Peter Merrick Turner from Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on Sept. 1, 2025, at the age of 94, after a time of declining health. It was a peaceful end to a long, generous life-one that started in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and took him through Montreal, back to Toronto, then to North Muskegon, Michigan, before he made his home in Grand Rapids in 2015.
Peter was preceded in death by his wife Beverley (Brophey), his second wife Alix (Robertson), and his older brother Bill. He is survived by his partner Jean Louise Enright of Grand Rapids who has been his love and support for the last twenty-five years; his three sons Peter (Margot and first wife Rebecca), Christopher (Judith), and David (Martha); five adored grandchildren: Elizabeth, Mac Kenzie, Cameron, Peter III and Henry; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews along with their children.
A graduate of the University of Toronto (B Eng.) and Harvard Business School (MBA), Peter had a special talent for planning and organization-qualities that shaped both his personal life and career. After spending summers during college working in the Canadian wilderness and Caribbean seas, he began his professional journey in Canada with Texaco and Molson Breweries before relocating to Muskegon where he led Bennett Pump Co., later becoming an executive at SPX Corporation. In addition to his engineering and business background, he had a strong passion for arts and literature; he was an avid reader throughout his life as well as a supporter of visual and performing arts.
While he took pride in his business accomplishments, Peter’s greatest joy came from community service work, philanthropy, and bringing friends and family together for any reason. From chairing the Salvation Army’s Red Shield campaign in Montreal to serving on boards for Hackley Hospital, West Shore Symphony Orchestra, and Muskegon Community Foundation-he generously gave his time leadership skills along with compassion. Notably when he realized Muskegon didn’t have a statue honoring its great timber baron Charles Hackley-Peter personally donated one-a photo of which can be found on Hackley’s Wikipedia page.
His generosity came from his father William Ian Mac Kenzie Turner-and it’s something he shared with those closest to him as well as future generations. May we all strive to care for others like Peter did-and remember him for that big smile along with those bow ties.
Peter valued many club memberships but took most pride in being a lifetime member of the Lake O’Hara (BC) Trails Club. High up in the stunning Canadian Rockies-where he honeymooned with Beverley-and where they spent cherished family holidays-Peter will soon return once more to be near Bev’s resting place surrounded forever by breathtaking mountains that held countless adventures shared with loved ones.
A celebration of Peter’s life will take place at 11 am on Saturday October 25th ,2025 at Mayflower Congregational Church located at 2345 Robinson Rd. SE , Grand Rapids , MI 49506 followed by lunch after the service. Gifts made in memory of Peter may be directed towards Muskegon Community Foundation or the University of Toronto.
To view the Memorial Service please follow this link, https://mayflowerchurch. org/peter-turner/
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peter M. Turner , please visit our floral store.
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