TURNER, Frank Watson

December 13, 1935 — August 17, 2026

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the loss of Frank Watson Turner. Frank died at home surrounded by loving family on August 17, 2026, in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 90.

Frank was born to Scottish parents, Gardiner Turner and Amelia Watson, in Oswestry, England. He shared fond memories of growing up in the family home, Pentlands, of cycling for miles through the Welsh countryside to work first on a sheep farm and then in the infamous cheese factory, and of attending Oswestry School, a notable boy’s school founded in 1407. His childhood unfolded against the backdrop of WWII and nightly air raids overhead. Frank excelled at sports, and he captained cricket and football (soccer) in Oswestry and later played rugby while attending University of Edinburgh.

After graduating in Medicine from University of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1959, Frank emigrated aboard an ocean liner to Canada where he interned at Kingston General Hospital in Ontario. He then moved west to Edmonton, completing his surgical residency at the University of Alberta Hospital. As an R.S. McLaughlin Traveling Fellow, he had the opportunity to further his surgical training in the UK, Sweden, France, and Germany before joining the active staff of the University of Alberta Hospital. He was appointed to a number of committees of the Royal College and served as an examiner in General Surgery.  He enthusiastically supported the formation of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and chaired its Manpower, Practice and Economics Committee. Notable highlights of his time as a surgeon in Edmonton include separating conjoined Siamese twins (the second such surgery performed in Canada) and treating a man whose truck struck a guardrail which pierced the truck door and impaled him through the chest, pinning him to the seat.  He was brought to hospital with the rail and door still attached; both had to be removed in the OR. He also delivered his own son Michael, performed an appendectomy on a tiger from the Alberta Game Farm, and was appointed Surgeon to Queen Elizabeth during her Royal visit to Edmonton.

In 1980, he moved west again to Kelowna, BC, where he practiced for the next 22 years. During this time, he continued his association with CAGS and was elected President in 1991.  He also served from time to time as President of the Medical Staff and Head of Surgery at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). In 2002, he was invited to introduce laparoscopic surgery to Grand Bahama Island; he moved there with Arlene and practiced at Sunrise Medical Clinic until his retirement in 2007.  Frank and Arlene returned to Kelowna, and Frank finished his career as Professor Emeritus, teaching medicine at the UBC School of Medicine at KGH.

An avid sailor, Frank completed crossings of both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and was an active member of the Kelowna Yacht Club. He enjoyed a lifetime of skiing and spent much time on the slopes in Banff, Jasper, and Panorama, then later many active years with the brood at Big White.  A man of many interests, he was also a keen golfer, runner, hiker, reader, gardener, and traveler.

Frank was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Arlene, and this union of “Frank and R” resulted in a happily blended family that blossomed through the years.  The “Turn-Styles” came together for their legendary 30th annual Manteo Resort reunion in Kelowna this past August.

He is survived by Arlene, his wife of 40 years. He is also survived by his younger brother Russell; his children Gillian (Ross), Michael (Mandy), Rob (Nancy), BJ (Laurel), Shane (Marla), Shannon (Al), and Kim; his grandchildren Braden, Sophie (Josh), Tyler (Zoe), Riley (Lauren), Miki (Nicole), Calum (Jaeden), Keagan, Finn, Layla, Watson, Lev, Tatum, Bowen, and Doanie; and his great-grandchildren Luke and Cody.

Frank was predeceased by his first wife, Sharon, his elder brother, Melvin (Sandy, Jamie, Kate, and Moe) and his sister Margaret.

Courageous and adventurous throughout his life, Frank approached both the good days and the difficult ones with determination, consistency, and clarity. He got up every single morning, carried on with his day, and remained remarkably resilient and independent with the help of Arlene.

Dad was an anchor for all of us. We were blessed to depend on his wisdom, his thoughtful perspectives, and his committed reliability.  Quite serious by nature, he was a very kind man. Frank often said he lived an incredible life and among his achievements and joys he was most proud of his family. We miss him dearly.

There are no plans for a formal celebration of life at this time, but the family may later host a gathering to honour Frank.

Frank felt fortunate to have a wide community of colleagues and friends (“the village”). We are truly grateful for the skill and support offered by his healthcare team, the exceptional thoughtfulness of the Emergency Medical Service team, and the compassionate care provided by Dr. D, Anita, and Ziets. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s memory to Cardiac Care, KGH Foundation, www.kghfoundation.com.

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