Herbert D. Turner, 82, lately of Rockland, passed away at the Penobscot Medical Center on June 3. Born in Rockland, he was the son of Herbert and Gertrude (Guppie) Turner of Waltham, Mass.
He was born on March 7, 1928 during the height of the depression growing up in Waltham, Mass. At age 16 he talked his way into the Merchant Marines and after a few weeks’ training, was on a ship to Europe with war supplies. After the war he worked aboard merchant ships plying their trade between U.S. and Caribbean ports.
Setting down roots in the early 50s, he married Mona E. Tibbetts of Waldoboro and helped raise a family. He worked at various jobs through those years and helped with community activities as time allowed.
He always enjoyed traveling and after the children were grown, turned his attention to traveling through out the U.S. He enjoyed art and painted landscapes of the numerous places he visited, some were sold or given to friends but some remain and will serve to remind his family of him. During a 20 year period he worked for the Disney World Resort in Florida during several winters, as a campground host at numerous campgrounds through out the U.S., and delivering trucks and RV’s for a company in Arizona. He enjoyed his life on the road, the people and places he came to know. His stories from that time were colorful and have inspired the people who heard them to travel and see the wonders he enjoyed.
During the past few years he had to give up the traveling life and returned to this area, a place he always considered home. He presented his art work at local shows, talked about his experiences at schools and to local groups, and spent some time getting reacquainted with people he hadn’t seen much of for years.
He is survived by daughter, Mrs. Elaine Niemi of Friendship and her extended family, daughter, Mrs. Sharon Landry of Glen Cove and her extended family, and son, Dale Turner and family.
He requested that no funeral be held and that his remains be cremated. The surviving family members have decided to hold a private gathering in the near future to celebrate his life.
Arrangements are under the direction of Smeltzer Family Cremation and Funeral Service, Waldoboro.
