The Realize community mourns the loss of Donald John Turner, our long-time friend and mentor. We join a wide network of organizations and people across Turtle Island in celebrating Don’s life as we strive to continue his legacy. It is difficult to believe the Don we knew is gone, but his spirit is still dancing amongst us.
Only a few weeks ago Don shared his message of healing and strength as he opened our 6th National Summit on Episodic Disability and Employment. And even more recently he joined a gathering of long-term survivors of HIV held in Spain, co-hosted by Realize, the European AIDS Treatment Group, Ribbon – A Center of Excellence, and The Reunion Project. As Co-Executive Director, Kate Murzin, remembers, “it’s clear to me Don had a lasting positive impact on all who were at the event. No matter the challenges facing a fellow human who was reaching out for support, or the difficulty of a situation, he managed to find the good. His sense of humour was also a gift – he had us rolling on the floor laughing on several occasions, even managing to render the hotel waitress speechless one evening when ordering a simple cup of tea!”
In their tribute to Don, the Canadian AIDS Society stated, “Donald’s work was truly pan-Canadian and deeply inclusive. As a Two-Spirit Elder of Blackfeet and Black Canadian heritage, he served on the Sacred Leadership Council for CAAN and the National Aboriginal Hepatitis C Council. He travelled across Turtle Island to share the ‘culture as medicine’ philosophy, helping Indigenous men and so many others heal through the Medicine Wheel and traditional Spirit Dancing. His door was always open; he mentored people from all walks of life, teaching that healing is a universal right.”
Don shared this energy and wisdom with the Realize community in many ways over the years. Executive Director, Tammy Yates-Rajaduray, (currently on maternity leave) reflected on this connection with the following words:
“Like all of those who were lucky enough to be in Don Turner’s world, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of his recent passing. Don was not only ‘a friend of Realize’, but he was also what we call ‘part of the Realize Family’. Don gave of his wisdom, time and experience within practically every core area of our work – HIV and aging, HIV and disability, optimal health and wellbeing with HIV, episodic disabilities, as well as Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility Leading to Belonging (IDEAL). He was willing to give of himself so much because he had so much life experience to share. And if you knew Don, boy was he happy to share what he knew!”
Photo: Don Turner and Tammy Yates-Rajaduray at the Realize 25th Anniversary celebration in October 2023. Credit: Jacob Maduka
“Not only did Don and I work closely together, but we became friends outside of the work environment. In fact, Don would call himself my Elder Father. As I am currently on maternity leave, Don would check in on me and call to complain that he was not getting enough ‘baby pictures’ and I would listen to his exciting updates about ‘Dude’s Club’, which was such a labor of love for him for so many years.
My heart is broken by this sad news. I can only begin to imagine the loss felt by Don’s partner, Jack, his family and chosen family, as well as all those who had the privilege to be in Don’s orbit. On behalf of the Board, members and Staff Team at Realize, I extend condolences to them all. The seeds that he has planted will blossom for generations to come. Don would like that.”