BILL TURKO

BILL TURKO
It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of William (Bill) Turko on May 18, 2026 at the age of 95. Mourning his passing are his children Cheri Brehmer, Bill Turko Jr. (Carol), Bobbi Turko (Michael Garner), and Wendy Lough (Dave); his six grandchildren Stacey Brehmer, Justin Turko, Rachel Turko, Sutton Garner, Erin Teare (Mike) and Dyllan Lough; and his two great-grandchildren Lachlan Teare and Kipton Teare. Bill is also survived by his sisters Helen Hayden (Howard), Rosie Hyrcun, and Emily Ollikka. Bill was predeceased by his wife Helen in 2007; parents Mike and Rose Turko; sisters Pauline Melnychuk, Mary McKee, and Eva Hrycun; and brothers John, Anton, Nick, Fred, and Mike Turko.
Bill was born in a log cabin in Waskatenau, AB on January 30, 1931. He and his 11 siblings had a difficult and challenging childhood growing up on the family farm which undoubtedly contributed to his strong work ethic and drive to succeed. Bill was exceptionally hardworking, deeply dedicated, and highly respected in the field of education. Teaching was never simply a profession to him, it was his life’s passion and purpose. His 45-year teaching career began in a one-room schoolhouse north of Edmonton known as Darling School before he ventured south to Medicine Hat where over the years he taught at and served as principal of six different elementary schools.
After earning his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Calgary, Bill also served for two years as Director of Curriculum for the Medicine Hat Public School Division before returning in 1983 to what he loved most which was working directly with students, their families, and his teachers, as Principal of Crestwood School, where he remained until retiring in 1996.
While at Crestwood, Bill was especially proud of the special reading and math programs he developed for struggling students. He received many heartfelt letters of gratitude from parents for the personal attention and dedication he showed to their children. No one he taught, including his own children and grandchildren, will ever forget his famous red and blue blocks that made learning to add and subtract so simple and forever memorable. The William Turko Pursuit of Excellence Award given out yearly at Crestwood School honors his legacy.
Bill was a devoted and deeply loved grandfather whose greatest joys with his grandchildren were often the simplest ones: taking the kids fishing, going for walks on the trails, planting and picking vegetables in his huge garden, watching their sporting events, and sharing in all their accomplishments. He took a genuine and lasting interest in their lives and achievements, following their activities closely and celebrating their milestones with pride.
After retirement, Bill cherished countless days on Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course with friends, and enjoyed curling each winter, valuing both the competition and the camaraderie that came with the sport. An avid baseball fan, Bill was a lifelong supporter of the Toronto Blue Jays. He watched all their baseball games on TV and especially looked forward to travelling to different cities to attend Major League Baseball games in person, creating lasting memories from each trip. A lifelong learner, Bill had a deep love of reading and took great interest in staying informed about current events, particularly following daily news in the business world. He joined the Golden K Kiwanis Club, regularly met fellow retired teachers for coffee, and continued to lead an active life. To stay healthy, he took long daily walks, most often along the paths in the coulees behind his home.
Sadly, after receiving a pacemaker at the age of 92, his sense of balance was badly affected, leading to a gradual decline in his mobility over the following three years. In his final years, as daily life became increasingly difficult, Bill was lovingly cared for by his daughter Cheri, who devoted countless hours to his well-being. Her patience, compassion, and unwavering dedication allowed him to remain as comfortable and supported as possible through a very challenging time. The family is deeply grateful for her selfless care and the dignity she helped provide him throughout this period.
Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE prior to the service, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The graveside service will be held in the HILLSIDE CEMETERY on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Roland Weisbrot officiating. Those who are not attending visitation but wish to be present for the graveside service, please meet at the cemetery gates at 1:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alan Joys Memorial Fund Society (AJ’s Loan Cupboard 602 A Clay Ave SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3K3). To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2