It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vern Turner of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Vern passed away suddenly on Dec 3 ^rd in Yuma, AZ at the age of 73 years.

Vern was born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan 1949 to Richard and Bea. Vern is survived by his wife Elaine, Children Arden (wife Cindy, Children Eric & Charla), Heather, Jason (Wife Cybelle, Son Alexander), Tara (Husband Troy, Children Ainsley & Morley), and his brother Brian (Wife Carolyn, Children Cherie, Jan & Michelle). He was predeceased by brothers Donald and Raymond (Children Lee, Jennifer, Alisa & Sonny).

After growing up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan, Vern attended and graduated from the Heavy-Duty Mechanics program at the Kelsey Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences. Vern's natural curiosity and positive, can-do attitude served him well over many years of work in Northern Alberta, repairing all types of heavy machinery in harsh climates. When it came time for more comfortable working conditions, he returned to NAIT as an instructor, teaching for 30 years. Here is where he found his true calling, combining his love of mechanics, problem solving and his love of others to create the next generations of Heavy Duty Mechanics.

Following his career at NAIT, Vern began teaching in Cuba. He quickly developed a love of the people and culture. He worked hard to learn to speak Spanish so that he could connect with his students (rather than relying entirely on an interpreter). His generosity and desire to help people was on display once again, by frequently donating to the local communities where he worked and spent his time, and the support he gave to his friends there in immigrating to Canada.

Vern had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel by motorcycle and RV. He and Elaine toured much of Canada and the USA over the years. He was able to satisfy his love of nature by camping on these trips, and art, using natural landscape scenes as the subjects for his paintings. Making friends wherever he went, he was always interested in the stories of others and loved sharing a hearty laugh – he was always a fast friend.

Growing up as a farm kid outside Tisdale, Saskatchewan created a love of farming that stayed with him throughout his life. When he had the opportunity to run the Wengreniuk family farm, he, his brother-in-law Wayne and son Arden took the opportunity to work it for a number of years. To manage that on top of his teaching career at NAIT is a reflection of his work ethic and energy. Every spring and fall he could be found at Tara and Troy's farm seeding, harvesting, equipment maintenance or whatever else needed to be done.

He had a deep pride and love for his family. He was invested in all of his grandchildren's hobbies from Charla and Eric's sports and Cadets, Ainsley's horses, Morley's trucks, Alexander's sports, he could always be counted on to help out, and was always eager to attend an event or provide advice. His youthful energy and great sense of humor helped create strong connections with all his grandchildren. Grampa Vern was a role model, and left them with many loving memories.

Vern was loved and will be missed by many, but would have wanted us all to enjoy and reflect on the good times we've had together. He approached every day by asking himself a simple question: "are we going to have a good day today, or a bad day?" I've never known him to have a bad day and know he'd want us all to have a good one, so say hi to a neighbor and have a laugh with Vern in mind.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke foundation.

Celebration of life details to follow.