my postcard entry for abad ~ memento

John S. Turner 1947 – 1972

John S. Turner was a sensitive man. I didn’t know him, I only know of him through his papers, personal items and his sister, Julie.

He was born just after WWII, his Hungarian parents had moved to Germany then. They relocated to Australia, and later to Cleveland, Ohio then Hollywood, California. Chess was his constant companion. He wrote in his bible that he would have been a criminal if not for chess and a particular teacher.

John grew up in turbulent times. Vietnam, Middle East unrest, the “troubles” in Northern Ireland. These things had a profound effect on him. He served two years in the Air Force, stationed in Turkey. While there he learned some terrible news of his father’s suicide. It was more than he could bear. When he came home from the service his mental health had deteriorated. He lived with Julie until one day he just took off for New York City. That was the last time she saw him.