Obituary of John Gordon Turbitt

John Gordon Turbitt John Turbitt, age 102, passed away March 22, 2011, in Lacey, Washington, at Panorama. He was born July 5, 1908, although he always celebrated on the 4th. He graduated from Seattle’s Lincoln High School in 1926, and attended the University of Washington, earning BS and MS degrees in Chemical Engineering. John married Thelma Kinsman, fellow classmate at the UW, who was a kindergarten teacher in Bremerton for many years. During World War II, he commanded the minesweeper, Agile, and taught minesweeping in Port Townsend and San Diego. He remained in the Naval Reserve and was promoted to the rank of Commander at retirement. He worked for the Port Townsend paper mill, PSNS and Naval Torpedo Station QE Lab at Keyport until retirement. They then moved to Panorama City in Lacey. He loved bridge, football, chocolate, BMWs, and his family. He is survived by his sister, Florence Squier; son, Bruce (Mary Etta); daughter, Lois Schultz (Michael); grandchildren, Sharlene, Kim, Kurt, Sam; great-grandchildren Athena, Zachary, Madeline and Ryan. John was predeceased by his wife, Thelma, and brother, Bill. To leave memories of John or condolences for the family, please click on "View Guestbook" below.