Obituary of Michael Joseph Turk

Michael Joseph Turk, L.Ac., 81, died peacefully at his Chico home on Thursday, April 11 with his wife Charlotte Harkness at his side. Michael was born on September 29, 1942 to Joseph Turk and Lorraine Hoff Turk in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After growing up in West Allis, a suburb of Milwaukee where he attended St. Rita’s Catholic Elementary School and West Allis Central High School (Class of 1960), Michael attended DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, IL and graduated as an electronic technician before enlisting in the Navy in 1961. During his time in the Navy, Michael served on the USS Nathan Hale, a Polaris submarine, maintaining and repairing the submarine’s computers and working as a missile technician. A favorite memory of his service was the summer month he spent in the Mediterranean off the coast of Spain.

After his military service, Michael began his career working as an electronics engineer in the military and civilian industries while exploring most of the United States and parts of Canada. Michael first visited California in the mid-1960’s. His insatiable curiosity and several health issues led him to begin studying macrobiotics, medicinal and edible herbs and plants, and Asian massage to reduce pain and improve flexibility. During the early to mid-1970’s, Michael also lived briefly in Boston, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Palo Alto.

President Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972 sparked a renewed national interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — especially acupuncture — and in 1976, Michael moved to the San Diego area where he continued to work for various electronic companies while teaching Shiatsu massage and studying acupuncture and Chinese medicine. He earned his A.A. from Occidental Institute of Chinese Studies (1980) and a B.A. in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from California Acupuncture College (1983). In 1983, Michael passed the very challenging CA acupuncture exam, becoming one of the first licensed non-Asian practitioners of acupuncture and TMC in CA. After beginning his private practice as a licensed acupuncturist in San Diego County, Michael, a member of the Chico macrobiotic movement in the early 70’s, returned to Chico in 1985 and established the East West Health Center (EWHC), an alternative health clinic. He directed the Center for 25 years before semi-retiring in 2010 and fully retiring in 2020. He frequently traveled to the San Diego area to treat former patients and operated a small clinic in Lake Almanor for several years. Michael was an amazing healer and over the many years of his practice, he treated over 9,000 patients.

Michael was a highly respected leader and teacher in the international acupuncture and massage community, developing courses, presenting at professional conferences, and mentoring and inspiring countless men and women, many who now practice and use his methods. Considered a pioneer in the treatment of chronic pain and disability, he served on the California State Oriental Medical Association (CSOMA) and testified as an expert witness to the CA Acupuncture Board and the Little Hoover Commission. Passionate about his work and spreading his knowledge, Michael was a published author, including his book Pain's Healing Secret, countless journal articles, pamphlets, handbooks, and two peer-reviewed papers about Ancient China that he was especially proud of.

A single father of two, the multi-faceted Michael loved to travel, explore the outdoors, play games and cards, enjoy live theatre and concerts, and ride the fiercest roller coasters he could find. An avid reader, he collected a large amount of books, especially those related to Ancient China and archaeology. After the Camp Fire, Michael was deeply saddened by the loss of his extensive library including a number of rare editions. In 1994, he traveled to China with a small group from Chico and after his marriage to Charlotte in 2007, they enjoyed travel to many parts of the United States and countries in Europe including several trips to Eastern Europe. After his official retirement, Michael enjoyed having more time to research, write, and pursue new projects. He was a man of strong faith and never lost his passion for healing, the Chinese culture, and learning something new every day.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Turk, and his nephew Brian Turk. He is survived by his wife Charlotte, son Joe Turk, daughter Zara Quintana (Calvin), step-daughter Sarah Harkness, step-son Billy Harkness (Sara), seven grandchildren (Kyle, TJ, Katie, Cali, Zander, Liam, & Hazel), his niece Jean Turk Butenhoff of Delafield, WI, many cousins including Joanne Graham of Chico, and many step-nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be said for Michael on Friday, May 3, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Chico followed by interment at Chico Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Michael Turk to Passages Caregiver Resource Center, Enloe Hospice, Enloe Regional Cancer Center, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Brusie Funeral Home.