Community man set on preserving the heritage of his home area

Dougie Turner was a large man with a broad view of the world who did extraordinary things in and for the community of southwest Tyrone. He always had some project underway to benefit that community.

He restored an 18th-century thatched cottage on his land. This he put at the disposal of the community as a céilíing house. Events included history classes around an open fire, followed by tea and scones and ending with a few songs.

He treated all equally. He was a fixture at community events – no matter which perceived part of the community organised them. A friend remembers their first meeting, as schoolboys. A group of bullies were picking on the friend because he attended a Catholic school. A large boy lumbered down the bus and ordered the tormentors: “Leave that cub alone.” The tone and size brooked no contradiction. It was Turner.

After suffering serious illness, Turner threw himself into fundraising for health causes. Among the fundraisers was a concert featuring Eden Pipe Band, perceived as from the Orange tradition, and the Dún Uladh set dancers.

Above all, he was committed to preserving the heritage of his home area. He was an authority on its history. He collected all types of artefacts, of little monetary value but invaluable as part of the area's heritage. He could tell the story of each. He was instrumental in making the film "Life on the Land", telling of life in his home area in the early 20th century.

He had a passion for working horses and loved driving his cart, drawn by his Irish draught mare, around the countryside and chatting with any stranger he met. He was also a fine singer and guitarist. That gift has passed to his family, with daughter Juliet, a noted singer/songwriter.

Family farm
Douglas Henry Turner was born on the family farm in Tummery near the Tyrone-Fermanagh border in December 1944, fifth of six children to David Newton Turner, a farmer, and his wife Margaretta (née Funston).

He lived on that farm all his life. He was educated at Tummery Primary School, then Omagh Technical College. His father’s premature death forced him to leave school at 15 to work the farm.

He knew tragedy. His only son, James, died suddenly at 13. The following year, he had a stroke. Through all, he had a deep Christian faith and was a mainstay of Togherdoo Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Laine, daughters Juliet, Kathleen and Alison, and brothers Ramsey and Mervyn. He was predeceased by his son James, sisters Olga and Beulah, and brother Richie.