A memorial service celebrating the life of Bradman R. Turner will be held on Saturday October 14 at 1:00 PM at the Charles F. Minney VFW Post, 16 South Main Street, Millbury MA. Brad passed away suddenly on June 28 at his home. His family invites all who wish to remember Brad to join them at the VFW for a short service and light refreshments.
He is survived by his children: Leo R. Turner of Millbury MA; Robert B. Turner of Enfield CT and Robert’s wife Lorena (Fontana) Turner; Kimberly A. (Turner) Wayman of Bowdoinham ME and Kim’s husband William Wayman; and grandchildren Jenessa, Aiden, Erika and Alex Turner.
Brad was predeceased by his parents Robert B. Turner and Margaret A. (Kupstas) Turner, his first wife Betty (Forrest) Turner, and second wife Elizabeth (Reynolds) Turner.
Brad was a graduate of Millbury Memorial High School. He attended the US Air Force Academy in Golden, Colorado, later serving in Vietnam as an Intelligence Specialist during two tours of duty. Upon his discharge he attended Worcester Trade and was licensed as a plumber. He first worked for McCarthy Plumbing in Worcester before starting his own business, Bradman R. Turner and Sons Plumbing, which he ran until his retirement. In recent years he established a small home-based business, ET’s Bait, providing both bait and humor for local fishermen.
Brad was also passionate about town issues, particularly the Energy Advisory Committee. He was one of the original Energy Committee members, and continued to contribute up until his death. He often talked with pride about the committee’s work, which at the close of fiscal year 2016 exceeded its Green Community goal of reducing the town’s energy consumption by 20% while saving the town $180,000. Brad helped the committee apply for and receive 3 grants totaling $662,000. More recently he was excited about plans to replace 495 streetlights with energy-efficient LED versions. Brad became quite concerned about environmental issues later in life, particularly climate change. His work with the Energy Advisory Committee was his way of helping find solutions.
Brad also served on the Butler Farm Re-Use Committee. He was instrumental in securing the property initially for town use, and also establishing the surrounding walking paths and “Bark Park”. He spoke often of the property’s recreational potential, and was proud of his efforts to gain approval for the dog park.
Brad had an interest in a wide range of topics, but none so much as fishing. He and his second wife Betty spent many years on their boat at the Bourne Marina, fishing for blues, mackerel, bass, and flounder. In his final months, all he talked about was going fishing. We hope that he has found the best fishing spot ever and that he’s getting bites all day long.
For those wishing to pay their respects to Brad, there will be a graveside service and memorial at a future date which will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Butler Farm Dog Park. Checks should be made out to “Town of Millbury” with “Dog Park” in the memo line. Please mail them to: Department of Planning and Development, Municipal Office Building, 127 Elm Street, Millbury, MA 01527.