Former Vermont House Minority Leader Rep. Don Turner Jr. dies from brain cancer

Former Vermont House Minority Leader Rep. Don Turner, Jr. — known fondly as “Mr. Milton” for his dedication to his hometown — died on Saturday after a “short but courageous battle” with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 60 years old.

Turner, who represented Chittenden County in the House for 13 years as a Republican, died “peacefully, surrounded by family” at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, according to his obituary.

In a press release, Gov. Phil Scott (R-Vermont) described Turner as “respected and liked by most everyone he met and worked with,” adding that “he treated all with dignity, respect and kindness” regardless if they “agreed with him or not.”

Turner served in the House from 2006 to 2019, spending the last eight as minority leader. He notably served on committees such as Human Services, Institutions and Corrections, General, Housing and Military Affairs, Commerce and Economic Development and Education. In 2018, Turner chose to forego re-election to run for lieutenant governor against Progressive-Democrat incumbent David Zuckerman. He secured the Republican nomination but was defeated handily by Zuckerman in the general election.

Turner is one of several former lawmakers who passed away this year, including Sens. Dick Mazza (D-Grand Isle) and Dick Sears Jr. (D-Bennington) and Rep. Curt McCormack, who represented Rutland and Burlington at different times.

‘Profound impact’ on hometown: Turner’s life outside the Statehouse

Turner was born to Donald H. Turner Sr. and Nancy Turner on July 19, 1964 in Burlington. Milton, however, is where the junior Turner eventually put down his roots.

Turner earned the nickname “Mr. Milton” from his years of community service and involvement in state and local governance. Most recently, he served as Milton’s town manager, a position he held from 2017 until his death. He also previously served on the city’s Board of Civil Authority as a Justice of the Peace and on the supervisory board of the Vermont Federal Credit Union.

“Few have had such a profound impact on their hometowns as Don has in Milton,” Scott said. “He touched and improved so many lives, and as a result his legacy will live on.”

Turner also had a penchant for public safety. At age 16, he joined the Milton Fire Department, where he eventually served as chief for 14 years. He also served as a fire instructor, a forest fire warden and a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Milton Firefighters Association.

Beyond his numerous public service roles, Turner was known for “his unwavering love, kindness and commitment to those around him,” according to his obituary, which also painted him as a “devoted family man.”

“He cherished instilling in his children the values he learned from his own upbringing in a close-knit family, prioritizing weekly family time, vacations and holiday events,” Turner’s obituary said. “He particularly enjoyed playing and bonding with his grandchildren.”

Turner is survived by his wife, Gail, of 40 years; three daughters, Emily Turner-Frye, Hillary Joyal and Erin Turner; three grandchildren; his parents; two siblings; six nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.

Turner was predeceased by a sister, his parents-in-law, an aunt and his grandparents.

Per Scott’s request, U.S and Vermont flags will fly at half-staff on Friday, Dec. 6 in honor of Turner’s memory.

When is his celebration of life?

Turner’s Celebration of Life is slated for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Donald H. Turner Jr. Public Works Building — the impressive structure he helped bring to fruition — in Milton.

Consider donating to the McClure Miller Respite Home in his honor instead of bringing flowers. You can also order a memorial tree online in memory of Turner.

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.