Date: 5/31/25 3:24 pm From: Pete Gordon via groups.io <peterandmiko...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Steve Turley.
I had just seen them this past Sunday at HCP-E looking for the RBGB. This is a shock. They were always a pleasure to be around, and Steve was one of those people who was easy to know and talk to.
My prayers are with Becky and the family.
Pete Gordon
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From: <OrangeCountyBirding...> <OrangeCountyBirding...> on behalf of moorebirder via groups.io <moorebirder...>
Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2025 12:41 PM
To: SWBSC <swbsc...>; <LACoBirds...> <LACoBirds...>; Orange County Birding <OrangeCountyBirding...>; CALBIRDS <calbirds...>
Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Steve Turley.
It brings great sadness to announce the death of our friend Steve Turley. Becky asked me to post this message as she is grieving and needing privacy. Steve died of a stroke last Monday while hospitalized and treated for blood clots.
Steve was well known in our birding community and valued due to his sharp wit, large size, friendly smile and extraordinary birding skills. His Superman eyes always were the first to get on the bird. I was always amazed at his ability spot a bird 200 yards away without the aid of binoculars and tell us its location and species.
Steve was taken much too soon. Born February 12, 1950. He was the second of four brothers. His entire life was a succession of exciting jobs. He started as a young man in the Air Force assigned to a weather reconnaissance crew who flew into hurricanes. From there he served over 20 years as a Los Angeles police sergeant. When he retired, he became a golf pro. He often told stories about the many young people he taught and what good golfers they became. Added to this, Steve was also an avid bass fisherman competing in several tournaments often winning big prize money.
And, he had time to become an outstanding birder. Debbie and I first met Becky in 2007 while chasing after a Greater Peewee in Griffith Park. She introduced us to Steve a few weeks later and this led to a friendship of many years, starting with a year end trip to Bosque del Apache, then twitching throughout the state or taking road trips to remote locations throughout the world. Most notable was 5 weeks together birding Australian top to bottom. And, there were many trips to Piute Ponds which would usually end at the 19th hole where we would stop on the way home at Maria Bonita’s for tacos, salsa, Blue Moon and a lot of laughs.
He will be more than missed.
Jim Moore
Santa Clarita
