Mark Thomson Turnbull finished his journey on earth and entered the presence of the Lord on January 2, 2026, at his home in Wallace, NC. He was born in North Bay, Ontario, Canada on April 22, 1950, as the second child to William George and Mary Thomson Turnbull, both of whom passed away before him. His older brother Earl Turnbull also predeceased him. Mark is survived by his wife Regina; daughter Kim (Mike); granddaughters Mackenna (Dylan), Bridgette (Eric), and Grace (Hailey); mother-in-law Pat; brother-in-law Patrick; sisters-in-law Judy and Tracie; nephews Scott (Christine), Sean (Roxanne), Zachary, and Hunter (Delilah); great-nieces Brooke (Clovis) and Eva; great-nephews Reiss (Megan) and Case.
Mark led a life full of adventures. There’s no way to cover everything here, so a brief overview will have to do.
Growing up in Canada, Mark was a hockey player from an early age. Though he was shorter in stature with quick reflexes and a bold spirit, he was perfectly suited for being a goalie. Protecting that net taught him how to always look out for those he loved and served. With plenty of energy to spare, Mark stayed active throughout his life. He enjoyed water skiing, downhill skiing, and biking long distances-sometimes as far as 125 miles! At the age of 62, he proudly completed the Beach to Battleship Triathlon.
Mark attended Canadore College (then known as Cambrian College) where he earned a degree in Business Information Technology. This degree opened many doors for him as society moved into our current tech-driven world. He worked in IT for various companies including Neilson’s Food and Ault Foods. During one phase of his career at Denison Mines in Elliot Lake-once known as the uranium capital of the world-he handled all IT responsibilities there. Despite having a busy work life, Mark always found time to help others. He actively participated in Rotary Canada and often talked about running bingo fundraisers for that organization. His career also included working at Hershey Canada where he fondly recalled two projects-the construction of new corporate offices and the Hershey Ski Program. Moving from Hershey PA to corporate brought him closer to becoming an American citizen since he appreciated the freedom this country offered-a perfect match for his adventurous spirit! Red, white, and blue became his favorite colors over time.
From Hershey PA., former coworker Howard Rush encouraged him to apply for Murphy Family Farms where Mark found joy in working there too. Eventually deciding it was time for something different after much thought he started his own business called Turnbull Consulting Inc., blending his instinctual desire to support others with his business acumen by providing disaster recovery planning services across various sectors including businesses universities health care systems over 25 years.
In 2018 Mark went on a first date with Regina which led them to marry exactly one year later on that same day! Sharing many similar traits allowed them both deep understanding while still learning about each other’s unique skills along their journey together filled with adventures each passing year! As jokingly noted by himself every marriage anniversary truly felt like seven years!
Mark had an innate ability to encourage others generously giving whatever resources he could muster up whenever meeting military or law enforcement personnel expressing gratitude through buying meals frequently encountered Girl Guides cookies sales seemed remarkably boosted thanks largely due efforts made by himself during such moments spent waiting lines stores bakeries best place be when accompanied by him odds are high chances someone else would cover your bill especially if needed anything available belonged you now! Blood drives? Count him present helping out however possible showcasing profound belief goodness God reflected open hands overflow blessings poured around everyone near!
His passions extended beyond work too focusing heavily upon hobbies like photography developing black-and-white photos within lab created basement camping thrilled visiting KOA campgrounds culminating not just once but twice epic Alaskan Adventures embarked upon during years spanning across trips taken back-to-back between both summer seasons ’12 & ’18. Fascination sparked drove exploration highways navigating every inch meticulously outfitted truck campers turning pure joy accessible particularly shared eldest granddaughter Mackenna who joined adventure making memories last forever-all stemming from affection felt family members particularly daughter Kim whose growth continually inspired pride within heart passed onto generations ahead gifting them traits seen echoed throughout lineage crafted together shaped loving parenting style demonstrated childhood sweetheart first wife Judy offering gifts lives touched positively shaping values instilled sharing kindness integrity strong foundation built fostering four amazing daughters uplift community exemplifying what learned given opportunity shine brightest themselves!
After retiring back mid-2022 more spare time began allowing diving deeper into things enjoyed most notably having companionship dog named Jake all-American canine mixed breed instantly bonded forming unbreakable friendship riding side passenger little gray Ford Ranger around town spotting familiar faces wherever traveled local areas nearby proving happy times shared among many connections created friendships blossoming daily interactions exchanged heartfelt moments experienced warmly welcomed easily fits perfectly alongside fellow resident neighbor Mrs. Mary Sue Sanderson mowing grass combined love service volunteered hands-on assistance neighborhood assisting friends needing extra help facing challenges week requiring rest armed trusty professional John Deere mower powered alongside best friend Steve Chauncey enjoying laughter-filled outings potentially saving face getting pulled ditch sometimes risking slight mishaps occurring endearing tales retold often reflecting close bond maintained through thick thin forging lifelong camaraderie building strong relationships enriched surrounding environment joining community growing stronger supporting joys trials faced altogether leading incredible friendships formed reminiscent family bonds feel fortunate blessed call Eastwood Acres home.
On birthday turning seventy-five decided pursue newfound passion setting woodworking shop garage dedicating hours studying You Tube videos buying tutorials crafting furniture pieces enjoyed gifting others discovering exotic woods experimenting epoxy pour techniques final days purchasing plans envisioning next builds excited include family member nephew Parker Precise collaborating workshop completing projects together marking lasting impressions lifetime cherished forever!
Mark embraced life wholeheartedly loving God immensely pouring everything cared about deeply into existence uplifting countless souls along path met bringing happiness fulfilling experience generous nature openly sharing warmth radiated positivity anyone crossed path ultimately left behind beautiful legacy inspired admiration respect shown by everyone around!
A Celebration of Life memorial is scheduled at Awaken Church Wallace NC starting promptly three o’clock afternoon January tenth twenty twenty-six extending invitation warm welcome all wishing attend honoring memory dear friend loved dearly departed soul beloved husband father grandfather brother uncle mentor inspiring figure guiding light shine bright forever remembered eternity past present future intertwined meaningful connections forged amidst shared experiences traversed worlds filled laughter love joy created everlasting impressions hearts alike belong reminded importance cherishing moments created living fullest potential nurturing relationships built closely knit surrounding each other lifting spirits higher always reaching horizons never dreamed possible!
In lieu flowers instead family requests consider making memorial donation two places held significant meaning supported entire journey well spending precious moments participating activities enjoyed greatly Awaken Church located address listed above Rock Fish Meadows Camp contributing future endeavors enrich lives people offer shelter solace nature healing experiences through outreach programs implemented rooted deeply community fabric woven intricately embrace serve openly
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