R.I.P. Michael Turner, 1971-2008

The word went out late last about the passing of creator Michael Turner, but I waited until this morning to post it here in the hope that there was some mistake. Unfortunately, the news was confirmed this morning on the Aspen Message Boards by the publisher’s editorial director, Vince Hernandez.

Hello all,

Unfortunately it’s with great sadness that I must inform everyone that Michael Turner tragically passed away last night, June 27th at approximately 10:42 pm in Santa Monica, Ca. Turner had been dealing with recent health complications arisen in the past few weeks. More details concerning Turner’s passing, and services, will be given shortly.

Anyone wishing to send their condolences to Michael Turner’s family is encouraged to send to:

Aspen MLT, Inc.
C/O Michael Turner
5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 111
Culver City, CA, 90230

Aspen also encourages anyone wishing to make a charitable donation to please send to Michael Turner’s requested charities:

The American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

Or

The Make-A-Wish Foundation
http://www.wish.org/help?s_kwcid=make%20a%20wish|917760391

Official Contact: Vince Hernandez

Turner was a constant for me at conventions, and his battle with cancer always seemed to me to be one he was clearly winning. I distinctly remember him hustling several well-known creators at the pool tables on more than one evening in a hotel bar. I was never sure if his competition was cringing due to the beating he was giving them in the game or the fact that he was doing it while enduring the pain of his restricted mobility. He was always smiling, though. In fact, I’m hard-pressed to picture him without a smile.

You can find more information on Turner at his wikipedia page. Blog@ has some thoughts on Turner’s passing, while CBR’s Jonah Weiland has a very nice piece about his experiences with Turner.