John G. Turnbull

Current President & Acting Treasurer

John was born in New York in 1941, and traces his Scottish ancestry from a William Turnbull who came from Scotland in the 1770 and settled in Philadelphia. His ancestors fought on the American side in the Revolutionary War, and on both sides of the Civil War.

He has been a member of Turnbull Clan Association since July 11, 1978, soon after the Clan was formed. He is also a member of the St. Andrew’s Society of Baltimore and New York State, since 1965 and 1972, respectively. He is member of the Scottish Tartans Society, the Scottish Tartans Educational and Cultural Society. Other areas of interest have led him to become a member of the New York Caledonian Club and the North American Branch of the Celtic League. He is one of the few American members of the Scottish Historical Society. He has an A.B., and M.B.A., and post-graduate certificates.

He plays the Highland Bagpipe, and has competed in Grade 5 Band competition, but recently has given up playing for the time being.

He is married to Silvia Garcia Turnbull, who fled from Communist Cuba in 1961. He has a son by a previous marriage who is also a member of Turnbull Clan.

Rupert Beach Turnbull, M.D., C.M., F.A.C.S., (H), R.S.M. (H)

By Dana Hume

Rupert Beach Turnbull Jr., was born October 3, 1913, in Pasadena, California.  Having completed high school at Momosa, California, he attended Pomona College in Claremont, graduating in 1936.  Rupert’s talents were already showing; an expert horseman and fencer, he played piano in the school orchestra and in medical school.  Rupert also competed in the Olympic trials for the 100-meter sprint.  In 1932 the  “Turnbull kids”, Rupert, Loretta and Raymond represented the United States in the outboard hydroplane races held in Italy. Along to cheer on the Turnbull racing team was their father, Rupert Sr., their mother Mary Irene and youngest brother Byron.  The Turnbulls won every race on the Po River at Torino, Italy, and went to Lake Garda and brought home the cup for the United States.

Rupert graduated second in his class from medical school (1940) at McGill University.  After internship at South Pacific Hospital in San Francisco, he served in the