Dale Turner has meant a lot to me. As a non-religious Jew and as a person who believes in the existence of Jesus as a person, but not as a savior, I have been heavily influenced by Dales inclusive approach to all people. Ive lived in Seattle since 1969, and from the first column of his in the Seattle Times to the last, I would look forward to see what Dale Turner had to say for that particular Saturday. When I became a hospice volunteer coordinator in 1998, I was responsible for sending out a monthly newsletter to the volunteers and other interested people. I once reprinted one of Dales columns and sent him a copy. He replied with a kind and supportive note along with numerous cards with inspiring quotations. I called to thank him for his response and asked if he wanted to receive the newsletter each month. He said, yes, without hesitating, and I added him to my mailing list. From then on, whenever I prepared a newsletter, I would reflect on how D ale might react to it. So in a way, he was my silent editor as well as mentor. I felt sad when Dale retired from his weekly column and I feel sad today knowing that he has died. But I rejoice in his having lived and having touched the lives of countless numbers of people, including me. Monty Berke Be kind. Everyone you meet is carrying a heavy burden. Dale Turner

— Monty Berke, Burein

I just learned of the passing of our beloved Dr. Dale Turner. Although deeply saddened that such a fine man is no longer with us physically, we are blessed to hold his lasting presence in our hearts.

Dale Turner touched my family for four generations. Living in my grandparents neighborhood in the Sand Point area, he also served as their minister. When I was quite young, perhaps four or five, my grandfather and I would often take walks around the block and stop in to visit with Dr. Turner and his wife, Leone, along the way.

My parents attended the University Congregational Church as well, where Dr. Turner gave years of eloquent and inspirational sermons. As a child, my favorite part of Sunday morning church was the greeting line after the service. I vividly recall the anticipation of lining up to go into the lounge where coffee and cookies were served. But, it wasnt the cookies that I eagerly awaited. Dr. Turner would stand in the hall and greet everyone with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. He had an inner light that shined forth brilliantly. His genuine love and caring attention made each person feel special. The best part of all was receiving a big hug from Dr. Turner, encircled in purple velvet robes. For a child, it was like being embraced by God himself. They say children are in touch with spiritual things. Here, in this humble man, one felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Twenty years later, Dr. Turner baptized my daughter, thus ministering to the fourth generation of our family. He wrote about this in his last article for The Seattle Times this past Christmas. The column is all the more special to all of us now.

Known for reciting scores of quotations from memory, Dr. Turner once gave me a small book of some of his favorites. I opened it tonight in remembrance of his many gifts and found the following: Thourt gone, the abyss of heaven Hath swallowed up thy form; yet, on my heart Deeply hath sunk the lesson thou hast given, And shall not soon depart. -William Cullen Bryant

When I last saw Dr. Turner at a book signing several months ago, he still had that wondrous twinkle in his kind blue eyes. On a cold winter day, his gentle nature was enlivening and warming.

May the compassion that Dr. Turner showed to so many during his lifetime now envelop his spirit. Peace and Blessings to you, our dear Dr.Turner, Cynthia Williams Knotts on behalf of four generations: Lilly Knotts (daughter), Eleanor and Gary Williams (Parents), June and Percy Williams (Grandparents)

— Cynthia Williams Knotts, Bellevue

I was on the office staff at University Congregational Church from 1963-65.

I have many warm memories of that time, but two stand out which I would like to share. First, as a new secretary, I was educated about office procedures by a lovely woman, Evelyn Wood, who was Dr. Turner's lead secretary.

As we were discussing my various tasks she said, "under NO circumstances are you to schedule ANY appointments with ANYONE after three o'clock on Friday afternoons."

Dr. Turner's time was in very high demand and his calendar was always filled to over-flowing with people from all walks of life throughout the city and nation. After several weeks on the job, I asked evelyn "why is that time on Friday never allowed to be filled?"

She replied, "that is when Dale picks up his boys from school and takes them to the Washington Athletic Club where they play basketball, swim, workout, and have dinner together".

I love that story and have shared it with many others thr ough the years as an example of where a father's priorities should be. The second story is an example of Dale's humble spirit.

Every morning Dr. Turner would quietly stop by the desks of each member of his staff to greet us and thank us for our work. One morning he came to me and said, "I have a dear friend who is visiting me here in Seattle and he will be here for lunch today. If you don't have an obligation for your lunchtime, why don't you bring your sandwich and join us in the basement?"

I did join the little group and, while eating my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I had a delightful conversation with Dr. Turner's "good friend" ....Jackie Robinson. I went away thinking that Dr. Turner and Jackie Robinson were among the most gentle and humble men I had ever met. Remember, the early 0"s were at the height of racial strife here in America.

— Molly Mowat, Mt. Vernon

I grew up in the University Congregational Church in the 1950s and early 60s. I remember Dr. Turner fondly, especially for the "sermonettes" he would give to us children before we went off to Sunday School. He often printed up cards for us with wise sayings or inspirational poems. One of my favorites was the poem "Silent Sermons," which I set to music many years later. Although I left the church in my early teens, I always knew that Dr. Turner cared about me. When I got involved with the Jesus People in the late 60s and we opened up a coffeehouse in Bellingham, he was one of the first to send us a donation. Even though I have not had direct contact with Dr. Turner for over 30 years, I always felt like I could've picked up the phone and talked to him. May his memory be eternal!

— Volkert Volkersz, Snohomish

While attending the University of Washington in the early 70's, a friend invited me to a service at University Congregational Church. "You just have to listen to Dr. Turner - he's fantastic!"

Well I did, and she was exactly right. Dr. Dale (as everyone knew him) offered up wisdom, humor, and gentle dose of feeling good about yourself. His upbeat anecdotes never failed to put the busy world around us into a clearer perspective. Whenever my wife and I now encounter a thorny decision, we look at each other and ask: "What would Dr. Dale do?"

He will be missed.

— Richard Glazier, Lynnwood

The Gospel According to Dale Turner

The Gospel According to Dale was more than common pastor talk. His intellect and grace-filled pen informed his growing flock. He knew his times and in The Times he shared his thoughtful views. For readers marked by faith or doubt his inkings were good news. He cast a net for those beset by toxic misplaced guilt. He drew them in with words of hope. And so his fame was built. Like Jesus Dale refused to fail to challenge pious ways. He knew that justice cannot walk on knees that only pray. His columns framed a colonnade where thoughtful discourse dwelt. And like the Parthenon of old their wisdom still is felt.

— Greg Asimakoupoulos, Mercer Island

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