K Turner: Educator and Laguna pioneer

K Turner is gone.

It was not unexpected as she had been fighting the progressive debilitation of Lou Gehrig’s disease for many months. It was a battle even she couldn’t win.

Turner holds a special place in the history of Laguna Beach, as part of the first lesbian couple ? with Bivens Hunt ? to register as domestic partners, when Laguna was one of the only cities in the state offering official recognition of same-sex partners.

She not only went her own way, but paved the path for others and smoothed the road.

An educator, nurse and pilot, she accomplished more than most in a lifetime.

Some lives ripple out to reach many, and K’s was one of those.

She will be hard to replace on the Laguna Beach School Board, where she served with great distinction and pushed the district to achieve the heights of excellence which it now enjoys.

She showed great courage during her illness, mandating “No tears” from those who loved her.

Her life of excellence will always serve as a beacon.