories of Mel from days when I lived in New Brunswick. I remember first meeting Mel, at a party at Summer Street. He took a few minutes to have a conversation with this young girl, setting the pattern for all other conversations. He was a classic gentleman; always a pleasure to talk with him.

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John Trivett posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

I always enjoyed when Mel would visit my parents as and we would have some great conversations. I was always astounded at all the things that he had done over his lifetime. A life well lived a great man lost.

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Donnie Hiland posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

I am so sorry to learn that Mel has passed on. Although I haven't seen him, since before COVID..., I still remember how much I enjoyed conversing with him, while cutting his hair. He was a very intelligent man, a wealth of interesting information and stories, with a wry sense of humour, to boot! He was blessed to live a long, full, and rewarding, life. It is always sad when a person of his caliber passes. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity of knowing Mel. My deepest condolences to all of you, his family, on your loss. Cherish the memories he left with you...

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Wayne & Sandra Wamboldt posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

I'm sorry to hear of Mel's passing. I remember him very fondly and with a HUGE amount of respect. Our sincere condolences to you Sandy and your family. Wayne & Sandra Wamboldt

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Jill Thompson posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Thinking of you all, Sandy, Kate, Jamie and families and sending my love. Jill

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Bev Mosher posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Sandy, Jamie, Kate and family, I am saddened to hear of Mel's passing. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

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Sue Corbyn & Chris Frantsi posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

To Sandy and Family, Mel was a true gentleman and an exceptional lawyer. It was always a pleasure to meet him when he was out and about Town and we enjoyed his conversations. He will be truly missed.

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G. Fred Nicholson, KC. posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Mel was widely respected as a practising lawyer and always the professional. I was most fortunate to be able to call him a good friend, and conscientious dedicated law partner with a delightful lighter side. My sincere condolences to Sandy and the family.

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Claude Lamoureux posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

My deepest sympathies for you and your family. I have such great memories of spending time with your family. Your father was so great at putting me at ease, so welcoming and he had such a great sense of humor! He will be missed. Claude

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Lynn Kozak posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

My heartfelt sympathy to Sandy, Kate & family and Jamie - Mel was a true gentleman with a twinkle in his eye and a smile for everyone he met. He will be truly missed. Cherish your memories of this wonderful man.

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Randolph Kinghorne posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

My most sincere condolences to the Turner family on Mel’s passing. He was always the full measure of a gentleman, as well as being an exceptional lawyer. I will always be grateful to Mel for his most positive reference resulting in my current employment.

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Joanne Caddy posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Ever since my teenage years, when Mel and Sandy took me in to their home for a memorable summertime of fun and adventures with their daughter/my friend Kate, I have always felt like an honorary member of the Turner clan. Many decades have passed since that first summer, and they are filled with many memorable milestones with Mel and Sandy such as weddings (Kate’s in St Andrews, mine in Italy), regular visits to the Turner home and even a meet-up in London once. On every occasion Mel and I always enjoyed a spot of high spirited and witty banter and I will never forget his good-natured teasing and the mischievous twinkle in his eye! I’m so grateful for his presence in my life and am sending heartfelt condolences to my beloved Sandy as well as Kate, Jamie and everyone in the family.

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Linda and Sam Walsh posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

With deepest sympathy on your loss

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Sherry Hooper posted a condolence

Monday, February 24, 2025

We are so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.

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Diane McDougall posted a condolence

Monday, February 24, 2025

Sandy, Jamie & Kate - I send comforting thoughts to you all and your families at this time as you say your goodbyes to one of the most kind and thoughtful people I have ever known. I am glad I got a visit in with him in the summer. He was the person who interviewed me and had faith in me to do the job of keeping their books in order for many years. I loved conversing with him and learning so many new things through his overwhelming knowledge. I will miss his yearly Christmas letters. May peace engulf your hearts in the future without his physical presence but you have so many memories to sustain you.

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Melanie Curran posted a condolence

Monday, February 24, 2025

Sandy, Jamie & Kate (& families) - I am so saddened to hear the news of Mel’s passing. I will always remember my 30+ years working with him. When I was first hired to be Fred’s assistant, it did take me awhile to get used to working with someone that was “Mel”, as that was what I answered to mostly. Sometimes we would both simultaneously say “what?” when we heard “Mel”. Mel was a true gentleman through and through and treated his clients, and anyone else he came in contact with for that matter, with the utmost respect. After he retired he always made sure to stop in for a visit at Christmas time with a box of chocolates - that’s just who he was! I will certainly miss his presence but I’ll have my fond memories of him to conjure up. My sincere condolences to you all.

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Laura P posted a condolence

Monday, February 24, 2025

Hi, I was just talking to someone about Mel last week as they used to be clients of his. He was one of my favourite people. When I worked at the Gables he and Sandy would come in once a week in the summer at lunch and I slowly got to know them both over the course of 10 years in the '90's. Both of them were lovely people, salt of the earth. I had no idea he was a lawyer. He was sweet, unassuming, without ego, kind, generous, witty, funny. Just an overall great human being. When I applied to law school, now that was around the time I found out one of my favourite customers was a lawyer. He was so supportive of me right from the jump. A few years later I was working at a firm that merged with his firm and got to know him on another level, as a caring, intelligent legal advisor and mentor. I don't know anyone who had a bad word to say about him and I wouldn't want to know such a person in any case. As he was retiring he left me with all sorts of sage advice and gave me wonderful referrals. I regret any advice of his I didn't take because he was invariably right. He was a man without pretension and made me feel welcome, competent and capable. Not all lawyers are capable of being a good mentor for the younger generation. Sandy and family, my heart is with you and I express my deepest sympathies with you all. It must hearten you to know though that he was beloved by many and he will live on in you all and in any one he touched over the years. I will never forget him. Laura P.

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The family of Sqn. Ldr. Gardiner Melvin Turner AFC, K.C. uploaded a photo

Monday, February 24, 2025

Sqn. Ldr. Gardiner Melvin Turner AFC, K.C.

1933 - 2025