Alistair Turner

Alistair Ronald Turner passed away April 3, 2021 at the age of 78. He was born November 7, 1942 to Dr. James Ronald and Helen Muriel Turner in Kilcoy, Queensland, Australia where his father was serving as a medical doctor during World War II.  In 1947, Alistair and his family moved back to their home country of New Zealand where he was raised and educated.  Alistair earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Canterbury University in Christchurch and later continued his post graduate studies at the University of Adelaide in South Australia, earning a Master of Science degree in Economic Geology.  On October 8, 1966 Alistair and Kristen McDonald were married in Blenheim, New Zealand.

Alistair was a dedicated Professional Geologist specializing in precious metal exploration. His work took him to many locations throughout Australia for the Anaconda Company in search of nickel and gold deposits including the Kalgoorlie region of Western Australia.  In 1977, Alistair accepted a new position from Anaconda in the USA to explore the Stillwater district in Montana principally for chromium, platinum, and palladium.  As a result, he and Kristen and their young family immigrated to the USA, settling in the small mountain town of Nye.  While in Montana, Alistair explored the Beartooth Range (Stillwater Valley) discovering economic deposits of chromium and palladium which are being mined to this day.  In 1979, Alistair moved for a final time with his family to Littleton, Colorado to work from Anaconda’s North American headquarters in Denver.  In 1989, he led the North American branch of the Australian-based company Boulder Gold Group in Denver, developing precious metal and steel projects.  His work took him all over the world including Alaska, Canada, South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Iceland, Germany, and Russia prior to retirement.  Alistair was well respected by his peers for his knowledge and strong work ethic.  These traits have been passed down to his family of which he was immensely proud and supportive.

Alistair enjoyed exploring the western USA with his family on camping vacations visiting many different National Parks and other points of interest.  Alistair was good with his hands, completing carpentry and home improvement projects in his spare time and was an avid stamp and coin collector.

Alistair is survived by his wife Kristen of 55 years, three sons David (Marlene), Richard and Alan (Christie), five grandchildren, his brother Graham (Linda) and his extended family in New Zealand. He was an incredibly supportive, loving, and considerate person and will be missed.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 15 at 1:00 p.m. at Horan & McConaty, 5303 E. County Line Road (west of Holly St), Centennial, Colorado 80122.  There will be a reception following the service.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Craig Hospital Foundation (https://craighospital.org/foundation/howtogive) or a charity of your choice in Alistair’s name.