Riley Turpin

Riley Allan Turpin, age 89, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, at home. Riley was born on January 13, 1936, to Allan Walter Turpin and Louise Beckstead in Granger, Utah. He was the oldest of three children.

After graduating from Cyprus High School, he worked at Kennecott Copper and then Chicago Bridge & Iron where he learned the welding profession. With his welding skills he furthered his career at Wheeler Machinery, (Caterpillar) where he was over the weld shop. He always said he was very fortunate to work at a place doing what he loved. He reluctantly retired from Wheeler after 38 years.

He was a member of the Board of Directors for Hercules Credit Union for over 30 years. Riley was a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary as a vessel examiner for 23 years. HE LOVED BOATING!! One of his favorite places was Flaming Gorge Reservoir. In his words, "Without boating 70% of the earth's surface would just be wasted".

Riley and Nada loved taking "Riley Rides" on the roads less traveled. In their travel trailers, "The Trailer Trash Bunch" explored the West and Midwest from the Dakotas to the Redwoods.

In 1956 Riley married Sally Parker and they had four daughters, Tammy, Toni, Tari, and Colleen (Teenie). They were later divorced. He then married Nada Howell, and they shared 42 great years together. Nada added four children to the family, Scott, Lisa, Jackie, and Wade.

Riley faithfully served and loved those in his family. For example, he didn't just have a BBQ, he cooked the whole pig! The tradition of his annual 'Pig Pickin' carried on for 38 years. He loved having an annual weenie roast for his great-grandchildren every October.

Riley lived an exemplary life, and his love will linger in our hearts forever. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Riley was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Gay Johnson, his brother, Mike Turpin, and son-in-law, Jim Van Leeuwen. He is survived by his wife, Nada, and daughters Tammy (Jeff) Peterson, Tonya (Jeff) Heaton, Tari (Bart) Ballard, and Colleen (Dean) Webb. He is also survived by Scott (Bambi) Howell, Lisa (Frank) Prosser, Jackie (Mark) Broderick, and Wade Howell. He leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank True North Health and Hospice and McDougal Funeral Home for their services. A special thank you to Dr. Hacking and Dr. Kendell for their exceptional compassion.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 7000 South 2666 West, West Jordan, Utah. The viewing will be from 10:30 - 11:45am followed by the funeral service at 12:00pm.

The funeral service can be viewed online at:

https://zoom.us/j/94253291478

Interment will be at Valley View Memorial Park 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah.