Inside the Life of Shelly and Dave Turin: Marriage, Family, and Gold Rush

Shelly Turin is the longtime wife of Dave Turin, civil engineer, gold miner, and star of Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine. Their relationship began as high school sweethearts at Sandy Union High School and has grown into a decades-long partnership grounded in faith, family, and commitment. While Dave built a career in construction, engineering, and later national television, Shelly maintained a steady presence—supporting their family life, raising three children, and contributing behind the scenes. This biography explores their journey as a couple, from early beginnings in Oregon to life as parents, grandparents, and public figures in the Gold Rush universe.

About Dave Turin

Dave Turin is a licensed civil engineer, professional contractor, and television personality best known for his appearances on the Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush series and its spinoff Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine. Born and raised in Oregon, Dave grew up in a large family with six siblings and worked alongside his father in the family-run rock quarry and construction business. This early exposure to heavy machinery, site development, and project management helped shape his future career in engineering and mining.

Before launching his professional career, Dave played two years of junior college football and then walked on to Oregon State University’s football team, demonstrating perseverance and discipline. He later transferred to Portland State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he returned to the family business and became a managing partner, overseeing large-scale construction and infrastructure projects.

Dave’s national recognition came when he joined the cast of Gold Rush, where his calm demeanor and problem-solving approach made him a fan favorite. He later starred in his own series, Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine, which focused on locating and reopening abandoned gold mines across the United States. Throughout his career in both construction and mining, Dave has been recognized for his leadership, integrity, and technical expertise.

How Dave and Shelly Met

Shelly Turin was born on February 27, 1959, in Oregon, United States. She attended Sandy Union High School, where she first met Dave Turin in 11th grade. In a birthday post for Shelly on February 27, 2024, Dave wrote, “I met you fifty years ago,” confirming that their relationship began around 1974 . A vintage photo Dave shared on Super Bowl Sunday 2022, showing him in his football uniform and Shelly in a cheerleading outfit, further reinforces this early connection. Dave captioned the image, “Shelly and I have always been a team,” reflecting the bond they formed during their formative years. After high school, Shelly pursued a nursing career, though most details about her professional background remain private.

Wedding

Shelly and Dave Turin were married on March 28, 1981, in a church wedding ceremony. A photo shared by Dave on social media shows the couple dressed in traditional attire—Shelly wore a classic white wedding gown with a lace-trimmed veil and carried a cascading bouquet, while Dave wore a white tuxedo with a boutonnière. The venue featured a wooden altar and religious icons, suggesting the ceremony took place in a Catholic or Christian church setting.

Children: Tony, Sara, and Jenny Turin

The Turins have three children—one son, Tony Turin, and two daughters, Sara and Jenny. Tony served in the U.S. Army for four years, during which he worked at Womack Army Medical Center. After completing his service, he earned a doctorate in Optometry along with an MBA. He and his wife Kim have two children—a son and a daughter—making Dave and Shelly proud grandparents. He has also participated in community and business events alongside Dave, sharing his experience as a veteran and entrepreneur. Dave has publicly expressed pride in Tony’s service and academic accomplishments through multiple social media posts.

Sara Turin, now Sara Peloquin, is an instructional coach and teacher at Portland Public Schools. She previously taught at Class Academy and the Oregon Child Development Coalition. She studied Early Childhood and Elementary Teaching at Western Oregon University and Portland State University. Sara is married and continues to be active in education and community work.

Jenny Turin, now Jenny Downing, resides in Eagle, Idaho, with her husband Zach Downing. The couple has two children—a son and a daughter. Jenny remains closely connected to the Turin family and frequently appears in family gatherings and milestone events.

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Dave has often expressed his love and pride for his daughters publicly. In an August 2018 post, he shared childhood photos of Sara and Jenny, fondly referring to them as “Daddy’s little girls” and celebrating the strong, compassionate women they have grown into.

Shelly Turin’s Role at Home and On Screen

Shelly Turin plays a central role in maintaining the family’s cohesion. She is actively involved in organizing family events, holiday celebrations, and milestone gatherings, reinforcing strong traditions and intergenerational bonds.

In addition to her role at home, Shelly appeared in a limited capacity on Gold Rush and Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine, where she was credited as a “Gold Room Operator,” assisting with gold cleanup and weighing during selected seasons. While her screen time was limited, her off-camera responsibilities were substantial. She helps coordinate family schedules, travel logistics, and supports Dave during mining operations and production breaks, ensuring continuity and support behind the scenes.