Norm, 87, died peacefully at South Health
Campus Hospital in Calgary on January 18th
with his family by his side. He was born in
Hamilton, Ontario on July 22nd, 1936.
He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years
Beverley and his children Pat (Paul), Krista
(Sam) and Klym (Inna) and 7 grandchildren
Kyle, Josh, Tim, Jade, David, Julianna, and
Grace and 2 great grandchildren River and
Beau. Norm was predeceased by his son
Doug (Tracey), brother Paulie and Sister Elsie.
Norm was a lifelong learner and graduated
from Wheaton College with a master’s degree
in divinity and a bachelor’s degree from
McMaster University in gerontology. He had
a long career in the helping profession, first
as a teacher, then a missionary and a pastor,
and he retired as a staff trainer in Nursing
homes in the Niagara Region. During his time
as a missionary in Vietnam, he and first wife
were prisoners of war for 8 months. He spoke
across the country in many churches about
this experience, even appearing on the show
Front Page Challenge.
He belonged to the Okotoks Lions Club, the
Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 291- Okotoks)
and the Knights of Columbus at St. James Church.
In 2012, Norm and Bev moved to Okotoks to
fully participate in the lives of their younger
grandchildren. This brought such joy to Norm,
and he finally found some small people who
loved ice cream and treats as much as he
did! Norm leaves a legacy of love, storytelling,
jokes, and positivity. He was a man of faith
and gentleness who felt at home talking with
everyone. He loved his “Bevy” most of all and
truly was a “VIKING” to all he met even in his
time at Seton Age Care and in hospital.
A special thank you to all who visited
Norm this last year and Dr Hoggard for her
compassionate care in Okotoks, the Okotoks
Adult Day Program as well as the amazing
Home Care nurses in Okotoks and finally the
Palliative Care team at South Health Campus,
who gave him such dignity and comfort in
his last days. In lieu of flowers, we ask that
donations be made to the Sheep River Health
Trust in memory of Norm.
A funeral service will be held on Friday,
January 26th at 11am at St. James Church,
Okotoks with a reception to follow to celebrate
Norm’s life.
Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral
Home, Okotoks. Ph. 403-938-3111.
