He’s also a funny guy, overflowing with aphorisms, folk wisdom and quips that get people thinking beyond their immediate laughter. I had the fortune of sharing a meal recently with Turpen, a former Oklahoma attorney general, who talked about books, travel, family and his political and legal careers.
These days, much of his time is spent on fundraising and co-hosting the local television program “Flash Point.”
We also spoke, albeit briefly, about his new book, “Turpen Time: The Wit and Wisdom of Mike Turpen: 50 Shades of Life.” The book, published by an Oklahoma press, is a series of short chapters recounting episodes from his life; all are preceded by a pithy saying representative of the topic.
His life has been memorable. As he notes in the preface, Turpen has served a variety of roles over time.
“I’ve been a Tulsa World paperboy, a Colgate-Palmolive soap salesman, a Sears Santa Claus, a Steak Ale waiter, and a McKissick Products forklift operator,Oakley Pitboss,” he wrote. “I’ve also been a Muskogee Police Department legal adviser, a Muskogee County district attorney, attorney general of Oklahoma, and a Democratic candidate for governor of Oklahoma.”
Throughout it all, he’s operated by “ES, EM, ED,” a simple mantra encouraging himself and others to make the most of life by consciously experiencing “Every Second, Every Minute, Every Day.”
Some chapters in the book are amusing; others are poignant. Most successfully straddle the partisan line, while acknowledging that Turpen was a player in Democratic politics, particularly during the Clinton era.
President Bill Clinton himself penned a paean to Turpen that appears on the first page of the book: “I don’t know if I’ve met anybody who is more persistently, continuously upbeat and enthusiastic than Mike Turpen, especially when it comes to helping others. He’s a very good man and his life story is a very good read.”
Helping others
Given that predilection for helping others, it’s scant wonder that Turpen is using his book as the heart of a new fundraising campaign aimed at collecting $150,000 for Oklahoma City University’s Clara Luper Scholars endowed fund.
Turpen will tell stories from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zudhi Drive.
The event will be co-hosted by OCU President Robert Henry and Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director Bob Blackburn. Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner — plus roasting, toasting and tale-spinning.
Seating will be limited. Reservations may be made at www.okcu.edu/TurpenTime or by calling Catherine Williamson at 208-5402. Business casual attire is required.
Can’t make it to the event? Copies of Turpen’s book are available at MikeTurpen.tateauthor.com.
Whatever your politics, you’ll find something to make you smile, laugh or think. It’s worth reading.