Obituary of William Harrison Turner

William Harrison “Bill” Turner Bill passed away December 24, 2011 in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 82. He was born February 21, 1929 to Sam and Lorraine Turner in Yelm, Washington. Bill attended Lacey Grade School and Olympia High School. While in 6th grade, he met his future wife, Wava Berg. They married November 14, 1947, in Olympia and enjoyed 64 years together. They also lived in Tumwater for 38 years and Elma for 19 years. Bill began working for Creamery Transport in 1945 (Wava worked there too), and then for Evergreen/Allwest Select Sires. In 1975, he started his own business, “Bill Turner Semen Sales,” which he operated until he retired. After retirement, Bill and Wava moved to Elma and resided at the Viking West Mobile Home Park where Bill worked as Park Manager until his death. Bill was known to be honest and outspoken. Those who knew him best have many tales to tell. Bill loved spending time with family and friends, especially in the outdoors. His favorite pastimes were hunting at Mount St. Helens, salmon fishing at Sekiu, and clam digging, which he did as recently as spring 2011. He was a Tumwater School Board member for 17 years, and also was a member of the Olympia Outboard Club, Lewis County Holstein Club, and the Olympia Elks Club. Bill is survived by his wife, Wava of Elma; children, Kathy (Lee) Cox of Centralia, Sam (Elaine) Turner of Olympia, Bill (Sheryl) Turner of Olympia, and Karen Merritt of Tumwater; sister, Shirley Noel of Olympia; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Karen Marie Turner; brother, Robert Turner; and sister, Jean Knittle Wood. Please leave memories of Bill or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.