Barrie Ward Turner

Posted: August 1, 2025

BARRIE WARD TURNER, former accounts clerk in the MGN bought ledger department, died on May 30 [2025], aged 86. 

BARRIE Turner began his working life, aged 15, joining Odhams Press as a messenger boy in the 1950s. During his career he took on a variety of roles before settling in the bought ledger department at Mirror Group Newspapers, where he remained until his retirement in the late 1980s/early 90s — completing more than three decades of dedicated service.

A principled and committed union man throughout his working life, Barrie was deeply respected by colleagues from his first day to his last. The many friendships he forged endured far beyond the office — so much so that his later visits to MGN’s Holborn Circus HQ were often punctuated by long stops to chat to the many friends and colleagues who knew him. Recent tributes have described him as “kind and thoughtful” and a “gentleman of the old school”.

As for so many, romance blossomed at work for Barrie, and in the late 1960s-early 70s, he met his future wife, Win, who worked in credit control for Odhams Press. Friends and colleagues considered him “a good catch”, not least because he was quite the snappy dresser in those days. The couple married in 1976, welcoming son Rob in 1977, and younger son Russell in 1979. Russell sadly passed away four years ago, aged 41.

“Growing up,” son Rob recalls, “I remember Dad would regularly bring home a huge bundle of comics for us, which is where my life-long love of the medium was born. I always looked forward to getting my hands on the latest edition of 2000 AD!

“Dad could also be described as a being bit of an optimist – he was a life-long Arsenal supporter, and a faithful participant in the Football Pools right up until his final days, despite winning only modest sums.”

Barrie leaves wife Win, son Rob, and beloved grandson, George. Rob added: “Dad’s warmth, humour and steadfast principles will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”