Ricky Turner

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” ~Dr. Seuss
On June 13, 2019, the world became a little less bright when our little brother Rick Turner lost his life. Ricky was born on March 20, 1981 to Frederick and Karen Turner. He was given a long official name by mom and dad, Frederick Preston Gaarsoe Turner, that he decided was far too long and so he went by Ricky for life. The only little boy in the family, he came home to 3 older sisters who could not have been more thrilled to have a live action doll to play with each day. Throughout his short 38 years, those older sisters would shower him with love, protection and most importantly with food. Ricky absolutely loved food. He had specific meals he requested from each sister on his birthdays and holidays. But more than anything, Ricky loved homemade cakes and buttercream frosting, Tari’s cholocate chip cookies and Jenny’s fudge. If he could have survived on these foods alone, he would have lived forever.

Ricky was the favorite uncle of his niece and nephews. He was their travel buddy, their game night drawing partner and was always there when any one of them called for help. He loved the “littles” in his life with all he was and spent some of his happiest times hanging with them, dancing with them and making memories with them. He knew that when he was in their presence, he could be who he was at heart, a giant teddy bear of a man.

Ricky’s career path was one of many different opportunities. He found his true calling in working in the medical field as he truly loved helping others find their happiness, health and peace. His favorite places to work was his time at LDSH on the behavioral health unit and then at PCMC working in the NICU. He always hoped to return to school and get his nursing degree.

Throughout his short life, Ricky had a hard time finding peace with who he was and what he wanted to be. He never seemed to understand how very much he was loved and adored by anyone who was lucky enough to have met him. He made life long friends literally everywhere he went. He had a wit that made him fun to be around, he was loyal and would drop everything to help anyone who needed him; he wanted to make others happy and to see them smile more so than even for himself. Ricky was devastated when we lost our mother whom he adored and looked up to. He had not fully recovered from that loss when he lost his “little” shadow, his oldest nephew, Cody. That loss sent Ricky on to a path of despair that we could not save him from fast enough.

Rick is survived by his three loving and heartbroken sisters, Jenny (Jeff) Brotherson, Mandy (Darren) Richards and Tari Turner. He is also survived by his niece and nephews who will forever miss their FUNcle, Braydon (Yennhi) Brotherson, Alexandor Brotherson, Dallas Richards, Nate Richards and Bailee Richards. Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, his nephew Cody Brotherson and his niece Sydney Richards.

Ricky’s celebration of life will be as follows: Saturday, June 29, 2019, 11:00-2:00 p.m. at Tari’s home, 3588 Lamplight Lane, Magna, Utah, Open House style. Come share memories.

Ricky, baby brother, we will forever miss your sense of humor, your loving loyalty and all the happiness you brought to our lives. We love you! Jenny, Mandy and Tari.

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