
Mike Turnbull
2022-10-06
Turnbull, Michael Douglas Michael is dead ... D-E-A-D, dead. He certainly hasn't passed. In fact, he hasn't passed since he hit Mike Jakacki for a 40-yard touchdown to beat Chaska in 1971. Michael is survived by his marvelous wife, Sara; two fabulous kids, Elizabeth (Sean) and John; a wonderful sister, Kathy Martin (Perry), and an assortment of splendid cousins, nephews and nieces. The Best Things In Life Aren't Things. Liked: Dogs, Calvin and Hobbes, Friendliness, Opera, Robert Ingersoll, 1970's North Shore, Thich, Anonymous Donors. Disliked: Willful Ignorance, rudeness, people who can't/won't laugh at themselves. Best Decision: Married a Whimsical Hippie to Laugh With. Michael was a Life Member of the PGA of America and began teaching golf in 1977, giving thousands of golf lessons to those "who think too much" or "try too hard." He served as the Teaching Professional at Rolling Green CC in Hamel, MN and at Seacliff CC in Huntington Beach, CA, and since 2005 he was the Director of Instruction and Cart Runner #3 at Brookview GC in Golden Valley, MN. He also served as the Head Golf Professional at Baker National GC in Medina and at Balboa Park GC in San Diego. A member of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota PGA for 10 years, Michael was also a past President of the Midwest Public Golf Course Managers Association. Michael specialized in working with new golfers, women, lapsed players, and golfers at the end of their tether. He utilized his study of Taoism and Eastern Philosophies to simplify golf instruction and bring joy to learning. He was a cheerful guy, kind of a loner, an historian, a Constant Reader, but above all, a Free Thinker. Memorial gathering 5:30-7:30pm, Wednesday, October 19, at Brookview Golf Course, 316 Brookview Pkwy S, Golden Valley. Sharing at 6:30pm. Memorials to: Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women vfmn.org
I hadn't seen Mike for many years when I took lessons at Baker golf course in Plymouth so I was pretty surprised to find he was the pro I was taking lessons from. Just as nice a guy as he was in high school and crack up laughing funny. After the pandemic I decided to take up golfing again so I joined a women's league. It was Mike to the rescue again though now from Brookview. He gave me the confidence to stay though clearly I was out of my league. I'm so glad I reconnected to Mike to learn what a truly wonderful man he became. Miss you Mike.
tribute by Jean Walley