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John Turnbull Obituary
December 21, 1923 - March 6, 2007
A devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a loving husband whose uncompromising strength and endurance provided us all with much inspiration, departed to be with the Lord on March 6, 2007. God saw he was getting tired and whispered "Come with me." Although we all loved him dearly we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, working hands came to rest, God broke our hearts to prove he only takes the best. He will be deeply missed. Born December 21, 1923 in Los Angeles, California to the late Ernest Edgar "Jack" and Effie May Turnbull. After graduating from Alhambra High School in January 1942, he served in the United States Army Air Corps from January 4, 1943 - February 22, 1946. John spent 35 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District as a construction inspector and supervisor, retiring on December 29, 1986. He also worked for the architect firm of Maxwell Starkman and Associates. John resided in Hawthorne since 1964 actively involved in local youth sports, especially capturing photographic action shots of kids that appeared in the weekly newspaper. John was a Mason since 1961, Past Master of Euclid Lodge (Golden Trowel Norwalk Lodge) and a long time PTA member. He was an avid fisherman, camper, and carpenter who also enjoyed golf and travel. John is survived by the love of his life, Rosaline, of 42 years; his sons, John Jr. (wife, Christina) of Arcadia, Robert (wife, Jennifer) of El Segundo; his daughters, Debbie of Oakland, OR and Cindi of Vancouver, WA. Grandchildren, Brayden (13) and Kelsey (11) of El Segundo, Kenny (32) of Sandy, UT, Noah (29) of Oakland, OR and Sasha (26) of Fort Lauderdale, FL; three great-grandchildren, Zach (12), Samantha (9) and Henry (9 months); and his sister, Audrey (husband, David) of Stockton, CA. He was preceded in death by son, James Bradley in 1947. John will be greatly missed by his family and friends and leaves a legacy of love, bravery and strength. We'll never forget you. We miss you so much and we will see you in heaven. A gathering for family and friends celebrating John's life will be on Friday, March 16, 2007 at Rice Mortuary in Torrance beginning at 11 am with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following charities on behalf of John Turnbull; National Parkinson Foundation, inc. at www.parkinson.org or The American Heart Association at http://honor.americanheart.org or the California State PTA Scholarship Fund at 2327 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. To send the family a message, share a memory, for directions to services, or to view the online video tribute, please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Turnbull
Owen Barnes
March 20, 2007
Rosaline and Family,
Fond memories of John’s visit to the Lodge on 18/10/96.
From Owen (Barney) Barnes, the WM. Officers and brethren of The City University Lodge No. 7962 E.C. London.
Russ Regler, Jr.
March 17, 2007
Dear Rosaline:
I am writing this for my parents. I know they treasured the times they had with John and truly enjoyed their visits with the two of you. I know they hope your loss is tempered by the fact that you had such a wonderful husband for so many years.
Russ Regler Jr.
Ty Secules
March 15, 2007
Rosaline & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Uncle John will be missed by everyone. He touched many lives and had many stories to tell that were interesting.
Love,
Ty, Nicole, Tyler & Kaitlyn Secules
Dave and Janet Farlee
March 14, 2007
Dear Rosaline and Family,
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved John. He was a real treasure and we are blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing him. May the good Lord bless and keep you. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Cathy Ramirez
March 13, 2007
Dear Rosaline,
Rob and I feel blessed to have you and John as neighbors and we will miss him dearly. Our lives are richer for having known him; we so enjoyed the stories he shared with us and admired the adoration he had for you. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this very sad time. With deepest sympathy.
Shirley Lopez
March 12, 2007
Dearest Rosaline & Family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers. I know the cherished memories I have of John and the smile he often brought through PTA will bring me peace. It is my hope that these memories bring you peace as well.
Sincerely,
Shirley Lopez (Former 8th District President/Legislative Rep.)
Cheryl Fastiggi
March 11, 2007
Dear Rosaline,
Our prayers and love are with you at this sad time. My dad and our family so loved hearing from you all each Christmas and all of your great sharings. My dad so often told us stories about beautiful you and the Secules family. I remember as a young girl visiting you and John. John was such a warm, tender man. You always were warm with a special smile. Thank you for your prayers for our family as well. Much Love, Cheryl Secules-Fastiggi, Germaine and Kathy Secules (Tom's oldest daughter)
Virginia Gannon
March 11, 2007
Dear Rosaline and family.
My love and prayers are with you. I so enjoyed John - he was one of us PTA ladies. He kept us in great pictures and was so very kind and loving. A true joy to have known. God keep you in His arms. With deep love and understanding,
Ginny
Carol OBrien
March 11, 2007
Dear Rosaline, Even though I live in another state now, I keep up with the South Bay. I remember
John from 33rd District functions and how much he was involved. You
are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol O'Brien
Gerry (Secules) Major
March 10, 2007
March 10, 2007
Dear Rosaline and Family,
Our deepest sypathy to all of you on the passing of John. Our prayers are with you.
Cousins,
Gerry (Secules)Major and Richard Major and family
Vicki Brenton (Walker)
March 10, 2007
Mrs. Turnbull and family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Mr. Turnbull was a great inspiration to me when it came to taking sports related photographs. I still have two black and white photos up in the office at my house that he took of me when I was a youth playing soccer and softball.
Death Leaves a Heartache no one can heal;
Love Leaves a Memory no one can steal.
God bless,
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