Ernest Wayne Turpin left for a hike June 27, 1968 but failed to return home. Despite extensive search efforts, his disappearance remained a mystery until October 18, 1998 when his location was finally discovered. For thirty years he rested in the Wasatch mountains he loved, amidst the beauty of the changing seasons.
Wayne was born May 22, 1942 to Martha and Bud Turpin in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended elementary and junior high schools in the valley. After graduating from Granger High School in Salt Lake City, he served an LDS mission in North Carolina, and attended college in Colorado before marrying Sharon Hemingway. The couple was later divorced. Wayne was an active outdoors man who loved fishing, hiking, and hunting. He was a good friend to everyone who knew him.Wayne is survived by his mother, Martha Turpin; brothers, Larry, David, and Kent Turpin; and sisters, Janice Bowen and Charlene Robbins; son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne and Whitney Turpin of Rippin, Wisconsin; and grandchildren, Alisha, Wayne Garrett, and Breanna. His father, Ernest "Bud" Turpin and brother, Ken, passed away during his absence.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, October 28 at 11 a.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State Street. Friends may call on the family one hour prior to the services.
T 10/25 N 10/25