November 14, 1936 – March 21, 2022
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Robert Ronald Turnbull at the Olds Hospital on March 21, 2022.
Robert was born in Olds on November 14, 1936. He attended school in Harmattan then bussed to Sundre for High School. After school, he worked briefly in the oil patch before coming back to the family farm. Through the years, he bought and farmed several other quarters. For many years, Robert and his brother, Leonard, worked together in their farming operations. In his younger years, he golfed, curled and enjoyed his card games. He also made many trips to Vegas. When his mother was widowed he became a very devoted son, making sure she got into town every day to have coffee with her friends.
After her passing, he lived in the family home until he retired from farming. He had an unfortunate accident in his dad’s blacksmith shop when a tiny sliver of steel flew into his eye. This was the era before safety goggles and although carefully removed by Dr. Burland, it was the beginning of many years of care for his eye and eventual loss of sight. Due to his failing eyesight, he moved into the lodge in 2013. Many will recall him walking to Tim’s for coffee twice a day.
He is survived by his younger sister Wilma (Cliff) of Calgary and her children Don (Kathy), Bill (Barbara) and Sheryl( Eldon), his sister-in-law Kathy of Sydney, B.C. and her children Greg (Susan), Deanne (Steve), and Joanne (Wade) and his sister-in-law, Marilyn and her children, Beverly (Joe), Roberta (Mark), David (Michelle) and Gary (Laura) all of Olds. There are also several great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held later in the spring at the Harmattan Anglican Church. If desired, memorial donations in Robert’s honor may be made to the Olds and District Hospice.
