Goshen, NY — Darren William Turner, 54, died Oct. 16, 2020, surrounded by his wife and children.

Darren Turner died Oct. 16, 2020.

Mr. Turner was born in Farmington, Maine, where he enjoyed many years of assisting his family with their passion for horse racing. He moved to New York to continue to work with horses, where he worked with Hall of Fame trainer/driver Ted Wing, as well as Gary Mosher, during the 1980s at Roosevelt Raceway.

It was while Mr. Turner was stabled at the famed Westbury, N.Y., harness track that he met the love of his life, Ellen, at their favorite “watering hole.” They married Oct. 4, 1987.

Mr. Turner had a multitude of skills and was successful in many professions throughout his life, and applied those skills for several years at Blue Chip Farms, Wallkill, N.Y. Ultimately, he moved on and retired as a dispatcher for the New York State Thruway Authority.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen; children, Anne (John) Bailey, Valerie (Chip) Needham, and William; mother, Leanne; sisters, Brenda (Matt) Clarke, Barbara (Scott) Burditt, Donna (Michael) Lary and Kristen (Mike) Grondin; grandchildren, Lydia and Johnny; many nieces and nephews; his best friends, who he considered his brothers, Tim Coyle and Chris Coyle; and many other friends who enjoyed his company on and off the track. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Farmington Harness Horsemen’s Association. His parents and close family friends began this foundation more than 20 years ago. His memory will be memorialized through the scholarship program that this association provides for local, young horsemen. Please indicate that you are donating in honor of Darren Turner. Send to FHHA, 152 Pleasant St., Wilton, ME 04294.