Letters to the editor

The revered Dale Turner

Farewell to one who personalized the definition of hero

Editor, The Times:

Rev. Dale Turner's column in The Seattle Times was a Saturday treat that I savored week after week. The column was a wonderful mix of holiness and humility, history and humor. Dr. Turner wrapped each offering in love and tied it with the bow of faith. ["The Rev. Dale Turner dies: 'a very gentle guiding hand,' " Times page one, June 7.]

His ministry with the pulpit and the pen reflected all of the goodness of God with none of the hypocrisy or hate that sometimes masquerades as Christianity.

The July 5, 1997, column that you reprinted ["No more heroes? Look again," Some favorite words of wisdom, News, June 7] expressed a perception I had longed to share but had never put into words.

I too salute the heroes who persevere in raising children while working days that blur from morning light to darkness only to start again a few hours later.

I too salute the heroes who are caring for cancer or Alzheimer's sufferers.

I too salute those who feed the hungry or shelter the homeless. Those are my heroes. Professional athletes and other celebrities can be heroes too, but in our culture they get their share of recognition.

Like Dr. Turner, I am inspired by everyday heroes who persevere and share their faith by living their love.

— Bob Sjoberg, Seattle

Beyond religion

Two decades ago, Rev. Dale Turner wrote a Times Religion column that I disagreed with vehemently, prompting a strident and admittedly unkind rebuttal from me which was published in The Times letters to the editor.

At the time, I told my wife that the Dale Turner I remembered as the wonderfully inspirational speaker at my high-school graduation would probably write or call me up in response, which he did, with an invitation to lunch.

After that afternoon meeting, I left with the feeling that I had reconnected with a man who truly practiced the religion of Jesus, not a religion about Jesus. I walked away with memorable insights that my new friend had learned from the practice of his faith that he shared with me ... in a very casual but heartfelt manner.

Reverend Dale had such an abundance of tolerance, grace, patience, forgiveness and wisdom. Seattle has lost part if its soul in the living presence of Dale Turner, but his example will live on in many of us who have had the privilege to know him and his works.

— Jim St. John, Kirkland

Transcending spirit

It was nice to read about someone on the front page Wednesday who did something amazing for society. I thank you for writing about the incredible person of Rev. Dale Turner. It gets really old always hearing about selfish people complain about not being treated like normal couples, or how the war tore their lives apart, and other petty talk.

Thank you for reminding us that there are more people in the world than us, by showing us a prime example of the way to live.

— Erik Byland, age 17, Woodinville

The uplifted flock

As a friend, teacher and mentor, Dale Turner was a most influential citizen of our community during the last half of the 20th century. His teaching of love, understanding and forgiveness helped guide many to a more giving and fulfilling life.

Dale's presence will be greatly missed, but he will be remembered forever by those he touched.

— Ann and Tom Barwick and family, Seattle

No question of faith

Dale Turner touched many people in many ways. In my case, he strongly influenced my choice of careers. As a young person listening to Dale's sermons and meeting the influential figures who regularly visited University Congregational Church, I realized that a good minister can make the church a crossroads where faith and the vital issues of the day meet.

Dale later confirmed my "call" to ministry when I stopped by to discuss what I was feeling. And in the 33 years since that visit, many times I have productively asked, WWDD — What Would Dale Do?

When all the tributes are in, I know there will be some from people like me whose vocation was chosen in part because of Dale Turner — people who have themselves lived useful lives because of his example and teaching.

— William G. Chrystal, minister, First Congregational Church of Reno, Nev.

Many are left ahead

The face on The Times' front page would have stirred me deeply had it not printed the name, the "Rev. Dale Turner." I am one of the nameless "thousands" he helped, although I had never met him.

I was early in recovery from 18 years of alcoholism, and I read an article Rev. Turner had written as an analogy of leftovers sometimes being better than the dish first prepared. I and my life with broken homes, emotional and financial bankruptcy, and familial carnage, was exactly that: "leftovers."

His message gave me hope. I cut it out, highlighted his words of wisdom, and kept it in my billfold at all times for many, many years until it became so tattered and illegible that only his wisdom and faith remained.

I read that excerpt at hundreds of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and watched countless others be spiritually touched with the same flickers of optimism as me.

My 21-years-sober coin now replaces Dr. Turner's gentle, yet powerful, article in my wallet. My children, my grandchildren and their offspring will benefit from his life.

Go, with God, Brother Turner. Although your life here ended, thousands of us remain, as your "leftovers."

— Janell Hunnicutt, Snohomish