GEORGE EDWARD TURLAND

September 25, 2019

George Edward Turland (June 7, 1950 - Sept. 25, 2019) died Wednesday morning, Sept. 25, at Queens Village for Seniors in London, at the age of 69. The eldest son of Arthur and Norine Turland (both predeceased) of Kincardine, his childhood years were spent in Bayfield and Goderich where he excelled at academics and athletics. In his late teens, George developed schizophrenia which severely impacted his quality of life; there were many ups and downs, therapies and treatments. Nonetheless, he was determined to live independently and settled in London where strong mental health and community services were available. He lived in housing supported by WOTCH (now CMHA Middlesex) and worked for many years as a school crossing guard, a job he took seriously; he was pleased to be awarded "crossing guard of the month." George was an accomplished piper and as a teen, competed at highland games across Ontario. Over the years, he piped with the Goderich Pipe Band, the Forest City Pipe Band and the London Police Pipes and Drums. Later in life, his mental illness led him to give up piping. He was a great reader and participated in the Cherryhill Library book club. He also enjoyed euchre games, attending church, chats with friends, family celebrations, watching skating, and taking bus day-trips. George was charitable and supported World Vision, the Salvation Army, and other causes. This past summer, when he was no longer able to manage stairs, he moved into Queens Village and immediately felt well cared for. He was very happy to be part of that community – he said it felt as if he had “moved to the sunny side of the street.” Remembered for always being ready with a smile and a corny joke, he will be dearly missed by his siblings, Rosemary (Ed Addison), Charles (Rhonda), James (Becky Grieveson), Susan (the late Bernard Joly), Robert (Eve Geisler), and Brenda (Bob Colquhoun), and his extended family. He was "Uncle George" to 16 nieces and nephews. Those who knew George are welcome to join the family for a memorial service at the Woodland Cemetery, 493 Springbank Dr., London, at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, and the following reception. George's family acknowledges the support provided throughout his adult life by CMHA Middlesex, and by his case workers and volunteer visitors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: CMHA Middlesex, 534 Queens Avenue, London, Ontario, N6B 1Y6 or the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, 95 King Street East, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1G4; arrangements entrusted to Cremation London and Middlesex, 519-858-2467. On-line condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com