Memorial Service for Turpin in Georgia

[McFarkus]

The memorial service for Turpin will be held at SouthCare Funeral Home 2260 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009 on Saturday, May 11 at 3pm. Valet parking will be provided as a courtesy by the family.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Heifer International at: http://teamheifer.heifer.org/TurpinBallard or via mail to Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.





Below is a draft of Turp's obituary:

Ballard, William Turpin, of Roswell, GA died peacefully at the age of 58 on April 25, 2013. Turpin was born November 17, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Katherine Willis Ballard and John Ballard (both deceased). Turpin was a peace-time veteran of the Army, following which he obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and a master’s degree in geology from Indiana University. After a short stint in the oil industry, Turpin dedicated himself to the environmental restoration and protection of lands owned by the U.S. military, used in prior generations for weapons manufacturing. He became a nationally recognized expert in his field, whose expertise was often sought, even as far away as Lithuania. Turpin is best known for his love of Celtic and Scottish music and traditions. He taught himself to play the whistle and Scottish drum and was a regular in local Celtic music jam sessions. He was Convener for Georgia for his Scottish clan (Gordon) on his mother’s side. He frequented the Highland Games and was known for his generous pour of fine single malt Scotch for all who wandered near. Turpin indulged his entrepreneurial side as he became known for the fine Scottish sporrans (front pouch to kilts) he lovingly hand crafted. He shared his love of history, heritage, the family farm, and tool works with his four children. Turpin is survived by his four children, Megan, James, Haley and Henry Ballard, his siblings Mark, Charlie, Alisha Ballard and Louise Clark, and extended family Ann Ballard and Cindy Nolan.

[thescot]

I understand that all who wish are encouraged to attend the memorial service kilted. It is only fitting.

I shall be there along with a few other friends properly attired.

[TheOfficialBren]

Thank you, Jim and McFarkus.

I will not be able to attend in body but I shall don my kilt and be there in spirit. I didn't know Turpin personally but he meant a lot to a whole lot of folks both in the real world and on XMTS.

Godspeed.

[flowman]

I just heard the tragic news, and my wife and I will be there as proud members of the House of Gordon, and heartbroken friends of Turpin. We've lost a fine man and dear friend.

[piperdbh]

I'll play a tune and hoist a toast to his memory here in western North Carolina.

[beowulf67]

We won't be able to make it but I will lift a glass to his memory and another prayer for his family.

[MacKay71]

Deborah and I are planning to be there.

[tripleblessed]

With only a Nightstalker sporran and no appropriate coat, I'll have to be in a suit, but plan to be there.

[thescot]

I would wear the Nightstalker and a dress shirt, but that's just me. Knowing Turpin, I think he'd approve. But then, if you want a little nicer sporran, I have several I'll gladly loan you. Just let me know.

[creagdhubh]

I'll be sure to raise a dram in Turpin's honour and memory on Saturday.