Eric Turner (9 Apr 1939 - 4 Jan 2018)

In loving memory of Eric Turner who sadly passed away on 4th January 2018.

Eric was the lifelong companion, soulmate and husband of Robina; the inspirational dad and banter-in-chief to Jane, Philip and Rich; father-in-law and forever friend to Gary and Clare and the Minister of Gregarious Fun to his adoring grandsons Ben, Oliver, Jack and Teddy.

The humble wartime beginnings - a very poor upbringing in a family of ten, a bomb landing on his house on his second birthday and evacuation from the East End to the Midlands - were never were going to stop Eric making something of his life. Who needs Christmas presents anyway when you have a keen sense of adventure, a great sense of humour, a football at your feet and most importantly, an unquenchable appetite for life.

From leaving school at 16 with 11 o’levels to earning a top scholarship at 20 to study mechanical engineering at Nottingham University; from making his mark in management at Guinness in his twenties to being headhunted to run a factory of over 120 people a few years later; Eric made a huge success of everything he tried by blending intelligence, willpower, integrity, fairness and sheer bloody hard work. His goal? To support his family and give them a good life. He showed incredible courage, leaving his management role and retraining for a new career in his early forties - despite having three young mouths to feed - to avoid becoming the third consecutive factory manager to suffer at the hands of a tyrannical MD despite running the most productive factory in an international organisation. He subsequently became a highly successful financial advisor - earning the trust and admiration of all of his clients for putting their needs ahead of any financial gain - before retiring in 2001.

Eric's talents weren't limited to the workplace; as well as developing a love of golf, he dazzled on the football pitch where his prowess as a silky-skilled left winger saw him become the star player for British Universities, playing alongside or against many of the top players of the day and opening up the possibility of a professional career. In an age when full time footballers were more likely to catch the No 53 than drive a Ferrari, it was a route he chose not to follow due to his desire and determination to do the best for his family.

And his family was at the core of his being. Eric first met his adoring - and adored - wife Robina in the early 1960s, and after those romantic and innocent early days, they never had eyes for anyone else. Their eternal love, taking in 52 years of married life, produced three children, Jane, Phil and Rich. And how Eric loved being a Dad.

He shared his knowledge, wisdom and enthusiasm with his "kids" as well as a love of walking, sports, current affairs, Manchester United and road traffic directions. He delighted at becoming Grandad to Ben and Oliver back in 1998 and the more recent arrivals of Jack and Teddy gave him another chance to indulge his love of grandchildren. And how all four of them adored him too.

Save the Children - our chosen charity for donations in lieu of flowers - reflects both Eric and Robina's love of little ones.

The common thread running through Eric's life was one of utmost respect for his integrity, honesty, humanity, kindness and old fashioned values. He was a gentleman with principles. From the family who loved him, the friends who admired him, the golfing buddies who bantered with him, the clients and work colleagues who respected him and anyone who was just lucky enough to meet him, Eric left a positive and lasting impression. He will be greatly missed but his legacy of love will live on forever and he will always be deep in our hearts.