Longtime harness racing industry participant Darren William Turner peacefully passed away surrounded by his wife and children on Friday, October 16, 2020.
Darren is predeceased by his father, Bill Turner. He is survived by his wife, Ellen, of 33 years along with his children Anne Bailey (John), Valerie Needham (Chip), and William Turner; his mother Leanne Turner and his sisters, Brenda Clarke (Matt), Barbara Burditt (Scott), Donna Lary (Michael) and Kristen Grondin (Mike). Grandpa will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Lydia and Johnny.
Darren also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, his best friends, who he considered his brothers, Tim and Chris Coyle and many other friends who enjoyed his company on and off the track.
Darren was born in Farmington, Maine where he enjoyed many years of assisting his family with their passion for horse racing. He moved to New York to continue to work with horses, where he worked with Hall of Fame trainer/driver Ted Wing, as well as Gary Mosher during the 1980’s at Roosevelt Raceway.
It was while Turner was stabled at the famed Westbury, N.Y. harness track that he met the love of his life, Ellen at their favourite “watering hole.” They married on October 4, 1987. Darren had a multitude of skills and was successful in many professions throughout his life, and applied those skills for several years at Blue Chip Farms, Wallkill, NY. Ultimately, he moved on and ultimately retired as a dispatcher for the New York State Thruway Authority.
If you choose, in lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Farmington Harness Horsemen’s Association (FHHA). Darren’s parents and close family friends began this foundation over 20 years ago. His memory will be memorialized through the scholarship program that this association provides for local, young horsemen. Please indicate that you are donating in honour of Darren Turner. Send donations to FHHA at 152 Pleasant St. Wilton, ME 04294.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Darren Turner.