Kenneth K. Turvey

"Uncle Ken" (Kenneth Keith Turvey) passed away at home in New Carlisle on August 1, 2018 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born September 26, 1938 in Haxtun, CO— the third of four children (Phyllis, Bob, Ken, Lois). He is survived by his three children: Teresa (Mike) Palzkill of San Diego, CA; D. Scott (Michelle McGuire) Turvey of San Diego, CA; and Julia "Julie" (Mark) Scott of Knoxville, TN; six grandchildren (Bethany, Bryce, Mark "Skeeter," Mason, Matthew, and Rhett); nine great-grandchildren (plus one coming); two sisters—Phyllis Davis of El Cajon, CA and Lois (Jim) Duncan of Chino Valley, AZ; and his fiancee, Pat, of New Carlisle, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Velva (Norris) Turvey, and by his brother, Robert "Bob" Turvey.

A celebration of life will take place Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 7:00pm, preceded by visitation at 6:00pm at Newcomer Dayton North on 4104 Needmore Road in Dayton, OH. Ken's family on the West Coast will celebrate his life in the San Diego area at a time to be determined.

In 1941, Ken's parents moved their young family to San Diego. After graduating high school in 1956, he received his cosmetology license in 1958 and worked several years as a stylist. He also followed in his father's footsteps and became an auto mechanic. With Teresa, Scott, and Julie in tow, Ken moved his own family to Los Angeles, briefly, and then to Auburn, California for seven years. It was there that he introduced the family to a new love—horses! The kids took riding lessons and rode in horse shows and family competitions (with cousins). His horse-happiness reached its height when he bought an Arabian stallion, Coq-Hi. Ken especially enjoyed riding Coq-Hi in parades. Over the years, they raised purebred Arabians and collies. In 1974, the family returned to San Diego.

In 1979, Ken achieved the dream of owning his own shop, "Turvey's Truck & Automotive." He was known for his expertise, speed, and honesty. Less than two years later, he injured his back, so his days of lifting engine blocks and transmissions came to an end. He began driving school buses and enjoyed interacting with the students who absolutely loved him.

Ken and Pat moved to Ohio in 1998 to care for Pat's mother. They quickly settled in New Carlisle and began putting deep roots into flowerbeds and into the hearts of their neighbors—especially the children. "Uncle Ken" was a favorite with everybody. He rode bikes with the kids to watch soccer games, whipped up blueberry pancakes to feed happy, little faces, and took kids to the park for free lunches in summer. When Uncle Ken attended school functions, the kids were in awe of "The Cowboy" with his big silver belt buckle and cowboy boots. He even mowed the lawn in those cowboy boots. Ken was the neighborhood bike fixer and Mr. Handyman for numerous people on the block. If he could help, he did—without hesitance.

Ken donated his rare blood (AB-) to the American Red Cross for 30 years. He proudly flew the American flag. He and Pat logged countless miles touring the country with their fifth wheel trailer.

Ken was and is loved by all, missed dearly, and treasured deeply.

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