Harold Turpen
July 10, 1939 - November 15, 2014
Harold Dean Turpen was born in Springview, Nebraska, on July 10, 1939 to James Clifford Turpen and Hazel Darlene (Walton) Turpen. His family moved to Newberg, Oregon in 1940 where he has lived his entire life. Hal attended Newberg schools and graduated from Newberg High School in 1958.
After graduation, Hal went to work for Murphy Logging. In December of 1962 Hal was drafted into the Army and spent his time of service at The Persideo in San Francisco. Hal was in the Honor Guard and his duty was burial of military personnel. He took great pride in his military job. On January 24, 1964 Hal was given an honorable discharge from the Army on a hardship as his father had passed away leaving his mother and her two younger children in need of care.
Hal married Judy Lynn Sylvester on November 20, 1964. This couple made their home in Newberg for the past 50 years. To this marriage, Hal and Judy had four children: Beth Lynn, Shawn Dean, Matthew James, and Kyle Douglas. Beth passed away at the age of 6 days.
Hal worked as a deck hand for Caffal Bros. Forest Products and then in the construction field as a back- hoe operator. In June of 1971, Hal went to work for the City of Newberg where he worked for 25 years until retirement. He became the Superintendent of Public Works and in 1983 was awarded the George Layman Employee of the Year. He was very honored to receive this recognition.
Hal was a longtime supporter of Newberg High School football and wrestling. He also volunteered for the Yamhill County End Homelessness Project for about 4 years. Hal was a member of the Newberg Christian Church.
Hal loved elk hunting and was an avid fisherman. He and his wife thoroughly enjoyed babysitting their four grandchildren and spending time with their family.
Hal was preceded in death by his parents James and Hazel Turpen; his sisters Juanita Gouley and Rowena Turpen; and his daughter Beth Lynn Turpen. Surviving and left to honor his name are his wife, Judy, his three sons Shawn Turpen (Liz Casale), Matthew (Jennifer) Turpen, and Kyle (Katy) Turpen; his four grandchildren Mason, Moira, Gracie and Finnley Turpen; his brother Dave (Doreen) Turpen of Battleground, Washington; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins along with those who have come to know him and love him.
A Celebration of Life Service was held on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at the Newberg Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to your local food pantry, and the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.or/donate). Online condolences can be left at www.macyandson.com.
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