The Authors

Richard W. Turner Sr. (1924–2004) was a World War II veteran, decorated pilot, artist, author, and devoted husband and father whose life was marked by service, creativity, humility, and deep faith. Born in Johnson City, New York, Turner answered the call of duty, serving with distinction in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater. As a pilot, he flew 72½ missions over the treacherous Himalayan supply route known as “The Hump,” an experience that shaped his character and perspective for the rest of his life.

After the war, Turner became a leader in the Boy Scouts of America, raised a family, was active in his church, and enjoyed painting, nature, and whittling woodcarvings. He shared 56 years with the love of his life, Caroline, and began writing in his later years to reflect on his life’s most defining moments.

Erik R. Larson is a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Strategic Advisor who helps turn complex ideas into scalable systems that drive measurable business value. His passion comes from a diverse background spanning education, software development, cloud architecture, and private equity tech transformation, where he has participated in hundreds of successful transactions.

(Not the historian Erik Larson, whose book Isaac’s Storm is about the same Galveston Island where this one happens to live.)

Erik is the author of Be Do Give Love, a father-daughter memoir shaped by a winter funeral, a spring reboot, and a summer of road trips and reflection. Through four simple words and multi-generational stories of loss, legacy, and laughter, Erik and his daughter, Maddie, rediscover timeless truths and encourage audiences to align their identity and actions to make a lasting impact.