Senator Peter Welch
Statement for the Congressional Record
December 4, 2024
On Remembering Donald H. Turner, Jr.
Madam President, Donald H. Turner, Jr. epitomized public service.
Don grew up in Milton, Vermont, a town of less than 11,000 people. When he was a boy, it had half that number. Don’s family owned the local bowling alley and a construction company. His family’s outsized presence in the town may be why he saw the entire community as family.
Don signed up as a volunteer firefighter at 16 and remained involved with the department for his entire life, serving 14 years as Chief. On my last visit to Milton in March 2023, we discussed the challenges facing small fire departments and rescue squads, input that directly influenced legislation I introduced to reimburse Emergency Medical Services providers for care they provide patients who are not transported to a hospital.
For the past seven years, Don served as town manager in his hometown. If the rescue squad was short a person to respond to a call, he’d leave his office and hop in the ambulance.
Prior to serving in town government, Don represented his community in the Vermont House of Representatives for 13 years, including eight as the minority leader. Perhaps that is why when he assumed leadership of his hometown government, he made his, and the town staff’s motto “Get stuff done.”
And he did.
A new town garage, something in the works before the birth of the town’s current Selectboard Chair, was wrapped up in two years under Don’s leadership. It is now named for him, with “Getting stuff done” written in large letters along one wall.
He also kept up the pressure on a transformative road project for the town, working through multiple issues to get the project underway in the past year.
Infrastructure is the most basic part of a Town Manager’s job. Don went beyond that. A lifelong Republican, he led efforts in the town to examine its practices and policies with an eye toward making sure they were fair and allowed everyone to participate. This led to changes in the town’s Recreation Department where Don wanted to remove barriers to participation, including income or disabilities that might previously have kept children and adults on the sidelines. He championed an annual inclusion festival, in which he was an eager and proud participant.
In 2019, the Milton Public Library hosted a drag queen story time. When the event drew backlash, Don defended the library, attended the event and had his photo taken with the drag queens.
When the tree topper was damaged ahead of the annual holiday tree lighting, Don made a new one in his garage.
No business in town was too small to receive Don’s support. If there was a ribbon to be cut or a grand opening that needed attendees, he was there, regardless of the day or time.
When the high school needed someone to transport supplies for an event, Don pulled up in his truck.
His dedication to his town earned him the nickname “Mr. Milton.”
Don believed that “if you look after people, they will look after you.” He lived that belief, setting an example, not only for his community, but for all of us who are committed to public service.
He passed away on Saturday, November 30, after a brief battle with cancer. Don was 60 years old.
Margaret and I extend our condolences to his wife, Gail, and his daughters Emily, Hillary, and Erin, as well as their families and loved ones. And I also give comfort to the Milton community, who lost a neighbor, friend, and important member of their community.
Madam President, Donald H. Turner Jr. will be missed by many in Vermont.
Download the Statement for the Congressional Record here.