Scott Turkington

08/28/01

From Robert Zafran

Mike Turkington, VP-4, 63-65, sent me this sad news about his son, Scott,
which some of you that were in the squadron then knew as “Scooter”

He was Mike’s only son, born in Bethesda. Became a Ventura County Sheriff for
eight years, a competitive surfer. Married another Deputy, they moved to Utah to
be near her mother. Since he couldn’t surf began mountain bicycle racer, fell
during a race and broke is back. After many operations on his back he ended up
with metal straps, nuts bolts and screws. He was told that he would never be out
of pain. They sent all his records and other Dr. reports to the Mayo clinic, but
they couldn’t help him either. About three weeks ago the operated on his
shoulder, was supposed to be a quick orthoscopic procedure that ended up being a
full intrusion. Found out that he was going to have to have another back
operation that would leave him in a wheel chair. Pain was the real problem, the
doctors used every available pain medication, and nothing worked any more. He
took his own life. Leaving behind a wife two daughters (from a previous
marriage) and one son as well as four sisters. The only thing I can say is he is
finally out of pain. There was a police honor guard from the City of Provo where
he worked as a policeman. A very moving ceremony. Scott was 41 years old.

Mike and Gerry can be reached at <turkpaso@aol.com> 1320 Crown Way Paso
Robles, CA 93446 (805) 227-4510

…A personal note…. Mike has been acting as the VP-4 Association chaplain
for some 8 months. The men and women veterans of VP-4 send our most heartfelt
sympathies for Mike and Gerry’s loss.

Bob Zafran