In Celebration of

George (Ted) Turner

March 12, 1947 -  August 6, 2025

Predeceased by his beloved wife Janice Sellers one year ago. Cherished brother of Susan Turner and brother-in-law Jim Reid and sister-in-law Donna Sellers. Cherished uncle of Mary and Claire Reid, and Joel (Jill), Shannon (Rod), Kirsten (Greg), Liam (Natalie), Zachary (Jessica) and Aaron (Lindsay) Sellers. Lovingly remembered by cousins Diane, Gary and Mary, Denny, Beverly, Nancy and their families, and by longtime friend Jenn Callaghan.

Donations to Save The Children directed to the children of Gaza in Ted’s name would be appreciated.

Guestbook 

(5 of 9)

Lucie Sparham and Mark Wright (Friend)

Entered August 16, 2025 from Toronto

So very sorry to hear of Ted’s death. He was a passionately caring individual with a profound sense of justice. He worked tirelessly for the causes in which he believed. In the past Ted, Janice and I had a lot of fun at fundraisers. We also shared many lovely dinners over the years when politics was always a hot topic.
My deepest condolences to his family .

Celia Harte (friend)

Entered August 20, 2025 from Toronto

To Ted's family, my sympathies. I just returned home a few days ago after being out of town, and a neighbour had seen first responders at Ted's house while I was away. Ted - and Janice - were my neighbours, and over time, also my friends. Janice sang in the same choir with me for awhile, until she wasn't able to continue. Ted and I had numerous conversations about politics and unions (I was also a union activist for many years) - but also with both Janice and Ted - about birds. I'd sent an email to Ted on August 1, the anniversary of Janice's death, just to say I was thinking of him. It was so hard to see him putting stuff out on his lawn off and on over the past year, as he mourned the huge loss he'd experienced when Janice died. Ted was quite the guy - passionate, caring, a little cranky at moments, and also a great laugh. I so appreciate I had the opportunity to get to know him and Janice over time. Again, my condolences. May the good memories bring you some comfort during this time.

Jessica Sellers (Family)

Entered August 22, 2025 from Pictou, NS

I’m sorry that the world lost a man like Ted. It was a great privilege to spend time with a man so honestly himself. There was always something to learn from Ted, and he was always willing to listen. Even if he didn’t agree with you, the conversation meant more to him than that. Over the years, he’s inspired me to continue asking the hard questions. The questions that likely none of us have answers for. His laugh was infectious— Ted was so funny. It’s very clear to me why Janice loved him the way she did. In my conversations with Ted regarding grief, I often landed on one thing. “Grief is just love, with nowhere to go”. It’s simple, but profound. I am simply loving Ted. And what a privilege it is to love Ted. Ted and Janice took us out for breakfast years ago, and I recall him bringing his own green tea bag, and ordering hot water to go with. It was so quirky and genius. I’ll never be able to drink a hot cup of green tea, listen to a Cream record, or eat a bowl of gluten free Rice Chex, without thinking of Ted. His laugh, his smile, his knowledge, and the way he cared for the world, will stick with me forever. I’m sorry for our loss. For the world’s loss. But most of all, I’m grateful to have gotten the chance to spend time with someone like Ted. May he rest peacefully, reunited with Janice, in a place where the worries of the world are quiet.

Zachary Sellers (Nephew)

Entered August 23, 2025 from Pictou NS

I miss Ted. I will continue to miss Ted - it's not a feeling that will pass quickly, or perhaps at all.

I have many fond memories of him, but I'll share two. They're insignificant in their way, but also say a lot.

When I was a child, visiting Toronto, I remember driving around the city and he was pointing out various Ontario Hydro plants/generators. At the time, I didn't take a lot from it, but as an adult who now appreciates infrastructure, it means a lot more. His knowledge, insight, and passion for the things he cared about - they're inspirations to me.

More recently, we exchanged emails and conversations that ran the gamut of topics - from Gaza to Ukraine, Canada and the US, grief, memory, love, music, history. He was such a warm man, so kind, so willing to listen, to explain his point of view. I never found him prickly; he would express his point of view directly. I admire and respect that.

I've put a photo I took of him in 2008. It's a bit blurry, but it was my first camera, a gift that day. I asked all my subjects to make an angry face. Even his angry face was so kind. I miss that face. I miss that mind. I miss that man. I miss you Ted.

Howy Sinclair-Jones (Friend)

Entered August 23, 2025 from Shedden, Ontario

I was so sad to hear about Ted. We met over fifty years ago and had not seen each other in several decades. But Ted holds a special place in my heart and memory. He became a volunteer at the Cross-Cultural Communication Centre in Toronto after returning from his work with CUSO in the early 70s. Whenever Ted was at the CCCC, he would put on a cassette tape of José Afonso singing "Grândola, Vila Morena", which became the theme song for Portugal’s “Carnation Revolution” in 1974. I learned from Ted the importance of the overthrow of fascism in Portugal, and how this could lead to the decolonization of Angola and Mozambique – in turn accelerating the fall of apartheid in South Africa. And this indeed is what happened over the next few years. Ted was lovely man – resolute in his political commitment but never a preacher. He would discuss his views in a gentle way – like the gentle person he was.

Photos 

(3 of 3)

Ted enjoying a hot cup of tea.
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