Roderick Turner Obituary

December 9, 1931 - February 28, 2022

United States Coast Guard Veteran

Rod L. Turner was born to Richard and Claudine Turner on December 9, 1931 at the original Mercy Hospital in Durango, CO. He was a fourth-generation son of the pioneer Turner family that first arrived in Animas Valley 1860, a Durango treasure, and a friend to all persons (seriously... everyone he met considered him a friend).

As a child and an adult, Rod spent summers at Electra Lake where he loved to hunt, fish, and pack horses into the Needle Mountains and the San Juan National Forest. He taught his children and grandchildren to love exploring the lake, the islands, and the surrounding forests.

Rod is survived by the love of his life, Robin Hall Turner, who he met on a blind date at Mesa Verde. Married for 69 years, they raised their four children in Durango. Their family and home were a refuge for a number of cousins and friends that needed loving care and support from time to time.

Rod Turner was active in numerous business ventures and community organizations during his 90 years. He loved ambitious, young entrepreneurs willing to take chances and follow their dreams. He provided low-cost (or free!) rental space, advice, and even funding to many a bootstrap operation. He never ridiculed or dismissed anyone's dreams.

He was a founding member of the Hundred Club of Durango in 1974 after the fire on Main Avenue where the Durango Mall now stands. Rod, his wife Robin, and other community members make annual contributions to provide emergency support and educational opportunities for the families of local first responders. In the nearly 50 years of fundraising banquets, Rod only missed one event to take care of Robin who was hospitalized at the time.

Rod Turner's is the longest active family membership of the Electra Lake Sporting Club. His prized possession, a 1939 mahogany Century Seamaid, graced the waters of Electra Lake for 80 years is now on display with other Turner family memorabilia in the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.

Rod loved to walk around the Crestview area where he and Robin have lived for more than 50 years. Every dog, every neighbor, and hundreds of people in the community knew Rod for his friendly smile, kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. He would "pull his finger off" for anyone that would watch his favorite magic trick.

Rod Turner is survived by his wife of 69 years, Robin, and: 4 children: Jack Turner and his wife Tori Ossola, Jim Turner, David Turner and his wife Kelli Turner, and Laurel Turner Waller and her husband David Waller, 6 grandchildren: Roddy, Hannah, John, and Hadley Turner and Bonnie and Sarah Waller, 1 great-grandson, Clayton Curtis Liebscher, and a herd of nephews, nieces, and extended family members that he loved dearly.



A private family service is scheduled at Greenmount Cemetery on Saturday, March 12, but a Celebration of Life will be scheduled later this summer for all friends.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please support and contribute to: The Hundred Club of Durango (Durango100Club.com) PO Box 3146, Durango, CO -81302