Stan Turner originally shot with the Palmerston North Smallbore Rifle Club, based at the (now non-existent) Palmerston North Albert Street range.
Stan started smallbore shooting in 1968 and quickly rose to the top level. He shot in an era when smallbore shooting was very strong all around the country and he represented Manawatu from 1970 onwards. At this time, the competition to get in the Manawatu Open team was extremely fierce. He was part of several winning Manawatu Rees Scroll teams (1972 & 1979) and went on to represent NZ in the Open team in 1976, 1978, 1980 and 1982. He also shot in the North Island vs Scotland match on three occasions, 1975, 1976 & 1980. PNSRC and Rongotea clubs merged in 1984, and Stan remained an active member of Rongotea Smallbore Rifle Club until 2017.
Stan had a sheet metal business and although his old workshop was somewhat cluttered, Stan knew exactly where everything was. He was a real craftsman and and his engineering skills and welding were outstanding. Stan was also known for his love of fast cars and motorbikes, and he was an active member of the Manawatu Car Club for many years. He was heavily involved with the setting up and building of the Manfeild car racing circuit in Feilding in the early 1970's. He then helped at many Manfeild race meetings throughout the 70's and 80's. When Stan had time, he and Verena also were involved in ballooning, where wicker was much to the fore.
Stan was one of those great characters, great fun to be around, with a dry sense of humour. He had many interesting stories and he will be sadly missed.
His funeral will be at St Peter's Anglican Church, Ruahine St, Palmerston North at 11am Friday 5th January 2018.
Stan passed away on 29th December 2017, and is survived by his wife Verena and children Warren, Greg and Anne. Warren also shoots for the Rongotea club.
Martin Hunt
Rongotea Club Captain