Van Lee Turrentine's Obituary
Spirited and kind, loving unconditionally, young at heart, the willingness to give without receiving in return. The traits of a good man, the traits of this man.
Van Lee Turrentine, in his short yet fulfilled life always kept a smile even when things seemed at their worst. He was born in the summer of 1959 in the place he always loved and in later years would serve and protect as a Police Officer; Oakland, California to the union of Eva Mae and James Turrentine.
Van graduated from Hayward High School and continued his education at California State University Hayward (now Cal State East Bay). Van worked as a Police Officer for the Oakland Police Department for 17 years. He was an avid gamer and lover of all things fun. He enjoyed games such as: Magic: The Gathering, bowling, dominoes and all card games. There were always trips to Reno, camping, fishing, amusement parks and various arcades. He was also actively involved with OBOA (Oakland Black Officers Association), OPAL (Oakland Police Activities League) and other activities involving the betterment of his beloved City of Oakland.
Gone but never forgotten by those who love him; he is survived by his two daughters: Delena Jackson and Dominique Turrentine. Brothers: Leon Wycoff and James Earl Turrentine, Sr. Sister: Patricia Johnson. Stepsisters: Gwen Herring and Tangie Boyd, and a host of family and friends.
Van is preceded in death by his mother: Eva Mae Turrentine. Father: James Turrentine. Stepmother: Vera Turrentine. Sisters: Lois Jones, Lorna Turrentine and Mary Turrentine. Brothers: Stevie Turrentine and his beloved twin Zan Turrentine.
What’s your fondest memory of Van?
What’s a lesson you learned from Van?
Share a story where Van's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Van you’ll never forget.
How did Van make you smile?