5/11/1923 -21/1/2018
Former UCA Synod of Victoria moderator Laurie Turner has been remembered for a life of Christian service.
Laurie, who was a resident of an aged care home in Camberwell, died peacefully on 21 January at the age of 94.
A Service of Thanksgiving was held for Mr Turner’s life at Camberwell Uniting Church on 30 January.
Laurie Turner was born in the front room of the family home Harbroe Avenue, Newtown Tasmania on 5 November 1923.
Moderator Sharon Hollis told the congregation Mr Turner became a follower of Christ during a Christian Endeavour meeting in Horsham when, like Methodist founder John Wesley, his heart was “strangely warmed”.
Laurie was always committed to local ministry with he and wife Edna serving both urban and rural congregations in Victoria and Tasmania in this capacity.
Laurie was an active supporter of the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia.
At the time of negotiations for Union he served as President of the Methodist Conference Victoria and Tasmania and later became moderator of the Synod of Victoria.
Laurie also served on numerous prominent church governance bodies.
“He was a much sought after and valued committee member and often chaired because of his financial skill, his administrative nous, his capacity for decisive action,” Ms Hollis said.
“But most importantly he was valued because of his wise judgment, his encouragement of others, his faithfulness, his pastoral sensitivity and his deep love for the church.”
Ms Hollis said that as a young minister Laurie had been a mentor to her.
“Laurie was at all times gentle, kind, supportive and wise,” she said.
“He spoke openly of God’s faithfulness to him and about where he saw God still being faithful in the world.
“He knew himself loved by God and he treated everyone as a beloved child of God.
“The hallmark of Laurie’s ministry was his desire to share God’s love in all he did and all he was.”
Edna Turner passed away in 2003.
“They were partners in the truest sense,” their daughter Susan Bridges said.
“Dad is now at peace with mum and his Lord.”
Laurie is survived by three children, nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
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