A Life Remembered
Obituary
Jay Turner, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away suddenly on July 9, 2026, at the age of 74. Born in Sacramento, California, on April 15, 1952, Jay lived a full and interesting life marked by family, friendships, adventure, and a distinguished career in the oil and gas industry.
Jay attended California State University, Fresno. After graduating, he began his career in Alaska, where he worked as a mud engineer for Baroid, a company that was later acquired by Halliburton. His work took him from Alaska to Houston and eventually around the world. Over the course of his career, Jay worked as an international engineer, traveling extensively throughout the United States and Canada and to Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America. His profession introduced him to people and places around the globe, and he developed many lasting friendships and business relationships along the way.
Jay retired from his full-time career in 2017 and moved to Gilbert, Arizona. Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down. He continued working as a consultant and instructor for Halliburton, sharing the knowledge and experience he had gained over decades in the industry until shortly before his passing.
Outside of work, Jay had a genuine love for the outdoors and for hobbies that kept him active and engaged. Some of his happiest times were spent hunting and fishing, particularly in the wilds of Alaska. He also enjoyed radio-controlled model boats and was an avid firearms enthusiast. Jay had a curious mind, a practical nature, and a willingness to learn and try new things.
Jay was married to Karen for 43 years. Together they shared a life filled with travel, work, friends, and many experiences across the country and beyond.
Jay will be remembered by his family, friends, former colleagues, and business associates as a knowledgeable and capable professional, an adventurous outdoorsman, and a man who formed lasting connections wherever life took him. His sudden passing leaves behind many people who were fortunate to know him and share part of his journey.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered
Messages of Love
From family and friends
Gayle Turner
September 29, 2026
It warms my heart to read such beautiful and personal memories of my brother. Our father inspired the love of nature and the outdoors in us. My son, Brody Wilgenburg, not only continues that tradition, but has also taught his two sons and two daughters how to hunt and fish, continuing the love of the great outdoors.
Gayle
September 29, 2026
In addition to his wife Karen, sister Gayle, and nephew Brody Wilgenburg and family, Jay is also survived by his nieces Heidi Flyg, Natalie Jackson, cousin Chris Sherman Lund, and their families.
Jeff (JJ) Miller
September 25, 2026
We may not experience a better teacher or mentor, yet I hope his legacy will go on to inspire others. Wishing Jay's family and long list of friends peace and comfort with this huge loss.
Christian Tollitt
September 24, 2026
Jay Turner was the man most responsible for my current role in Baroid, first as mentor and educator, and latterly as what I fondly hope was an amico di Jay, allowing me to enter the fold of esteemed friendship with a wise and gentle soul from whom I learnt much, and who will be greatly missed. His passing, a tremendous loss, is peculiarly personal to me, with Jay being the same age as my father and very much a ‘father in art’ through his teaching. He will never be forgotten.
Pablo Gonzalez
September 24, 2026
I am sending my deepest sympathies for your loss. Jay was a brilliant mentor and a true master of his craft. I first met Jay during my IEF WOK, where he served as a guest instructor. He taught us critical problem-solving and technical writing, clearly driven by a passion for sharing his knowledge and helping others succeed. Later, when I joined GTS, I had the pleasure of working directly with him. Where his encyclopedic knowledge of Baroid’s completion and drill-in fluids made him a respected titan among our team. He will be deeply missed—both as an expert and as a generous colleague. Holding your family in my thoughts.
Tywon Veazie
September 21, 2026
Heartfelt condolences to Karen and her family.
Jay left an impression on the lives and careers of all of us. He loved his craft, had a unique gift for telling stories and taught us how to do the same. Doing it in such a way that you listened, understood and made impactful decisions (Critical Thinking). I was impressed most at how he recognized generational shifts in learning and continually adapted--connecting with everyone from Baby Boomers to Gen Y!
We loved his Soiree jokes and he will truly be missed.
Kevin Paylow
September 19, 2026
Jay was always ready with a smile, advice, and encouraging word. He went out of his way to develop people through formal training and informal mentoring. He was often saddled with tough roles and less-than-ideal situations because he was the one capable of getting the work done. But it was his extra effort and empathy that made him stand out.
Sharath Savari
September 19, 2026
Jay was a remarkable colleague and mentor whose knowledge, kindness, and sense of humor touched countless lives. He generously shared his expertise, inspired others to think "critically", and always treated people with respect and sincerity. His impact on Baroid and those who worked alongside him will never be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Jay.
Claudia Bonin
September 19, 2026
My condolences to Jay’s family. He was instructor in a training and left a positive mark and legacy. Later we were in the same team where he was a respected gentleman and taught us all by example. Thank you Jay!
"L'eterno riposo dona loro, o Signore, e splenda ad essi la luce perpetua. Riposino in pace. Amen."
Timo F. Kohlt
September 19, 2026
Jay was a unique mentor and a very dear friend to me.
After I relocated to the United States, he was always there for me with well-founded guidance and smart advice. We shared great memories: tuning my Ford Mustang together, running into trouble at a UN-post in Bahrain, talking Formula 1 for hours, and competitive shooting sessions at a Texas range.
He was a great American patriot with an enormous knowledge of history, which he gladly shared. I learned a great deal from him. My life in America would not have been the same without the privilege of knowing him. His precious influence will live on.
Rest in eternal peace, my friend.
Tracy Tidwell
September 19, 2026
Jay was always kind, funny, and sincere. It was always a pleasure to work with him, visit with him, and spend a moment reminiscing.
Mazen El Zarka
September 19, 2026
Jay was one of my best friends we had worked together for more than 25 years and we used to Travel together
We will miss you Jay,
Susan Sparrowgrove
September 18, 2026
Sparrow and myself have wonderful memories of Jay. Living together for many years in the same neighborhood in Anchorage and wonderful dinners enjoyed together at the Bradley house. Our lives changed dramatically so our time with Jay was limited in Gilbert but the times we did have together were wonderful. Jay had that quirky sense of humor and was smarter than a whip. He will be missed. May he rest in peace❤️
Tom Carlson
September 18, 2026
I always enjoyed the times I worked with Jay. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing, may he rest in peace.
Mike Sanders
September 18, 2026
I worked with Jay on some of the training classes over the last few years. He was always kind and considerate of the time take to get ready and present the material. We will all miss seeing him and talking to him.
Nelson McMillan
September 18, 2026
Jay was a nice, genuine person who will be severely missed by all his friends and colleagues at Baroid. I picture his smile and his chuckle laugh. I can't ever remember him be really angry at anything, he was just too considerate and nice. He has been a great trainer to many of our Baroid colleagues throughout the years, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. Highlight for the week was his Scottish jokes at the end of the team's weekly meeting - which were normally very funny especially when he tried to put on the accent. I was looking forward to him coming back to us to tell us some more. He was taken away too soon. He was a good, gentle man whom I shall miss a lot, but he will always be in my thoughts. God bless.
Malcolm Ellice
September 18, 2026
I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Jay’s passing and send my sincere condolences to his family and close friends. I counted Jay as a good friend as well as a highly respected professional technologist and ambassador for Baroid. His superb technical presentations to our customers from Alaska to Aberdeen to Algeria and other regions were often defining in their decisions to select or stay with Baroid. And a very fine and personable man too - his passing is such a loss.
Sincerely - Malcolm
Alan Mackay
September 18, 2026
He was a great man that I admired immensely and immeasurably. Taught a large chunk of Baroid personnel, never raised his voice, and sought out critical thinking and talent. Baroid is a lesser place without him, as is the world in general. His ethos and stature are always traits I will aspire to imitate. He will not be forgotten.
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Provided by
Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery
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