VICTOR – Art L. Turner, 62, of Victor passed away Friday, Mar. 20, 2026, surrounded by his wife and daughter at home. He was born Mar. 28, 1963, in Santa Clara, California, to the late Chuck and Lucy (Boyles) Turner.

Art was raised in Fremont, CA and spent his middle school years rebuilding Atari game consoles for extra money so he could pay for his real love –flying. When he could, he would go to the airport and sweep hangers in exchange for either a ground school course or a flight lesson. He received his pilot’s license at 16 years old, before he even had his driver’s license. All the time at the airport and skipping school to fly got him into trouble with the High School so they told his mom he had to take the CA proficiency test in order to get his diploma. He was the first one done and she thought he failed. Turned out he had the highest score of 98%.

Art tried some college classes, but it still wasn’t what made him happy, so he joined the US Air Force. Being on the flight line as a fueler kept him close to the aircraft and that was his happy place. After the Airforce he went to work at the San Jose Jet center and ended up flying Eddie De Bartolo’s aircraft on a regular basis. Hence, he was a huge SF 49’er fan to the end.

Art stayed in the Bay area and worked Operations for British Airways at SF International and then was recruited as the Operations Manager in Oakland by Worldwide Flight Services. He provided operations for American Airlines, Continental, Mexicana and Jet Blue. It was here in Oakland where he met his wife Robyn where she was working as a Passenger Service manager for Worldwide Flight Services. They started as a station team, and it turned into a lifetime.

From Oakland Art was recruited to run Operations for Delta Airlines in Providence, Rhode Island. He was on duty on Sept 11, 2001, and worked all the grounded aircraft sent to his station for days without going home. Shortly after this their daughter Cassie was born. The stress of 911 convinced him to return to a quieter life and He, Robyn and Cassie moved to Robyn’s home state of Montana to begin a new chapter.

Cassie was the love of her father’s life. He was the first person to hold her and she was the last person to hold him. He did everything for her to the best of his ability. He bought her a pony when she was four, her heart horse Sunny when she was seven and he worked hard ranching, haying and keeping the family all together. Art showed up for Cassie when she started rodeo queening and rodeoing, paid for lessons, drove her all over and cheered for her always. He demanded Robyn buy her breakaway horse so she could continue rodeoing when she had time. She will forever be his “Cassie Boo”.

Art found his second career when he was hired at Bitterroot Valley Log and Timber as a salesman. He had always loved construction and building things, from model airplanes (the big kind) to cars to finish work. Log Homes became his new niche and passion. When Steve Miller was ready to retire, Art put together a deal with Steve and the Bank and Montana Custom Log Homes, Inc. was born. Art worked hard to build the company, developing relationships with customers and suppliers alike. He literally worked until just a few weeks prior to his passing as it was so important to him.

Art is survived by his wife Robyn of Victor; daughter Cassie (Lincoln) of Victor; Brother Gary (Robin) Peterson of Malibu; nephews Tristan Peterson, Kyle and Kadden Bassett; Niece Naomi (Dean) Hitchcock; and his beloved dogs; border collie Timber and his Bernese Mountain dog Pendleton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Aprill 11, 2026 at the Montana Custom Log Homes Show Home located at 2036 US Hwy 93 N in Victor at 1PM. Please come and share your stories of Art with us all. Long time friend and pastor Glen Richard will officiate.