Ray D. Turner of Lewiston passed away peacefully Friday, June 26, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was 83 years old. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at CrossPoint Alliance Church at 1330 Powers Ave. Viewing will also be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Spangle, Wash., cemetery.
Ray was born Feb. 12, 1932, in Toledo, Wash., to G. Dewey and Ellen M. Turner. He spent his early years growing up in Toledo, working with his parents on the family farm and excelling in his studies at school.
Ray graduated from Toledo High School in 1950, where he was valedictorian. He demonstrated his leadership skills early in life, being elected as the Washington state president of the Future Farmers of America during his senior year.
After high school, he traveled to Pullman and attended Washington State College, now WSU. Ray received many awards for excellence while attending WSU, including the Borden Award for large animal surgery. In 1956 he received a doctorate degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated with highest honors.
In 1954, while attending college, he met Geraldine (Jeri) Byers from Spangle, Wash. They were married Feb. 7, 1956, during their senior year. Ray and Jeri subsequently moved to Lewiston, where Ray accepted a job with McIntosh Veterinary Clinic. Soon after, he became a partner specializing in large animal medicine and surgery. He also worked as a veterinarian at the Lewiston Sales Yard beginning in 1956 and until he retired.
During his career, Ray worked with literally hundreds of veterinarians and veterinary students, either as employees or as students assigned to him through the externship program at the College of Veterinary Medicine at WSU. Many of them considered him their "mentor" years after they worked with him. He was very active in support of the 4-H and FFA in northern Idaho, and his work ethic was an example that stimulated many area youths to pursue careers in veterinary medicine. Ray and his family returned to Toledo for many summer vacations to help his parents on the family farm at harvest time.
Because of Ray's very positive impact on the public's perception of veterinary medicine, his caring attitude and his enthusiasm for his profession, he was honored by the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) with the Idaho Veterinarian of the Year award in 1990. He was also awarded Cattleman of the Year from the Idaho Cattle Association.
Ray formally retired in 1991 from Lewiston Veterinary Clinic, but continued to occasionally work for his favorite out-of-town ranchers and cattlemen. He also worked on a task force in California to eliminate exotic newcastle disease in poultry.
Ray and Jeri enjoyed many overseas trips and cruises to Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Australia. They also extensively traveled throughout the United States. No matter where Ray traveled, he never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell or story to share. When he wasn't traveling or working with animals, he became a master gardener of sorts, sharing the produce of his garden freely with his many friends.
In the fall of each year, Ray could be found in the Salmon River ranch country, hunting, doctoring animals and visiting friends. Close behind Ray, you would always find a grandkid or two in tow. These trips were always scheduled around the weaning and branding of livestock. Ray's laughter and kindred heart could brighten those long and dusty days. He not only had an enormous care for animals, but for people, too. He thoroughly enjoyed his interactions and relationships with those who shared his love for the outdoors. Ranchers and cattleman always considered themselves fortunate for his knowledge and friendship. At times, Ray would give himself to a rancher in need and never speak a word of it. The depth of his generosity is unknown except to those individuals. No matter the venue, he made an impression on all who met him and touched many lives. He was a man of character and principle.
Ray is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jeri, at the family home in Lewiston; children Nanette Spedden (Doug) of Spokane, Stewart Turner (Mercedes) of Lewiston and Todd Turner of Kirkland, Wash.; his brother, Ben Turner (Ann) of Toledo; and his sister, Donna Randall (Bill), also of Toledo. Ray was also very fond of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his niece and nephew.
His parents, George and Ellen Turner; and his sister-in-law, Ann Turner, preceded him in death.
Our precious husband, father and friend lived a good long life and brought so much joy and laughter into our lives. His children, Nanette, Stewart and Todd, were so appreciative for the love their father showed them; he was always generous with his time and guidance in life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Donations may be made in his honor to Community Action Partnership Food Bank, 133 New Sixth St., Lewiston, ID 83501; St. Joseph Family Hospice; or a favorite charity.
