George R. Turner of Northfield, Vermont, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, died peacefully at home on October 8, 2009.

George was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on April 16, 1921, son of Lena and Raimund Turner, and was raised in Athol, MA. Having enlisted in the U.S. Navy with the world at war, he participated in the Battle of the North Atlantic and subsequent campaigns in the Mediterranean including the invasion of North Africa, the assault on Sicily, the invasion of Italy at Salerno and the attack on Anzio. He returned to active duty for three years during the Korean War.

George earned a bachelor's degree in English from Dartmouth College, a master's in education from Fitchburg State University, and a Professional Diploma in English Teaching from Colombia University. He taught high school English and coached baseball and drama in Aruba, then joined the English faculty of Norwich University in 1959. He served in succession as theatre director, Director of Public Relations, and Sports Information Director. He wrote a series of clever, popular spelling and grammar textbooks. As described by Dr. Loring Hart in presenting him for the Norwich University honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, he also "established himself as a formidable golfer, dedicated caretaker of birds and animals, and raconteur extraordinaire". He became Professor Emeritus of English in 1991 and continued to teach for many years.

Among his many awards, George was the recipient of the College Sports Information Directors Citation for Excellence, Norwich University Board of Fellows Outstanding Service Medallion, the ECAC citation for Excellence, and was inducted into the Norwich University Athletic Hall of Fame.

George leaves his loving wife of 63 years Ann Turner, daughter Diane and her husband Steve, son George and his wife Mary, daughter Patricia and her husband John; sister Kathleen and family; grandchildren Jean, David, Kent, Blake and their spouses, and Michael, Katy, Kristen; great-grandchildren Zack, Jake, Jack, and many dear friends.

Contributions in George's memory may be sent to the George and Ann Turner Scholarship Fund, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont 05663.