It is with great sadness that Transplant Australia says farewell to long time member and supporter, Paul Turner. Paul was a quietly spoken, true gentleman who was a passionate advocate for spreading the word about the importance of organ and tissue donation.
Paul was a lawyer whose career was plagued by ill health. He was a property lawyer working at Landgate and also in his own family business. His first two liver transplants were in 2003 and after a slow recovery he spent many years on the WA Committee. He created a contact list of willing members based on the Perth district areas and from this list he organised publicity stalls in shopping centres attended by local recipients.
Paul was resolute in his convictions. He spearheaded “Write to Your Donor” days, often held in his own home. He was a passionate supporter of reinstating organ donation consent on the driver’s licence in those states where it had been removed. Long before there was much public discussion around this issue, Paul was out there promoting change at every meeting and opportunity, encouraging the necessary steps needed to coordinate the states and government departments towards this end. He was heartened to learn that the Government of Western Australia is now addressing this issue.
When health allowed, Paul attended both Australian and World Transplant Games. He joined walking groups sharing his vast knowledge and humour, as fondly recalled by Esther, Glenda and Wendy. A staunch advocate for health, Paul rigorously maintained his health and fitness. He protected himself from the sun, urging recipients to adopt sun-smart practices and establish ready access to a skin specialist, after his struggles with squamous cell carcinoma.
Paul retired last year, requiring dialysis three times a week.
He was a kind, generous, supportive and caring person with a great sense of humour and fun. He was a cornerstone of Transplant Australia WA, and he will be deeply missed.
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