The man who served as Principal of the former Portadown College Preparatory Department for over 25 years has died.
Ken Turner, who took the reins as Principal in 1964, serving until his retirement in 1990, passed away peacefully in Craigavon Area Hospital on Monday (January 20).
Formerly of Enniscrone Park, Portadown, he was the beloved husband of Sandra, the dearest father of Nigel and Stephen, father-in-law of Ruth and also the much-loved granda of Megan, Ollie, Zoe and Alfie.
The Portadown College (PC) Preparatory Department was first established in 1922, before moving to the current PC site on the Killicomaine Road in 1947.
Obituary: The death has occurred of William ‘Ken’ Turner (Portadown)
After Mr Turner retired, he was succeeded by Mrs Ruth McKinley, who served until the Department closed in 2006.
A keen community stalwart, Ken raised over £7,000 in 2020 by undertaking a Captain Tom-inspired sponsored walk around his neighbourhood during the COVID pandemic.
While Ken had significant mobility issues and suffered from Parkinson’s, he walked one kilometre around Enniscrone Park, fundraising for a Parkinson’s charity and the Southern Area Hospice.
Among those paying tribute to Ken’s life was Portadown Rugby Football Club (PRFC). Ken was a big rugby fan and served as a referee for many years.
In a post on the club’s Facebook page they described him as a “stalwart of PRFC, a life long member, player and Club Chairman later in life” adding that he will be “sorely missed by all at Chambers Park”.
Also paying tribute was the South Ulster Community Band, which is based in Portadown.
They said: “As a band we’re saddened to hear the news of the death of band musician Ken Turner.
“It’s difficult to put into words just how much Ken has done for the band over his many years as a player, committee member, chairman, fund raiser, supporter, entertainer, compere and finally a dear friend.
“We were delighted to be able to visit him in the nursing home this Christmas to play carols. He was in great form and delighted to hear us. Even in very poor health over the past few days his son was playing him recordings of the band putting a smile on his face.
“His contributions to our band will never be forgotten. He’ll be greatly missed.”
Ken’s funeral is strictly private.
Family and friends are invited to a farewell party in Portadown Rugby Club on a date to be announced.
It is requested that donations in lieu of flowers be for the benefit of Parkinson’s UK (NI) via www.milnefuneralservices.co.uk/donate.
