William Turnbull

William Turnbull - 12/13/2002 William Turnbull - 12/13/2002 WILLIAM W. TURNBULL IDAHO FALLS, ID - William Watson (Bill) Turnbull of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully at home December 12, surrounded by his family, from causes related to brain cancer. He was 82. Born July 7, 1920 at Winsper, Idaho, near Dubois, our beloved husband, father and grandfather developed his love of nature and adventure in the hills and streams of Clark County. As his father struggled to find mining work during the depression, Dad's family moved frequently. His depression-era childhood taught him industry, frugality and the joy of the simple things in life. From his parents he learned integrity, respect, faith and compassion -- traits he carried and refined throughout his life. When Dad was 11, his father passed away unexpectedly. Dad often expressed his admiration for his father and his yearning to reunite with him in the hereafter. Dad passed away on his father's birthday. When the family moved to Idaho Falls, Dad attended Idaho Falls High School, graduating at age 15. He studied engineering at what is now Idaho State University, before taking a job with Morrison-Knudsen building military airstrips in the south Pacific, during the build up to World War II. Once back in the U. S., he enlisted in the Navy and quickly became a top-notch pilot. Fortunately, the war ended before he could be sent into combat. Dad met and married his sweetheart, Norma, in 1950. This sweet and playful union still endures and has produced five children and 22 grandchildren. Together they worked, played and served in church and community. Dad was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1956. A long and dedicated mission of church service followed. His love for people and for the Lord blessed many over the years. With Mom's help, Dad built a successful cabinet and millwork business, which provided a good living over the years. They were examples to all of hard work, fairness and integrity. Dad was also a leader in civic affairs and believed in the obligation of every citizen to be informed and active in affairs of government. He dedicated countless hours to civic causes, including years of service and leadership in the Republican Party. Dad believed strongly in the ideas on which our nation was founded. To his final days, there was scarcely an important issue -- whether local, national or global in scope -- with which Dad was not thoroughly conversant. Mom and Dad served a church mission to Nauvoo, Illinois in 1998-99, where they made many marvelous friends and touched many lives. Dad was a modest, unassuming, warm-hearted man with a quick smile and wonderful sense of humor and love of adventure. In the last years of his life, he took up scuba diving, fly fishing, and even performed aerobatic maneuvers in a WWII era aircraft. He found constant joy in the little details of life, always seeing a little more than the rest of us. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. Dad is survived by wife, Norma; daughters, Kathy Chapman (Idaho Falls) and Julie (Matt) Packer of Enumclaw, Washington; and sons Bill (Susan) of Alpine, Utah, David (Kristin) of Boise and Steve of Los Angeles. The family will meet friends and family Sunday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge Ave.). Funeral Services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the Idaho Falls Cedar Ridge Ward Chapel (corner of Sunnyside and Holmes). Burial will be at Ammon Cemetery. Military will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team Our sincerest gratitude to friends, neighbors, and health care providers for the care and love they extended to our father, in particularly, Hospice of Eastern Idaho. We will always remember. The family suggests memorial to Hospice of Eastern Idaho (1920 East 17th Street) or the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund (50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150). If you would like to offer your condolences fill in the form below. Name E-Mail Message [ Previous Obituary - LaRena N. Rasmussen | Current Obituary | Next Obituary - Carol Wilson ]