Richard Turnbow

Richard Blaine Turnbow
1941 ~ 2014

Richard Blaine Turnbow, 72, passed away January 18, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was born September 6, 1941 in Murray, Utah to Reva E (Lazenby) Turnbow and LaVerl F Turnbow.

He grew up mostly in Tabiona and Orem, Utah, often sharing stories with friends and family of his childhood experiences on 12th south in Orem.

Richard was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved the Gospel. He served in the Southern Australian Mission from 1960 to 1962. He held various callings in the church including the Young Men’s Advisor, Ward Clerk, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Stake High Council, and Bishopric. He was a faithful home teacher.

He served in the Army Reserve from 1963 to 1969 and married Judy (Butler) Turnbow August 14, 1964 in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Richard graduated from Orem High School in 1959, and received his B.S. degree in Accounting from BYU in 1970. He worked as a CPA and then as a legal administrator. He was an active member of the ALA (Association of Legal Administrators) most of his life and was a highly sought after presenter at ALA conferences. He lived in many cities throughout his career, including Price, Orem, Taylorsville, Kaysville, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Lehi, Provo and Springville, UT; Fremont, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Tampa and Gainesville, FL; Chicago, IL; Wetumpka, AL; and Tupelo, MS.

He took community service seriously, serving two terms as Mayor of Cedar Hills, and actively participated in local and national politics such as serving as a delegate for the Republican Party. He and his wife served as church service missionaries in the Springville Employment Center.

He is survived by his wife, siblings Diane (Turnbow) Ferre and Garry Turnbow, children Gregory, Doug, Scott, Nancy (Fails), AnnMarie (Pettingill), Mark, and John, 23 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by both his parents, siblings Judith Turnbow and Sharon (Turnbow) Dillon, and grandson Taylor Fails.

Richard had a tender heart for those in need and was often found serving others. He had a friendly demeanor and great sense of humor, making everyone around him feel welcome. He had a keen sense of duty and integrity. Thomas Jefferson once said In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” This captures some of his key characteristics.

His viewing will be held Thursday 1/23/2014 at 6:00 pm at the Provo Utah Sunset Stake Center (1560 S 1100 W, Provo UT 84601). There will be another viewing on Friday 1/24/2014 from 9:30 am -v 10:30 am and funeral at 11:00 am at the same location. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery (1520 N 800 E, Orem).