MONROE — Thomas Turner was about 8 years old when he raced the length of a soccer field to block an opponent’s attempt at a shot at the goal line.
Even as he grew to be a young man, Turner — known for being energetic, talented and full of life — always considered that play a personal highlight.
“He was so excited about that play, you’d have thought he just won the World Cup,” said Tom Cock, Turner’s father.
Turner, who was 17, died Dec. 28 in a head-on collision on a narrow, winding stretch of U.S. 2 about a mile east of Gold Bar. He was with friends, on his way home from a day of snowboarding at Stevens Pass.
On Saturday, more than 150 people honored him at a memorial service at Cascade Community Church in Monroe.
They remembered the Monroe High School student as a grandson, a son, a brother and a friend.
“Tom loved all and was the best brother I could ever have,” said his brother, Taylor Turner.
Thomas Turner became the 47th person killed on U.S. 2 in accidents between Snohomish and Stevens Pass since 1999. He was also the 16th person to die in a crossover crash during that time.
He is survived by his father and brother; his mother, Laurie Turner; sister, Kelsey Turner; grandmothers Aria Cock and Amy Turner; aunt Alexandra Cock; and uncles Christopher Cock, Lawrence Cock and Todd Turner.
Shannon Fretz, 17, of Snohomish, was riding with Thomas Turner when the accident occurred and remains hospitalized in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Loren Lloyd, 17, of Snohomish, who was driving the Jeep Cherokee, is recovering from his injuries.
A Mount Vernon couple who were in the pickup that collided with the Jeep suffered minor injuries in the accident.
At Saturday’s memorial service, family and friends sat facing a large picture of Turner, clad in a tuxedo in front of a backdrop of Paris. Next to the photo was a poster of a Rolling Stone cover — symbolizing Turner’s love for rock music — and two soccer balls and a pair of cleats.
Turner learned to appreciate aviation because of his grandfather, who served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. Turner built about 50 model airplanes and had considered someday becoming a pilot.
During the service, Turner’s brother and friends took turns speaking about how special he was, and how fiercely he lived his life.
“Live your life to the fullest, love your family and friends with all of your heart,” said friend Alfonso Pastrana-Kolczak. “I love you, buddy.”
Tom Cock said he plans to honor his son’s memory by pressuring state lawmakers to improve safety on U.S. 2.
“I plan on making this a personal quest, so we don’t have more days like today,” he said.
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
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