Mark Thomson Turnbull

     Mark Thomson Turnbull completed his earthly assignment and passed into the presence of the Lord January 2, 2026, at his home in Wallace, NC. Born in North Bay, Ontario, Canada on April 22, 1950, Mark was the second child of William George and Mary Thomson Turnbull, both of whom predeceased him. His only sibling, older brother Earl Turnbull, also predeceased him. Mark is survived by his wife Regina; daughter Kim (Mike); granddaughters Mackenna (Dylan), Bridgette (Eric) and Grace (Hailey); mother-in-law Pat; brother-in-law Patrick; sisters-in-law Judy and Tracie; nephews Scott (Christine), Sean (Roxanne), Zachary and Hunter (Delilah); great-nieces Brooke (Clovis) and Eva; great-nephews Reiss (Megan) and Case.

     Mark lived a full and full-of-adventure life. There is no way to capture all here, a snapshot will have to suffice.

     Growing up in Canada Mark was a hockey player from a young age. Short in stature with quick reflexes and a fearless nature he was built to be a goalie. Guarding that net was a training ground for how he would always guard those he loved and served. With energy to spare Mark would pursue physical activity his entire life. He would water ski, downhill ski, and bike long distances. Really long distances, sometimes covering 125 miles. At the age of 62 Mark completed the Beach to Battleship Triathlon.

     Mark attended Canadore College (Cambrian College at the time) and obtained a degree in Business Information Technology. This IT degree was a key that would open many doors for Mark as our society transitioned to the technology-infused environment we live in today. He held positions in IT with various companies such as Neilson’s Food and Ault Foods. He was once responsible for IT for Denison Mines in Elliot Lake during a time when Elliot Lake was the uranium capital of the world. Mark always made time to serve others even with a busy work life. He was an active member of Rotary Canada and often spoke of the bingo fundraisers he helped operate for that foundation. Mark also worked for Hershey Canada. Two Hershey projects he was involved in during those years and always enjoyed reminiscing about were the construction of new corporate offices for the company and the Hershey Ski Program. His employment with Hershey brought him to the USA when he moved to corporate in Hershey, PA. Once in the US it did not take Mark long to begin the process of becoming an American citizen. The American spirit of freedom to pursue your best life suited Mark’s spirit. Red, white, and blue were his favorite colors. From Hershey, PA Mark was encouraged by a former coworker at Hershey, Howard Rush, to apply for a position with Murphy Family Farms. Howard had taken a position with MFF and felt Mark would like the opportunity. Mark did indeed enjoy the opportunity. Soon Mark would decide to do what had been on his mind for a long time and he started his own business. Turnbull Consulting Inc. would marry Mark’s natural instincts to provide and protect with his business knowledge as he offered business continuity and disaster recovery planning to a variety of businesses, universities and health care systems. He spent 25 years serving clients across the US.

     In 2018 Mark and Regina had their first date and married a year later on the anniversary of that date. Sharing many personality traits, they understood many things about the other intuitively while still discovering their unique gifts and experiences. They packed many adventures into each year. Mark would often joke that each year of their marriage really counted as seven years.

     Mark was a natural encourager and extremely generous with all he had. If he encountered military or law enforcement members, he thanked them for their service and bought their meal. Girl Guides in Canada and Girl Scouts in America noted increased sales of their cookies if Mark was in the area. Being in line with Mark at stores or bakeries was a good place to be because the odds he would handle your bill were high. If he had it and you needed it, it was yours. If there was a blood drive, he was there. Mark’s deep belief in the goodness of God manifested in open hands. God filled Mark’s cup so well that the overflow blessed everyone around him.

     Mark was passionate about his hobbies. For many years he developed his own black and white photos in a lab he created in his basement. Camping always made him happy and KOA campgrounds gave way to not one, but two Alaskan Adventures in 2012 and 2018. Alaska fascinated Mark and he drove every highway in truck campers he had lovingly and in extreme detail outfitted for the purpose. It was pure joy that on the 2018 Alaskan Adventure his eldest granddaughter, Mackenna was able to accompany him and share in the fun. But then anything and everything about his daughter and granddaughters filled Mark with joy. He was rightfully proud of his daughter Kim and the amazing woman she is. He passed on many of his traits to each of his family. Kim exhibits the same diligence and organization in her life and work that Mark did with his. Mackenna shares his love of all things outdoors and shows the same boundless energy. Bridgette and Mark both love finding just the right “thing” whether for themselves or others. When they headed out for a day of shopping you knew you were in for a show and tell event when they returned home. Grace shows the same smiling charm mixed with steady determination. Grace delighted Mark last year by choosing to further her education at his alma mater, Canadore College.  The family legacy created with his childhood sweetheart and first wife Judy is a credit to them both. They were loving parents who made coparenting work long before that term was ever used. Because they were loving and kind parents with great integrity, they have offered the world four women who use what they were taught to best offer their gifts to others.

     Mark’s retirement in 2022 opened up more time for things he enjoyed. First there was Jake, the All-American Dog (let’s just call it a variety pack DNA). With more time at home Mark was able to once again enjoy having a pet. Jake became a constant companion. If you saw Mark driving around Wallace, you saw Jake sitting beside him in the little gray Ford Ranger. When a chihuahua needed to rescue Mark’s heart grew a little more in a way he didn’t expect - he discovered he really did like little yappy dogs after all.  Wee Patches moved right into Mark’s heart and made himself at home. Poor health would take Patches too soon, but Mark left no stone unturned to make sure he had as many days as he could.  

     Mowing! Mark immediately purchased a professional John Deere lawn mower. His love of service to others and a hobby were brought together in one activity. He mowed grass for his beloved neighbor, Mrs. Mary Sue Sanderson. If he knew of a neighbor who was sick or needed a hand, or if he just thought you were having a busy week, he was there with the big green machine. His best friend, who he loved like a brother, Steve Chauncey would hop on his mower and join him. This was lucky because Steve had a tow rope and it was possible that Mark “may” have needed to occasionally be towed from a ditch. Living in Eastwood Acres blessed Mark as he was surrounded by many wonderful neighbors who shared in joys and difficulties just like family. On his 75th birthday Mark decided to set up a woodworking shop in his garage. A new passion began and with focus and intensity he studied YouTube videos, bought tutorials and in eight months was producing project pieces and larger pieces of furniture which he enjoyed gifting to others. He discovered exotic woods and studied epoxy pour techniques. In his final days Mark was purchasing plans for the things he wanted to build next. A special joy for him was the day’s his family-by-marriage, nephew-by-choice Parker Precise would join him in the workshop to do projects together. 

     Mark loved life. He loved God and he loved big. His life was a blessing to others, and he was blessed by being loved by more people than can possibly be listed here. 

     A Celebration of Life memorial is planned for 3pm January 10, 2026, at Awaken Church, Wallace NC. All are welcome.

    In lieu of flowers the family asks you consider a memorial donation to one of two places that were special to him and he enjoyed supporting Awaken Church, 1504 N. Norwood Street, Wallace, NC 28466 and RockFish Meadows Camp, P.O. Box 100, Rose Hill, NC 28458.

     You may share your memories and send condolences to Mark's family by selecting our Tribute Wall above.

     Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the Turnbull family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Thomson Turnbull, please visit our floral store.