SWANS ISLAND – William Elmer Turner, 81, died Oct. 29, 2005, at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. He was born Aug. 8, 1924, the son of Willie W. and Flora (Brown) Turner. William was a U.S. Army veteran serving his country in the Korean War as Corporal in the 25th Division L Company Wolfhounds. He held many jobs on Swans Island during his career, such as lobstering, constable, carpenter and road crew. He spent over 10 years as the school bus driver, a job he enjoyed very much. He was also employed by Mertic Morrison at his wharf and was the Swans Island Electric Coop lineman and engineer for 23 years. William was good at mechanics and engines and was the island handyman for many years. William loved to talk and is remembered by his family for his detailed stories and colorful language. He was fussy when doing a project, wanting everything to be precise. In his retirement years he also enjoyed knitting heads and doing many jigsaw puzzles. Surviving in addition to his wife of 34 years, Beverly (Ranquist) Turner is a brother, Theodore of Swan’s Island; and children, Gary and his wife, Cindy, Kim and her husband, Dwight Colbeth, Kenny Ranquist, Carlton Ranquist, Beverly and her husband, Brent Stewart and Linda and her husband, Mike Camber. He is also survived by several grandchildren, Colleen, Cameron, Derek, Keyona, Robert, Brent Jr., Amanda and Rose Anna; and great-grandchildren, Jordan and Emma Rose. He was predeceased by two sisters and a daughter, Frances Kay. Graveside services will be held at a later date at Rose Hill Cemetery on Swan’s Island
WILLIAM ELMER TURNER
