Elson Turner
Elson Turner Jr. nicknamed (“Butch}, was on three of the greatest cross country teams in the history of Bennett High School. By winning the three championships his teams received the “Columbia Cup” which gave them the distinction of being the outstanding cross country team in Buffalo Public High School competition during those three years. In a storied career at Bennett “Butch” was also on the track team for four years. He was the City 440 Yard Invitational Champion in both his junior and senior years attaining All High Status each year. (1964 and 1965).
After high school he was awarded a full track scholarship to Buffalo State College. However, he had always had a desire to travel all over the world. He joined the United States Air Force in 1966 and received an honorable discharge in 1973. After leaving the Air Force “Butch” worked at Mid Atlantic National Bank as an Assistant Branch Manager. He was also a Senior Analyst for the Hertz Corporation and an excellent cook. While working at Delaware North he turned his passion for food into a profession and opened the popular Elson’s Catering Service for many years. In 2013 he retired from the Delaware North Corporation.
Turner Jr. enjoyed listening to jazz, attending concerts and listening to sports on the radio. He was an avid reader and extremely cognizant of the events of the day. He was an outstanding speaker, had an infectious laugh and especially enjoyed gatherings with his family and friends.