Dean Turner

• Name — Dean Turner • Born — 6 January 1972 • Birthplace — Geelong, Victoria, Australia • Died — 21 August 2009 • Place of death — Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Instrument — Bass, vocals • Years Active — 1989–2009 • Associated Acts — Magic Dirt

Turner began playing the bass guitar in 1989 and in 1990 he formed Deer Bubbles with Adalita Srsen. In 1991 the pair, along with guitarist Daniel Herring, started a new band, briefly known as The Jim Jims. With the addition of drummer Adam Robertson, they became known as "Magic Dirt". Under the name Dean Dirt, Turner also produced recordings for a number of Australian bands, including two albums for theredsunband plus releases for Gersey and Sons Of The Sun. In the period up until his death, he was acting as the manager for Brisbane band Violent Soho.

Growing up in Geelong, Breamlea and Torquay with his parents, two brothers and two sisters. In the early 1980s Dean was racing BMX bikes, as well as riding dirt bikes. In the mid-1980s Dean turned to skateboarding and became quite popular at an indoor skatepark in Geelong. Turner subsequently married Linda Bosidis and in 2004 became a father. The birth of his daughter Charlie was followed by the birth of his second daughter Evie.

After Turner died, the band released a statement that partially detailed the circumstances of his condition:...For nine years, Dean battled an extremely rare form of soft tissue cancer called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans or (DFSP)... This cancer became life threatening after it began to metastasize and cause various fatal tumours... Being a very private man, Dean chose to fight the cancer in a quiet and dignified manner... [H]e displayed great courage and incredible stoicism... [And] above all else he had an unshakeable positive attitude throughout his long ordeal... [H]is composure and grace during this time will never be forgotten and is an inspiration to us all... Although Turner had been ill for some time, it was only in 2008 that the band began using a substitute bass player on tour. Turner is survived by two daughters.