Charles (Chuck) Farwell Turner passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22nd in his home in Stuart, Florida.  A man of many strengths and interests, Chuck will ultimately be most remembered for his kindness, connections and capacity to make anyone he was talking with feel special. His warmth, humor and curiosity about others fostered intimacy in all his relationships.

Chuck was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 11, 1936 to Farwell and Maude Turner and had a lifelong friend in his older brother Keith Turner.  He attended Cooley High School and graduated from The University of Michigan in 1959, remaining forever loyal to his Detroit roots and his Maize and Blue.

After Michigan, Chuck served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, finishing Officer Training in Newport, Rhode Island. He served on the U.S.S. Hawkins as a LTJG, Gunnery and his four years of service took him on tours across the Mediterranean. For a kid who grew up in Detroit, one of the most influential parts of his naval experience was meeting people from all over the world and learning about their lived experiences and ideas. It sparked a lifelong interest in travel and an intimate curiosity about people and the world around him. He sought out others and never forgot a person's name or story.

Once he was discharged in 1963, Chuck returned to Ann Arbor to complete his MBA. After finishing his degree, he took his first job with Detroit Bank and Trust (Comerica Bank) in 1964 in their credit department. Chuck had a challenging and satisfying 28-year career with Comerica, including leading the bank's International Department. In this role he traveled the globe—often with Mary—visiting Hong Kong, Iran, Saudi Arabia and, ultimately, over 70 countries. His interest in geography, politics and foreign affairs continued throughout his life and in the 1980s, he served as President of the Detroit Committee on Foreign Relations.

What Chuck valued most, however, was his family. He married the love of his life, Mary Lynn Herman, on June 17, 1965, and he was a devoted husband and best friend to Mary for 60 years. Their partnership provided the foundation for all things good in their family life and was an enduring example to their daughters Mary Beth and Katy as well as their respective husbands Rob Garvey and Peter Keim. He and Mary's grandchildren Brian, Conor, and Delaney Garvey and Natalie and Tyler Keim had the opportunity to intimately observe a marriage built on engagement, trust, love for others, and humor.

Chuck's most coveted role was to be a hero in the eyes of his family.  Which he achieved, if imperfectly, brilliantly.  He was cherished for being in your corner unrelentingly, asking all the right questions and caring deeply about the answers, enjoying your every success, and bringing humor, joy and mischief to all things. As a father he will be remembered for mystery trips he planned, foot races on the beach, endless rounds of Jeopardy and trivia, repeated bad jokes, and a lifetime of support, wisdom and encouragement.

Chuck was a great athlete, running track, playing basketball through college, and tennis and golf most of his life.  He loved to ride his bike, which was just an excuse to seek out others and may have involved more socializing than biking. As a competitor, he brought his A-game to everything and losing was not his most graceful moment.  As a spectator, he was dubbed The Prince of Darkness, yelling at the TV and always predicting his team may give up a last-minute touchdown or game losing basket. He was thrilled to see Michigan win a National Championship in 2023. It completed his full life.

He was a music enthusiast, his piano playing a familiar backdrop at home with his deep broadcast voice singing along. His dancing knew no bounds, earning him the nickname Grover, and there was no dance floor he would pass up. As in all things, his sense of fun, spirit and belonging left no room for sitting anything out.

The family will hold a celebration of Chuck's life April 12th at 11am at St. Andrew's Church with lunch to follow at Willoughby. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Andrew's Church, 2100 SE Cove Road, Stuart FL 34997 or an organization of your choosing.

Please feel free to share a remembrance or message of condolence with the family through this online guestbook.