Astoria

May 7, 1936 — Oct 12, 2024

On Oct. 12, heaven gained a new angel. Roger Duane Turnbull was born on May 7, 1936, in Perham, Minnesota, to James and Anne Turnbull. He was the youngest of two boys.

When he was 6 years old, his family moved to Keizer. A few years later they moved to the Rogue Valley, where he met his sweetheart, Marjery Christie. She died in 2020, just shy of their 66th wedding anniversary.

Roger enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and recreational vehicle traveling with his family. His hobbies included restoring classic cars, tinkering in the garage, beachcombing and rock hounding.

He started his sawmill career as a green-chain puller in southern Oregon. His career took him to many different positions and sawmills in Oregon, including shift supervisor in Warrenton. He retired from Fort Hill sawmill in Grand Ronde as a mill manager with Hampton Lumber.

Roger was a kind, gentle man with an endearing smile. He was an inspiration with advice and support for anyone who needed it. One of Roger’s favorite sayings was, “it is what it is.” He usually said it with a smile.

Roger and Marj had four daughters, Sue Perdue, of Astoria, Cheryl Creel (Dennis), of Salem, Sandy Pope (Randy), of Ocean Park, Washington, and Pam Russell (Brian), of Astoria.

Roger will be greatly missed by his loving grandchildren, Jim Perdue, Jason Perdue, Danielle Perdue, Andy Creel, Emily Creel, Tim Heckenberg, Elizabeth Bold, Josh Pope, Kenny Russell and Heather Russell; and his 28 caring great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Clatsop Care for the loving care they gave to their beloved father.

Roger will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. Nov. 18. The service will be held at Siskiyou Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, 2100 Siskiyou Blvd. in Medford.

Hughes-Ransom Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.