Fonds - Edward Charles Turner fonds

Edward Charles Turner [1909-1971] was born in Salmon Arm and attended school in the community. His parents, Robert and Maude (nee McGuire) Turner were pioneers to the area and arrived in Salmon Arm in 1892. The family ran an orchard and packing house. Edward was the eldest of four children.
Eddie Turner married Eileen M. Hazel (nee Stewart) in the late 1940's. Eddie adopted Eileen's only son, Richard. The couple had no children of their own. Richard and his new bride Lynda (nee Thurston) were tragically killed in 1966 at Lytton BC, returning from their wedding in Vancouver.

Following Robert Turner's death in 1950, Eddie took over management of the orchard and packing operation known as R Turner and Sons Ltd. The packing house closed in the fall of 1950 following the big freeze of 1950. The company remained active as the original land base, along the highway and McGuire Lake, became subdivided for school, hospital and medical office buildings as well as residential holdings.

Eddie was interested in the Non-Permanent Active Militia. In 1939 he was commissioned lieutenant in the Rocky Mountain Rangers. He served in Kamloops at the outbreak of WW II. Later he was the officer in charge of the army munitions dump north of Kamloops. He was honourably discharged in 1941 for medical reasons.

Eddie was elected as Reeve of the District of Salmon Arm in May of 1952. He headed district council for ten years, stepping down in July 31, 1961.

Eddie's interests included hydroplane racing and collecting Canadian stamps. He was an active Liberal, serving as president of the local party organization for fifteen years. He was a member of the Salmon Arm Masonic Lodge and interested in Legion affairs.

Eileen Mabel Stewart [19 -1987] was born in Vancouver BC. According to June Turner, she married a Mr. Hazel and lived in Vulcan, Alberta. The couple had one son, Richard, in 1944. When Eileen relocated to Salmon Arm, she worked at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.