Memories from the Turners

Memories from the Turner Boys:
In remembering their favorite thing about Michael, the Turner boys—Ethan, Logan and Gus all agreed that they will always remember fondly Michael’s funny imitation of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. One summer while at the Turner’s house, Michael, who always was out playing around with the boys, grabbed one of them, threw him on his back and proceeded to jump around the yard hunched over, yelling “Yes, Master!” All the while the kids were laughing their heads off as they got bucked around on Michael’s back. This quickly grew into a favorite ritual every time the boys saw Michael. Despite comments from Jon and Erin about leaving Michael alone and lettime him rest, Michael always happily obliged the boys’ request: “Again, Michael, Again!!!” The Turner boys will sorely miss Michael, but will always remember him during their “special prayers” at night…which was a routine Michael was always so delighted to be a part of when visiting the Turners. We love you Michael!

Erin Turner’s Memories:
I never imagined that I would acquire best friends from a church bulletin ad! Six years ago, Michael and Tinalynne answered a church bulletin ad asking for couples to work with engaged couples. I was skeptical about anyone who would answer an ad. After meeting with them, I went home and told my husband, “Wow! I could see us becoming friends with them!” And that we did! I suspect the thing which bonded us so quickly was our shared respect and love of the Sacrament of Marriage. Michael and Tinalynne had a marriage built on trust, faith, love and admiration. They modeled those qualities not only for all the engaged couples of our parish, but for anyone in their midst. Watching Tinalynne care for Michael these last eleven months was an inspiration and was evidence of the selfless love they shared together. The other aspect which bonded us together as friends was Michael’s silliness and fun-loving personality. When he and Jon were together, Tinalynne and I just sat back and rolled our eyes, never knowing what mischief those two were gonna get into. Yet, despite all his jokes, Michael was always serious about caring for people. He was the “forever gentleman”…always holding doors for the ladies, offering to help in any way, ALWAYS clearing tables and doing dishes, and he always had a kind word about everyone. The thing I will miss most about Michael will be his contagious smile and his generous hugs. Thank you, Michael, for coming into our lives and being a part of our family!

Jon Turner’s Memories
I’m not sure I can pick just one favorite memory of Michael. He was one of those true friends that only comes along once in a lifetime. He was always there whenever I needed help…whether it was moving a thousand pounds of chicken feed, moving cars around the car lots, or just needing a friend. His strong faith and commitment to the Catholic Church was always an inspiration to me. It was because of Michael that I finally joined the Knights of Columbus. But honestly, his laughter and humor are what I’ll miss the most. He and I teased each other endlessly with goofy nicknames and jokes. Michael and I shared the same vision about life…”live it to its fullest, and love every minute of it!” I think Michael did that and did it very well. On a lighter note, one of the more recent memories I have comes from this last summer. We all had gone up to Sharkey’s cabin and since Michael had never driven a boat, Rod and I thought it would be a fun thing for him to do. So, Rod and I got in the inner tubes behind the boat and had Michael drive the boat pulling us. Michael was having a blast whipping us around the lake. Despite the exhaustion and other effects of chemo, Michael was livin’ it up behind the wheel! Finally, we were ready to stop, but Rod and I looked at each other and realized we didn’t tell Michael how to stop the boat! So there’s Michael with all our kids in the boat, and he doesn’t know how to stop it! Finally, our son Ethan showed him how to stop. It was a funny moment, and just two weeks ago I was retelling it while sitting at Michael’s bedside, and with his eyes closed, he gave a big ol’ smile at remembering it! Michael was one of my best friends and I will miss him, but his zest for life, his generosity, and his compassion are all gifts which he gave to me as a friend and for Michael, I will make sure those gifts continue to live on.