John Leo Turkosz

John was one of six children born to Andrew and Katherine Luty. Sisters Eva, Mary, John and his brother Peter (WW2) were born in Alberta prior to the family moving to Ontario. Brother George (WW2) and sister Martha were born following the move.

The 1931 Census shows the family renting a home on Mill St. before settling at 143 Crescent, Acton. Homes in “the Crescent” were originally built and owned by Beardmore as company housing, before being sold off to private owners sometime in the 1930’s.

John enlisted at the beginning of war at age 18…serving overseas in the Army (Regular Force) with the Lorne Scots. He was wounded in action by bomb shrapnel and spent several weeks in the hospital. John remained in the army until the end of the war, reportedly being offered a promotion but turning it down, not wanting responsibility for the lives of other men. Not much is known of John’s time overseas, as he, like many others, did not really talk about their experiences.

Upon his return from overseas, John continued to live with his parents on the Crescent, until he married Lois Hunter and the couple built the family home at 325 Peel St., Acton.

John worked at Beardmore tannery for over 44 years and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Acton Branch.

John died on November 20, 1995 and is buried at Fairview Cemetery, Acton

Truly a Canadian Hero. His story lives on.

*Information provided by Kathy Turkosz Hall, taken from Ancestry.ca and personal interview with Ray Arbic