Richard Barth Turner

Richard Barth Turner of Casper, WY, passed away on April 29, 2026, at 68 years of age. Richard was born in Houston, TX, to Charles Turner and Joan Barth Turner on June 26, 1957. He graduated from Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in its second graduating class in 1975, and received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Houston.

Richard identified first as a musician, and second as a computer programmer. A Wyomingite of 30 years, he played throughout the state as Principal Bassoonist for the Wyoming Symphony. His exceptional musicianship touched every instrument he played, from the bassoon to the pennywhistle to the air synthesizer to the recorder – and his reed-making skills were unmatched! Throughout his life, he also performed with the Houston Grand Opera, Texas Opera Theater, and the Houston Pops; the Roanoke Symphony and Lynchburg Symphony in Virginia; and the Powder River Symphony and Black Hills Symphony Orchestra.

Richard’s first computer programming job was in Virginia, after which he worked for the State of Wyoming for more than two decades. There was no computer or mechanical doodad he couldn’t crack, and his 3D printer was the source of many timely and innovative designs (including instrument stands and mouth shields specially designed for flutists during the COVID-19 Pandemic).

Richard was a lifelong learner. He lived a life filled with passions that brought joy to him and those in his company. An avid cyclist, birder, and photographer, Richard could often be found in Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park. When not sneaking up on birds, he took a keen interest in re-walking the steps of the people who walked the land before him at gravesites along the Oregon Trail. Inspired by his father, he was licensed in ham radio, even operating under his father’s call sign W5OBA.

With the heart and soul of a teacher, Richard’s studio was home to many students, both in music and computer science. His open mind and genuine interest in listening was a source of humor, wisdom, and kindness for the lives that he touched. Richard’s mentorship could always shine a light to inspire new ideas and bring old ideas back to life. He never saw the world in black and white, and always thought outside the box.

Richard could often be found on Friday nights at Gruner Brothers Brewery, playing the pennywhistle in the Irish Session. On Sunday mornings, he was a trusted member of the Casper Unitarian Universalist Congregation and frequent player at churches throughout the community (he could always be trusted to play the folk service at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church). A true ally and advocate of social justice, Richard cared deeply for the value in every human and believed that all deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

Richard is survived by his sister, Jean Solomon; his partner, Sara Saulcy; his brother, John Turner; his eight nieces and nephews; and his two fur babies, Ada and Grace. A celebration of life and Irish jam session will be held on May 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park in the Cottonwood Pavilion. Memorial donations may be made to the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. 

Everywhere Richard went, he was loved. His high intelligence and quick sense of humor made him a fantastic conversationalist. His varied interests meant he could find common ground with just about anyone. Everyone who spent time with Richard was better for it; he was a light in this world. His impact will continue to be felt long after his passing.