Kenneth Turner

RANGELEY — Kenneth Arnold “Arnie” Turner, 72, of Norway, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at his beloved family camp in Rangeley.

He was born on Oct. 20, 1945, a son of George Kenneth and Marilyn (Davis) Turner. He attended local schools and was one of the first graduating classes of the newly-formed Oxford Hills High School at the time. In his teenage years, he worked for B&M for 50 cents an hour, Norm Smith’s filling station, drove a milk truck for his father, and was employed at the former Oxford Paper Co. mill in Rumford.

In 1965, Arnie married the love of his life, Rosemary Truman. They purchased The Handy Store in 1967 and then in 1969 bought Fuller’s Market in Oxford. They ran the store for several years before buying “The Hut” in 1982, which over 36 years they transformed into a full-service restaurant and bar. After a few name changes, “Boomer’s” stuck.

Arnie truly lived a one-of-a-kind, fulfilled life. In his younger years he was an avid fisherman, trapper, hunter, gambler, drinker, drag racer, and later a harness racing horse owner. In 2009, he rebuilt his family camp in Rangeley, which became his pride and joy. He and Rose went up there every week through the winter, for the past few years. Feeding the ravens, fox, deer and all other wildlife that came into the driveway, became his joy and pastime. We called it “Old McTurner’s Farm.”

Arnie is survived by his wife, Rose of Norway; three children, Timothy “Tim” Turner of South Paris, Thomas “Tom” Turner of South Paris, and Heather Turner of Harrison; six grandchildren and many dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Cameron Turner.

Arnie thought everyone deserved a second chance and helped numerous people. He will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Condolences, tributes and some of those awesome Arnie stories may be shared with his family and friends at www.chandlerfunerals.com

A funeral service was held Monday, May 7, 2018 at the Chandler Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, South Paris. Private family interment will take place at a later date at the Elm Vale Cemetery in South Waterford.

Arnie’s family asks that in lieu of flowers gifts in his memory be considered to the Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Rd., Fryeburg, ME 04037 or the National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 (https://donate.nra.org/donate).