Bob Turner, the indispensable
By SAUL RESNICK
Special to the Sun
This is part of a series The Sun will run about people who make significant contributions to the Haddonfield community.
Bob Turner, Lions Club secretary and former president, stands out as one of the most reliable, most can-do (everything), most dependable Lion of them all.
The Club is noteworthy for its many charitable endeavors involving the blind and the community, raising 10s of thousands of dollars annually in the name of Lionism.
“I enjoy helping people,” said Turner. “And the effort I put in is far exceeded by the fulfillment I get from the results.”
Turner’s achievements in Haddonfield make him an icon. He has devoted almost a half century to the Lions Club, and oversees three significant fundraisers annually, including chairing the club’s July 4 participation in Haddonfield’s celebration, and the club’s White Cane Drive and its Pasta Bowl. He is also a member of the Haddonfield Celebrations Association, and independently, has aided in a number of community-related and personal activities to help others.
Bob Stokes, president of the Lions Club, says of Bob Turner: “All of his efforts for the club involve managing volunteer resources, soliciting merchants for financial participation, obtaining permits from public officials, and endless amounts of details which bring about success. By volunteering time, effort and financial assistance, Bob makes what seems impossible — possible. He offers unfailing enthusiasm for all things Haddonfield. Many say everyone is replaceable. Bob Turner may be the exception.”
Tom Baird, immediate past president of the club, passes on these thoughts: “Bob Turner has been with the club for 48 years, a member of its board of directors for many years, secretary for 15 years, and cited for national Lions Club Awards for Service three times. He is the ultimate example in our society of service to others with his selfless commitment to the community with a hands-on work ethic to get things done, and he inspires others by his example.”
Turner, a life-long Haddonfield resident, is a graduate of Haddonfield High School and Trenton State College with an industrial arts degree in 1965. He was a teacher of industrial arts at Edgewood Regional High School for 36 years, before his retirement.
“I’ve had a great deal of fun and developed life-long friendships with Haddonfield people and others as a result of my efforts,” reflects Turner. “But the greatest joy comes from the people we’ve helped, and how, in many cases, we’ve changed their lives for the better.”
If you are interested in joining the Haddonfield Lions Club contact Bob Stokes, president, at (856) 429–6497 or e-mail him at robert.s.stokes@hotmail.com for further information.
