1957-2023

Glen Alan Turner (65) of Glendale suffered a heart attack and peacefully passed away at Glendale Adventist Hospital on April 30 with family by his side.

Glen was born Oct. 29, 1957 in Chelsea, Massachusetts to Jesse Lee Turner and Eleanor Frances (Roccia) Turner. After graduating from Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, always looking for adventure, Glen hitchhiked cross-country to California. There he enrolled and attended Los Angeles City College (LACC) joining the football team as an offensive lineman. Syracuse University took notice and recruited Glen to join the “Orangemen” in 1978. Glen eventually transferred to the University of Rhode Island where he finished his studies in 1981.

He returned to California and began his writing career with a focus on screenplays. In that time, and with the help of his agent, Glen optioned two of them, “Shoplift” and “Hercules Down and Out,” to major film companies. Although neither went to production, that didn’t stop the Los Angeles Times from featuring Glen on the front page of its Sunday edition about up-and-coming writers in Los Angeles. He then moved on to co-write two plays,
“Chickenscratch” and “Down and Out in Sioux Falls.”

In addition to writing, Glen not only loved watching Boston professional sports teams, but he also had a passion for coaching. In Massachusetts he volunteered and coached the North Quincy Apaches, a youth football league. After moving to California, Glen volunteered his time and talent, over the course of many years, coaching the La Cañada Gladiators Jr. All American Football League and St. Francis Golden Knights. In 1996, he led the La Cañada Pee Wee Division to an Arroyo League championship. Later he was hired as an assistant coach for the West Los Angeles Oilers.

Glen will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was a big personality with the biggest heart. He loved comedy and improv, dancing in grocery store aisles and singing karaoke. A hard-working man who loved his family and movies…“Or my name ain’t Nathan Arizona!”

Glen is survived by his three children and one grandchild of whom he was so proud: Jason, Leanna, Rachel and grandson Wyatt.

Glen is also survived by his former wife Barbie Turner and two sisters Sharon Turner and Leslie Clauson.

Glen is preceded in death by his parents Jesse Lee Turner and Eleanor Frances (Roccia) Turner.

Please help honor the life of Glen Turner at one of his favorite spots: The Barkley, 1400 E. Huntington Drive, South Pasadena on Saturday, May 20 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. People are invited to join in sharing a funny story, a favorite memory and a few light snacks.

In lieu of flowers, for those who choose to, donations can be made to the American Heart Association in Glen’s memory.