Alex Turnbull was considered to be one of the finest field lacrosse players of his time. Still actively competing until at least fifty-four years old, he was affectionately known to all as “Dad” or “Old Man” Turnbull. Alex was inducted as a charter member of the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1965.

Turnbull played on the New Westminster Salmonbellies from 1897 to 1909, winning six Minto Cups (1897-1900, 1908-09). Afterwards, he played intermittently with the Salmonbellies from 1909 until 1918.

One of the great highlights of his career occurred when he was selected to the Canadian lacrosse team travelling to London for the 1908 Olympic Games along with fellow Salmonbellies teammate George Rennie. There Turnbull helped the All-Canada lacrosse team win gold. He received first prize for top goal scoring during the Olympic lacrosse event despite the fact he was 45 years old at the time. Turnbull and Rennie stand as the first BC athletes to compete at the Olympic Games and also as the first BC athletes to win Olympic gold medals.

Turnball was also active in basketball, soccer, and trapshooting, and later coached lacrosse and basketball.