Passed away on April 5, 2022, a month shy of his 81st birthday. This wonderful artist, poet and thinker was remembered as a man who would give you the shirt off his back and always there when you needed him.
Phil had a very big heart and was truly devoted to and involved in his church, St. Jerome Parish. Phil’s faith was the foundational pillar of his life.
Born on May 3, 1941 to parents Raymond and Juliette ‘Dimps’ Turmaine, Phil would say he was fortunate to grow up only minutes walk to his grandparents’ Fortin and Turmaine, with his siblings late Patricia Beckett (late Bill, late Keith Crowder), Dennis Turmaine (Theresa), Jeannette Cain (Bill Lamon, late Clayton Cain), Dorothy ‘Dody’ DeVuono (Jim), and Paul Turmaine (Kathy).
Dearly loved by Phil was his beautiful wife of 54 years, late Marilyn (nee MacInnes), who was his soul mate and best friend. Phil and Marilyn enjoyed a lovely retirement spent largely at Pointe Aux Pins. There he enjoyed socializing with friends at the tiki bar, evening golf cart rides through the forest with Marilyn, feeding and watching the deer at night, and fishing throughout the day. The last fish Phil caught was a huge pike off the end of the dock.
Phil is survived by his children Shelley Leigh, Stephen Turmaine (Wendy) and Michael Turmaine. He was blessed with many grandchildren and was a much-loved Gramps of late Michael, Richard, Matthew, Rebecca, Nicholas, Katie and Stephen, and Great Grandfather of Dane, Joshua, Bentley and Jayden. Time spent with Gramps in the workshop with his experiments, creations, and myriad of art materials made the visits a wonder!
Retiring from Algoma Steel in 1989, Phil continued his career working in a family business for another twelve years. Phil was known for his great sense of humour and quick wit. He may be remembered for his weekly contribution to the Sault Star with his column “Poet’s Corner”. Phil was also an excellent fisherman, carver, painter, and sculptor using unconventional materials (adding machine and piano parts, dog hair, old dentures, and any cool thing that caught Phil’s eye, made their way into his wonderful creations). In his younger years Phil was a sports enthusiast. It would be amiss to omit that Phil was, simply said, full of shenanigans.
Special thank you to the staff at FJ Davey Home Apple Orchard 3rd Floor for loving and kind care for these many years, and to the staff who made peaceful his final days.
There will be no service at this time. A private service will be held later in the spring. Memorial donations payable by cheque or online to St. Vincent Place would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Turmaine family.