Obituary of Turtle, Garth

The death occurred peacefully, surrounded by his family at the Prince County Hospital, Summerside, P.E.I. on Monday, September 13th, 2021 of Robert Allen Garth Turtle of Summerside, P.E.I., aged 69 years. Garth was born in Edmonton, AB to the late Robert and Maxine (nee Jones) Turtle. Beloved husband of Lynn (nee MacKinnon) Turtle and loving father of Michelle (Bob Crooks) Turtle and Kristen Turtle. Also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Madelyn, Nathan and William. Survived by his sisters Eloise (Jack) Caverson and Jennifer (Len) Currie and his brothers and sisters-in-law Doug (Helena) MacKinnon, Heather (Jacques) Gauthier, Ralph (Margo) MacKinnon and LouAnn (Dave) Williams, as well as his nieces and nephews. Garth grew up in a military family moving frequently until his family settled in Summerside. At Summerside High School Garth was an athlete playing Football, Basketball and Track and Field. He went to Acadia University where he pursued Football and a Physical Education Degree. Garth and his wife Lynn returned to Summerside where he began his teaching career and they had 2 daughters Michelle and Kristen. He taught and coached at Summerside Intermediate School, then Three Oaks Senior High where he was a teacher, Coach and Athletic Director until 1999 when he moved to the Dept. of Education as a consultant and executive director of the PEISAA until his retirement. Mr. Turtle was more than just a teacher or coach, he was a mentor and friend. His commitment to his students was unmatched. He expected everyone to do their best on and off the court and field. He always encouraged everyone to "make good decisions". His family is overwhelmed by the messages they are receiving from past students about the positive impact Mr. Turtle (I can't call him Garth!) had on their lives. Garth was extremely passionate about sport, physical activity, leadership and volunteerism. He served on countless national, provincial and local boards and committees. He coached Three Oaks Women's basketball up until last season and was the first coach of the women's Rugby team. He umpired, refereed, organized, coordinated, participated, watched, lived and breathed sport. Garth devoted a lot of his time to sport and his students but always made his family feel and know they were the most important people in his life. Special thank you to all the healthcare professionals who helped Garth and cared for him during his illness. Resting at the East Prince Funeral Home, 245 Pope Rd., Summerside. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel. Due to Covid-19 restrictions the service will by invitation only, attendees are asked to wear masks. The service will be available to watch on Saturday September 18 at 10:00 a.m. by visiting the East Prince Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment to take place in the Floral Hills Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to help create a Scholarship in Garth's name or to the Prince County Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. If you would like to send a condolence to his family, please click Online Condolence below or send an email directly to epfuneral@eastlink.ca