Mark Thomson Turnbull finished his journey here 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 of William George and Mary Thomson Turnbull, both of whom passed away before him. His only sibling, older brother Earl Turnbull, also died before 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 lived a life filled with adventure. It’s hard to capture everything here, so a brief snapshot will have to do.
Growing up in Canada, Mark started playing hockey at a young age. Though he was small in stature with quick reflexes and a brave spirit, he was made to be a goalie. Protecting that net prepared him for how he would always look out for those he loved. With endless energy, Mark engaged in physical activities throughout his life. He enjoyed water skiing, downhill skiing, and cycling long distances-really long distances-sometimes covering up to 125 miles. At age 62, Mark successfully 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 IT degree opened many doors for him as society shifted towards our tech-focused world today. He worked in IT for various companies like Neilson’s Food and Ault Foods. At one point, he managed IT for Denison Mines in Elliot Lake when it was known as the uranium capital of the world. Despite having a busy career, Mark always found time to help others. He actively participated in Rotary Canada and often talked about the bingo fundraisers he helped organize for that group. Mark also worked at Hershey Canada where two projects he fondly remembered were building new corporate offices for the company and developing the Hershey Ski Program. His job with Hershey led him to move to corporate headquarters in Hershey, PA where it didn’t take long before he began pursuing American citizenship because the American spirit of freedom resonated with him deeply-red, white, and blue were his favorite colors! From Hershey PA., a former coworker named Howard Rush encouraged him to apply at Murphy Family Farms because Howard thought it would be an excellent fit for Mark-and it truly was! Eventually deciding to follow his long-held dream of starting his own business led to the creation of Turnbull Consulting Inc., which allowed him to combine his instinctual desire to provide support with his business skills by offering business continuity and disaster recovery planning services across numerous businesses including universities and healthcare systems over twenty-five years.
In 2018 Mark had his first date with Regina; they married just one year later on that same day anniversary! Sharing many personality traits helped them understand each other naturally while still learning about their individual strengths along the way-together they packed plenty into every year they spent together! Mark would often joke that each year counted like seven years due their exciting adventures!
A natural encourager himself who generously shared everything available around him-if encountering military or law enforcement personnel he’d thank them personally while even treating them lunch too! Girl Guides back home as well as Girl Scouts stateside noticed cookie sales skyrocketing whenever Mark happened nearby-it seemed everyone benefited being around this giving man wherever possible! Whether waiting line at shops/bakeries-you’d likely find yourself fortunate enough if it meant getting your bill covered by none other than good ol’Mark himself! If blood drives popped up nearby-he’d show support without hesitation either way believing strongly about goodness from God allowing open hands giving freely back toward those needing assistance!
Mark pursued hobbies passionately over time: Developing black-and-white photos within labs set up right inside basement space made great use fulfilling creative side too!. Camping brought joy & KOA campgrounds paved paths leading towards not just one-but two unforgettable Alaskan Adventures during both years spanning between ‘12 & ’18 showcasing fascination throughout driving every highway via truck campers meticulously equipped especially designed purposefully-all pure fun especially alongside eldest granddaughter Mackenna joining later trip together sharing moments worth cherishing forevermore!! Yet really anything involving family warmed hearts alike-for instance pride surged deep whenever discussing daughter Kim whom embodied diligence resembling her dad alongside granddaughters displaying similar zest outdoors resulting boundless energy akin qualities shared amongst all four women comprising family legacy built through childhood sweetheart/first spouse Judy-they stood proud raising girls teaching valuable lessons empowering best gifts offered others.
Retirement came calling finally back ’22 granting newfound flexibility enjoying pursuits dear hearted such as adopting Jake-a true All-American Dog boasting mixed breed DNA bursting forth unique personality traits proving loyal companion throughout remaining days spent happily together navigating town within little grey Ford Ranger ride; And then there was Patches-the tiny chihuahua whose entry unexpectedly expanded horizons regarding preferences growing fondness toward pint-sized yappers after initially unsure thoughts prior however heart swelled full happy memories despite shortened duration endured managing health complications occurring far too soon but ensuring maximum happiness till end!
Mowing quickly became another beloved activity post-retirement prompting immediate investment into professional-grade John Deere mower blending passion service community alongside hobby altogether neatly wrapped outcome mowing grass helping neighbors including Mrs. Mary Sue Sanderson cherished neighbor needing extra care during difficult times-as well checking in anyone down-on-luck occasionally simply wanting lend hand offering big green machine anytime saw opportunity arise indeed plenty good fortune arose thanks friendship bonded closely Steve Chauncey riding tandem behind assisting tow ropes responding multiple ditches requiring rescue efforts!). Living Eastwood Acres surrounded wonderful neighbors fostered connections shared joys sorrows alike mirroring familial ties formed stronger bonds overall through meaningful experiences shared collectively among all involved groups surrounding daily interactions leading memorable moments captured eternally.
On special occasion marking milestone birthday number seventy-five marked decision unveil woodworking shop garage embarking fresh journey igniting new passion honing focus intensity drawn watching You Tube tutorials spending hours mastering techniques producing crafted pieces gifting loved ones-all fine tuned exploration exotic woods discovering epoxy pour methods culminating finding joy when nephew-by-choice Parker Precise joined workshop collaborating projects delightful bonding activity cherished both participants immensely.
Life lit brightly inside heart beating full against earthly confines loving God fiercely pouring blessings upon everyone encountered inspiring countless individuals beyond counting lives touched throughout lifetime lived fervently encouraging positivity always radiating warmth unconditional kindness wrapping arms securely holding those near creating safe spaces welcoming acceptance immeasurable love expressed endlessly flows evermore resonating vividly echoing presence felt strength weaving fabric ties connecting communities formed strengthened through relationships developed over time showing deepest appreciation honoring memory lasting forever!
A Celebration of Life memorial is scheduled for January tenth fifteen hundred hours Awaken Church located Wallace NC open invitations extended warmly welcome guests join commemorate legacy left behind..
The family requests instead flowers donations made honoring beloved places supporting provided further opportunities touching lives meaningfully Awaken Church:1504 N. Norwood Street. Wallace. NC28466 Rock Fish Meadows Camp: P. O. Box100. Rose Hill. NC28458
You’re invited share heartfelt memories condolences directed via Tribute Wall above where available options await..</P>
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