We are sorry to share the sad news that Paul Jeff Royce, affectionately known as Turtle, passed away on February 5th. He was a cherished member of Strawberry’s Gates Crew for the last ten years, and will be missed.
Strawberrians may recognize Turtle from his longtime position at Gate 5 or, more recently, at the North Gate entrance to the Music Meadow—it was a very familiar Strawberry sight to see Turtle checking wristbands. Others may recognize Turtle from his longstanding Turtle Camp by Gate 5 at Strawberry, as well as at other festivals held at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
“Turtle passed in the afternoon on February 5th. He was guided by an absolutely magical sound bath by Kimberly Bass with her beautiful songs and crystal bowls. The Tibetan monks came later and chanted for his ease and grace passing over the rainbow bridge. Surrounded by loving friends, he went peacefully and with no pain. We are all tired and going to sleep for a week. We will be planning a celebration of life in the spring where we can meet outside and all laugh, cry, and tell our favorite Turtle stories. We will be setting up Turtle camp in its well known spot by Gate 5. Turtle lived his life in joy, celebration, and community, and I would like to keep that spirit alive for him. So let’s all grieve and also laugh and sing and dance and love and be kind and generous in the true spirit of our beloved Turtle man.”
— His loving friends, Robin Karlstedt & Walter Mentz
“Neil and I are both saddened to hear of Turtle’s passing, yet at the same time rejoicing to hear and know that he was surrounded by love, peace and tranquility. What a way to transcend, what an absolute blessing. Our deepest, sincere condolences go out to Turtle’s friends he considered family. Turtle reminded me so much of my late brother Jeff who was quadriplegic with Cerebral Palsy. No matter how hard day-to-day living was, confined in a body that was limited, you could always count on and receive the nicest greeting and biggest smile! We all saw Turtle slow down, start to struggle, go from barely walking with his cane (our Strawberry Merlin!) to relying on a wheelchair and extra help/caregivers, but through it all, until the end of his last chapter, he loved and lived his life to the fullest that he could, and that right there should give us all inspiration to do the same! Rest in peace and fly high Turtle, until we meet again someday. ”
— Neil & Traci Hermoso, Gates Crew Leaders
Our condolences go out to Turtle’s family and wide circle of friends.
