Theodore (Ted) Emil Turkawski

Theordore (Ted) Emil Turkawski, passed away peacefully at the Athabasca Healthcare Centre on November 18, 2025, with family by his side.

Ted will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by wife Dorothy (nee. Stotesbury) of 53 years, daughter Lara (Kevin) Maheden, son Roland (Cathy) Turkawski; grandchildren: Jazmyn Maheden, Nick Maheden, Chantalle Gonzalez, Christian (Rose)Gonzalez, Oliver Turkawski; great grandchild: River Rigney; sister Vicky (Ross) Bandurk, sister Lynne Kuss, sister Irene Della Porta, sister Nell Haygarth, sister Carol Morris, brother Steve (Lynne) Turkawski, sister Joyce (Daryl) Dufresne, and sister Kathy (Brian) Turkawski.

He was predeceased by his father Dmytro in 1978, his mother Annie in 2004, his brother Mike & sister-in-law Evlyn in 2017, his brother Johnny in 1943, twin brother and sister Johnny & Nellie in 1946 and a still born brother in 1950.

Ted spent the early part of his life working mainly on drilling rigs in northern British Columbia and Alberta and later started a water hauling business.  In 1968 he purchased his parents’ farm in the New Pine Creek area and took pride in working hard to develop it into a productive, well-maintained patch of earth that he could support his family on.

Ted enjoyed getting together with friends and neighbors for musical jam sessions where he participated by playing the mandolin, guitar and later, the banjo.  He had a strong curiosity that inspired him to continuously learn about his natural surroundings.  He will be remembered for his honesty and attention to detail.

Ted and his wife Dorothy sold the farm and moved into the Pleasant Valley Lodge in Athabasca in 2012 where he appreciated having more time to pursue his hobbies such as playing pool and of course, playing the banjo.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Pleasant Valley Lodge, the staff at the Athabasca Healthcare Centre and Dr. Schaub for all their compassion, patience and support.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:30 am at the Athabasca Seniors Centre. Interment to follow at the New Pine Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pleasant Valley Lodge in Athabasca.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Theodore (Ted) Emil Turkawski, please visit our Tree Store.