Former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner, who was in office for just 79 days, died on Friday 18 September 2020, at the age of 91. He was born on 7 June 1929.
His 79-day tenure as prime minister was the second shortest in Canadian history. Only Charles Tupper beat his record with 68 days. He served from 30 June to 17 September 1984
Turner’s political career had its lowest point when he led his Liberal Party to a massive electoral defeat in 1984.
Before becoming prime minister, he had held the posts of finance and justice minister.
Turner, a lawyer by training, served as finance minister from 1972 to 1975 but quit amid disagreements over policy with Prime minister Pierre Trudeau.
He returned to legal work for nine years before winning the Liberal Party leadership in June 1984.
John Napier Wyndham Turner is survived by his wife, Geills, and four children.
