Sydney Turnbull

March 30, 1943 – June 11, 2026

 

Sydney (Syd) Turnbull, born March 30, 1943, in England, drifted off to sleep at home on, June 11, 2026, holding his wife’s hand, Linda Penner who was also his best friend for the past 36 years.

 

Besides his wife, Syd leaves his daughter, Shona (her twins, Rowen and Liam); Linda’s two sons, Dean and Dallas (his wife Lisa and children Dylan and Victoria); family and friends in Canada and Britain, with many from 50 Missile Regiment.  Syd was predeceased by his parents; as well as Linda’s daughter, Corrie, in 2023.

 

We thank the wonderful dialysis team And Dr. Ahmad at The Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for their exemplary care and compassion over the past six and a half years, with homecare and palliative for his comfortable end.  Also, thank you to our special niece and unwavering stalwart, Paula Stock-Isfeld BN, for her love and support over the years, and her expertise in navigating the AHS system.  And special thanks to Jan and Sean who took our furry little Beau into their home and brought him to visit every week after we were no longer able to care for him.

 

Syd was born into a military family in England during WWII.  His father, Major S. Turnbull Sr. was wounded during service for the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment and sent to a German POW camp.  After the war he was stationed in Germany where Syd spent much of his youth.

 

Upon returning to England Syd was sent to the Gordon Boy’s military academy boarding school, and after completing a three-year apprenticeship at Harrogate Army Foundation College he entered the regular forces with The Royal Signals.  He was stationed to Londonderry patrols in Northern Ireland during Bloody Sunday.

 

When posted to Germany Syd became an accomplished off shore Baltic sailor with the British Kiel Yacht Club and crew of Avalanche.  He also spent two years at sea aboard HMS Fearless.  Later, he transferred to the 50 Missile Regiment where he commanded a ground to ground nuclear missile detachment during the height of the cold war.  Syd fell in love with Canada when he was posted to BATUS in 1973 for two years.  After a brief stint back to Germany, he left an eighteen-year British military career in 1976 and immigrated where he served the Canadian armed forces reserve with the rank of W.O.2 (BSM) with SALH for nine years.

 

During his 33-year career with C.P. Rail, Syd was involved in administration of the EFAP, the steam train rides, annual family BBQ and was union secretary for 25 years.  Retiring in 2011 he enjoyed trips back to the U.K., spending time with Linda, coffee with Greg, fish & chips with a pint at Mauro’s, and walking his beloved dog, Beau.  Some of Syd’s hobbies included target shooting, photography, astronomy – and also buying and driving expensive cars!

 

Flowers are gratefully declined, but donations to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Southern Alberta branch are much appreciated. Condolences may be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL & CREMATION 1924 10^th Ave NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 403-905-0440 info@gracememorial.com.

 

 

When rabbit asked, “When we die, where do we go?”  Bear replied, “Into the hearts of those who have loved us most. 

That way we’re together forever.”    By Tara Shannon

 

• Date : 2026-06-11
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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