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Remembering former Squamish mayor Phil Turner

Turner, who died in July, served as mayor from December 1988 to 1990
Philip Turner
In memoriam: Phil Turner.

Former Squamish mayor Philip Turner has died.

Turner passed away on July 15 in Saint John, New Brunswick at the age of 75.

Turner served as mayor of the District from December 1988 to 1990.

"During his time as mayor, an agreement was signed between the District of Squamish and BC Transit to implement the town's first transit system, funding was secured to construct Brennan Park pool, and a lease agreement was signed with the West Coast Railway Association to support their plans to build the West Coast Railway Heritage Museum," reads a District release honouring Turner.

"The District wishes to acknowledge his commitment to public service and extend sincere condolences to his family."

An obituary for Turner, written by his daughter Alison Turner, says he moved his family to Squamish in 1981.

"Many locals will remember him as their insurance salesman or when they use some of the things he was proudest as mayor to implement, particularly the transit system and the new pool complex," she said.

Turner also devoted a lot of his time to the Squamish Chamber of Commerce.

"As president of the Chamber of Commerce, he was also very pleased to be a part of the team that created the annual Trade Fair and we both spent many hours manning his Sun Life booth there," his daughter added.

Corrine Lonsdale, who served on council when Turner was at the helm, says he always did his best and what he thought was right for the community.

"He was always very much focussed on growing the business community and the economy," she said.

Lonsdale acknowledges that she didn't always see eye-to-eye with Turner in the chamber — but outside of it, they got along well.

"A very sociable fellow, very nice. We had good times as well," she said, adding that Turner came back to Squamish a few years ago, and the two had coffee.

"We were always able to put our differences aside whenever we weren't in the council chambers. Phil entertained council at his home, more than once, several times. He was a nice man and he always did what he thought was best."

Turner spent the last six years of his life in Sussex, New Brunswick and enjoyed being a part of the community, Alison said.

"On behalf of my father and myself, I would like to thank the residents of Squamish for all of their kindness and support," she told The Chief.

"As Phil would say, always leave everything a little better than you found it."

 

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