Bernard Turner

March 19, 1939 — June 20, 2025

Orem — The world lost a truly “good man” with the passing of Bernard (Bernie) Turner on June 20th at the age of 86. He was surrounded by his wife of 57 years, Kathy, his children and grandchildren who adored him. Bernie was born in 1939 in Grand Junction, CO. on his Grandpa Bryant’s ranch to Mable L. Bryant and Eddie W. Turner. There are great stories of his youth in Grand Junction and adventures with his only brother, Ray. He loved fast pitch softball, basketball (especially fast breaks with Ray) and as he got older, working on “fast cars”. He was proud of winning the Mobil Oil Rodeo as a teenager. He and Ray learned how to work hard when they had a 350 customer newspaper route that they would deliver daily on their bikes. He was very proud to tell how he would beat the firefighters to fires in town on his bike and make them mad. Bernie attended Lincoln Elementary, Orchard Elementary, Grand Junction Jr and Senior high school. He continued his education at Mesa Jr College earning an associates in Accounting, and later at BYU earning a BS in criminal law enforcement. Bernie was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints along with his family at the age of 16. He served a mission to the Central States Mission from 1960 to 1962 where he loved the work and the amazing people. In May 1967 Bernie met Kathleen Wilson while she was on her way home from BYU. This started a summer romance that developed into love and their eventual December marriage in the Logan Utah Temple. Bernie returned to BYU and they started a joint life of service in the church. Bernie served as finance clerk for 20 years, then High Council, Bishop twice, temple ordinance worker, and temple sealer. He and Kathy served together in the Samoa Apia Mission and he then served as Transient Bishop. Bernie worked as a police officer for a total of 35 years between Yakima Washington, BYU, and Orem City. Many recognize him from his 2nd job as a University Mall security officer. Wherever he worked he was known as the “nice policeman” even by those he arrested or ticketed. Bernie and Kathy enjoyed traveling the world together, but his happiest hours were spent serving in the temple, and spending time with his family. His favorite titles were Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. He loved his family with all of his big heart. They all remember his special talent of talking Donald Duck. With this he could delight or calm any child with a story narrated in Donald Duck voice. Bernie is survived by his wife, Kathy, his children Jason Turner (Amy), Angela Anderson (Reed), Lora Walker (Duane), Rachelle Turner, Jeff Turner (Shelly), and by 14 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ray. The family wishes to express gratitude to the IHC Hospice team, and especially to Lisa and Linda whose support meant so much. Special thanks to Shelly Ebert, NP for 20 years of care. In lieu of flowers please donate to the LDS Missionary fund, or to the Community Action Food Bank. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 28th at 11:00 at LDS Stake Center 1000 No. Main, Orem with viewing 9:30 to 10:45 prior to funeral, and Friday the 27th 6 to 8 PM at Nelson Family Mortuary 4780 N University Ave., Provo, Utah. Interment will be at the Orem City cemetery.