Skip to content

April 25, 1942 - June 24, 2022
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Robert Patrick Turnbull on June 24, 2022. We expected him to live forever after conquering Esophagus cancer in 2019, but his heart decided otherwise.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dianne, three sons Robert Scott (Nakita), Lonny Patrick (Sonja) and Carey John, and eight grandchildren; McKenzie, Tylar, Reese, Shelby, Walker, Olan, Dayton and Oriana.
Bob lived an abundantly full life pursuing many passions including flying airplanes, hunting in the great North, and fishing salmon and halibut in beautiful remote British Columbia. He got his private pilot's license in 1980 and had several airplanes over the years. He flew all over BC and was blessed to have hunted and fished in some places most of us will never see.
Bob was born In Powell River and moved to Victoria at the age of 13. He met the love of his life, Dianne at age 22 and knew that she was the one after only 5 months.
They started their life together in 1964 in Victoria and moved to Prince Rupert shortly after. They started their own company, and it was the beginning of a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship. He was inspired and tutored by Monty Bowen in Courtenay who introduced him into road building, land clearing and heavy equipment operations. This began the start of Turnbull Trucking Co and many years of road building. To this day there is a Turnbull Road in Royston and a Turnbull Road in Horne Lake.
Then they started Contract Equipment in 1987. They concentrated on heavy equipment modification and built a very successful business. This business was a new adventure that offered opportunities for them to travel extensively to Asia to purchase and import equipment. The boys would often join them on these adventures.
The family started Turnbull Cranberry Company in 1996. Bob brought his vast amount of experience to this venture. He dug a lake, built all the roads, and kept thinking of new ways to improve efficiencies on the farm. He passed along all his mechanical and entrepreneurial skills along with a positive mindset to Bobby, Lonny and Carey and they continue his legacy of hard work and "just get er done" positive attitude. These attributes have also been passed on to the younger generations of Turnbull's and the grandkids excel at a variety of professions.
His greatest joy was getting together with all the kids and grandkids. Even though family dinners often ended up with discussion about the farm, there was always room for updates on life endeavors, university tests or papers, the latest vehicle purchase or a squirt of whipping cream in the mouth.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the BC Cancer Agency.
A gathering of family and friends to share stories and memories will take place at the family home on Saturday July 30, 5818 Bates Road, corner of Bates and Avonlee, 1-4pm.

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Saturday, July 30, 2022
1:00 PM
5818 Bates Road, corner of Bates and Avonlee


Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.