Brad Turney: Youth officer mourned by family, friends during funeral at Gledswood Homestead

Bradley Turney tragically died after becoming unwell during a shift at the Reiby Youth Justice Centre. His loved ones gathered to mourn his loss and celebrate his life.

A devoted family man who was taken too soon has been described as an incredible dad, a loving son and a protective brother by his loved ones.

Bradley Turney was employed as a prison officer at the Reiby Youth Justice Centre when he became unwell during a shift on February 8.

He was taken to hospital, but died later that same day.

The father of five, three boys and two girls, had just turned 35 on February 7.

The beloved dad, partner, son and brother was farewell and honoured at a celebration of life at Gledswood Homestead on Monday and attendees were asked to wear yellow or the colours of Brad’s football club.

His father Alan Turney said his son was the “best little baby any parent could ask for”, but he became critically sick at four months old.

Bradley Alan Turney was farewelled at a funeral on Monday. Picture: Dwyer Family Funerals/Facebook

“But he fought hard and survived,” he said. “We had many hospital admissions between six months and four and a half years of age due to his heart complaint.

“At four and half years old, he had open heart surgery for, that time a rare heart condition, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.”

Mr Turney said Brad was “forever thankful” to the medical staff who had worked so hard to help him.

“Brad was six when his sister Alicia came along, he just held her, loved her and even carried her to the car,” he said. “Then at nine, along came our Chantelle, our midget. That’s what he called her and its stuck ever since.

“He always protected Chantelle. She is our special one, he would never let any harm come to her or anyone tease her.”

Mr Turney recounted how some children had bullied Chantelle by tying her shoelaces together and she fell of the bus, but Brad scooped her up and carried her home.

Bradley Alan Turney with his partner Ashlie. Picture Dwyer Family Funerals/Facebook

“Our three children became thick as thieves, outvoting us parents on many occasions,” he said. “The girls being younger were guided by their ringleader older brother.”

Mr Turney said Brad had been surrounded by family and friends who have been “rock” for the Turneys in this tragic time.

He also spoke of his son’s passion for rugby league.

Brad’s five children meant the world to him, Mr Turney said, and he was incredibly proud of them all.

“We are so very proud of Brad, and we always told him,” Mr Turney said.

“You are loved so much son, you will never be forgotten.”

Brad met Ashlie Rogers in 2011, and she would become his partner and mother to two girls.

A friend of the family read out Ms Roger’s eulogy to the funeral.

Bradley Alan Turney pictured with family and friends. Picture: Dwyer Family Funerals/Facebook

“The months went by and we fell in love hard,” Ms Rogers had written.

“We shuffled between homes and spent as much time together as we could.”

Ms Rogers wrote how their family became strong over the following years with the birth of their two girls and they always worked hard to make time for Brad’s first three children.

She wrote that in 2020, they found a “dream block to fit a dream home”.

Brad Turney with his partner Ashlie. Picture Dwyer Family Funerals/Facebook

“Every chance we have had, we have spent down there whether it’s camping out, or a working bee or just down on our land riding bikes or scooters,” Ms Rogers wrote.

“This year was going to be the year we would finally make our dream a reality.

“Bradley this is still going to be your forever home. I promise I will work hard to bring your dream to life and make it everything you wish for.

“I promise to continue to love your boys as if they are my own ... your memory will live on through your boys, our girls and I and everyone I love will know exactly who you are.”

Ms Rogers said 2022 was meant to be their year and now she is taking it one day at a time.

“I love you so much and I still need you to come live this life with me,” she wrote.

His family have asked community members to make donations to HeartKids in his honour.

A GoFundMe page was also started by one of Brad’s friends, Josh Gill, to help support his family.