Robert Turner Obituary

I had the opportunity to work with Professor Turner for 16 years, and I have nothing but good memories of my time with him. A wonderful advocate, Professor Turner cleared my way past many administrative hurdles, whether to allow me to take courses I desired or to get extensions to finish my dissertation. He challenged me but he demonstrated confidence in my abilities, and his confidence was the key for my completing the edition. A rare teacher, Turner took the only seat in the research room that we his conspiring students would leave open, from which he could not see the clock. That way, we were assured of more time with him in class, which would end only when Mrs. Turner would ring on the telephone. Professor Turner always expressed surprise at the passed time, but we were happy students who got so much more for our tuition. I have so many stories that I treasure, as does Mary Edge Blewett, who would express her sorrow to hear of his passing, if she could. Turner admired her work, and she his. Bob, you were a second father to me, and I miss you. June, thank you for your graciousness to me during the years I worked under Bob. Mary and I send our prayers, love, and condolences your way.

Bob hired me as a new colleague in early modern studies in 1989. He was gracious and supportive throughout our years together. Bob had read everything early modern, I am sure, and that breadth and depth of knowledge is so valuable and so rare.

Our love to you all. I have fond memories of a gentle man.

Dr. Turner was such a lovely man, a gifted teacher, and gracious and generous to his students. Any student in his classes knows how lucky they were to have him share his knowledge and love of scholarship.As he quoted to us all, " No profit grows where no pleasure is taken. In brief, sir, study what you most affect."

I can do little but re-echo the praise for Bob Turner. But I would like to recall one incident. While working on his boat he had a freak accident which caused serious burns, happily leaving his face untouched. He faced up so bravely to the pain he must have suffered, that I found my visits to him in hospital more inspiring than distressing. He was always like that, calm, gracious, industrious. He will be sorely missed.
Alan Corre, Aventura Florida

Bob was a gentle and generous man, a true scholar, and a steadfast friend for forty-five years. His contributions to UWM, its College of Letters and Science, and its English Department were enormous and essential to their development. His was a life well-lived. Our love to June, Janet, and Robert.

Good night, cherished friend and true gentlemen.
--Roy Arthur Swanson

A brilliant gentleman and the military background explains a lot. He commanded respect by his very demeanor.

Janet, So sorry to read about your dad, sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Barbara Semler Bosnjak

bye bye pop. i love you.