Obituary of Paul Turney

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Paul Lawrence Turney on October 1, 2024 at the age of 77, resident of Stevensville, Ontario.
Paul leaves behind his devoted and doting wife of 28 years, Michelle Gillies. He will also be profoundly missed by his daughters, Keri-Lynn (George) and Trisha (Stephen), as well as his beloved grandchildren (in order of appearance): Erica, Dakota, Cody, Cynthia, Tristan and Benjamin. Paul is survived by his siblings, Ralph (Nance) and Lisa as well. He will be fondly remembered by cousins and friends.

Predeceased by his parents, Bill and Stephanie and his first wife, Cyndi, Paul leaves behind a legacy of love, humour, poetry and a passion for French fries without compare.

A Winnipeg, Manitoba resident from birth until 1991, and a Thoroughbred Trackman for years, he started at Assiniboia Downs calling charts. He wrote a column in The Racing Form and created “Merlin’s Tip Sheets”, sold on site at The Downs. In the early 90s he and his family moved to Niagara Falls, and to the Ft. Erie track, where he and Cyndi worked together until her passing in 1995. Over the years he worked as a jockey agent, a Realtor, and as a publisher with Michelle. He was also the Canadian correspondent for Blood-Horse magazine, and occasionally helped out his oldest daughter as a magazine editor and working trade shows. He passed down his writing genes to his daughters and grandchildren, as well as his love of music, teaching them how to sing and dance.

He loved bluegrass, classic rock and the blues. He adored his grand-children and was constantly fussing over them. Over the years Paul enjoyed playing the guitar and banjo, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, and going to Maui with his love, Michelle. The pair loved to travel together, especially to casinos, citing Las Vegas as their “second home”. Allegany, New York was also a favourite. Paul was proud to have graduated with honours from the University of Winnipeg with a degree in Philosophy/Psychology, receiving a gold medal in philosophy. He was brilliant and creative, and Michelle lovingly typed out old stories and poems he had written, and got him started on his blog, Woggins Writing (wogginswriting.wordpress.com) which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was witty, hilarious and could be the life of the party, his boisterous laugh erupting and getting everyone roaring. He was an avid reader, a snazzy dresser, an enthusiastic clothing shopper and gave the best hugs.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m at the Fort Erie Race Track 230 Catherine Street, Fort Erie, Ontario with a reception to follow at the Fort Erie Conservation Club 2555 Ott Road, Stevensville, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada or Racetrack Chaplaincy of Canada. Special thanks to the Palliative Care Team at Greater Niagara Regional Hospital and Essentials Cremation and Burial Services, for treating Paul and our family with such loving kindness.