NORMAN MCKAY

NORMAN MCKAY obituary

NORMAN MCKAY

NORMAN MCKAY Obituary

Published by Saskatoon StarPhoenix from Apr. 25 to Apr. 27, 2013.
Norman Wilfred McKay
November 2, 1918 - April 21, 2013
94 years, 5 months & 19 days young
Norman had faults, our mother Ruby disregarded them all and he flourished. Norman was born in Vancouver in the last week of World War I on November 2, 1918. He was raised on the family homestead north of Rosetown and the family outwitted the depression. In 1927 the family clan moved to Saskatoon expressly to attend Mayfair School. In 1937 Norm began working at Speer's Seed Company. He married Ruby Martinson on New Year's Eve 1941. This was a union of Scotchmen from Rosetown and Norwegians from Saskatchewan Landing. Together they had 2 sons, Doug and James.
Norman was a dutiful warrior and was quietly proud of his years as an RCAF member of 163 squadron in World War II. He was an officer in 406 squadron reserve from 1948 - 1964 and is a current member of 602 Wing. It was here, at the red airplane, that Ruby and Norman danced every New Year's Eve with Sara Ackerman and a bevy of airforce friends for 20 years. Norm always looked to the light and was nearly devoid of anger. He gently touched all challenges that met him. You would always find him telling a story, whistling or singing. He was an avid reader and was curious of how things came to be. He was ever the farmer, gardener and remained a dreamer. He was in search of ways to stand the test of time, making health, Shiatsu Massage and nutrition a priority in hopes to outlive us all.
Norm was not much for vacations but many years found him travelling north to Hatchet Lake FN @ Wollaston Lake and Jim finally got him to relax and fish. He has many Dene Friends. He loved to work along side his boys, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was a father to many. He lost his wife Ruby, and his second wife Marge, his brothers John, Wilson and Boyd, and sister Jessie Hamre (Vancouver), and a host of friends during the war years but forever retained a sense of humour. He remains hope filled about his son's Doug and James, his grandchildren Marcie, Jeremy, Jason, Jordan, Jerrick and Emily, and great grandchildren Chayce, Matteo, Quinn, Kynlie, Kingston, Jersey; his daughters-in-law Patti, Angie, Krissy and Crystal, and sons-in-law Ken and Todd. Norm's father Lorne had 11 siblings from the Miramichi and his mother Elizabeth had 5 siblings from Lanark, ON.
The Wilson's of Harris and CBC Radio continue the land legacy of his beloved prairie. He retains a special place in his being for all the cousins from Canada to Mexico and those family members still farming, Darlene Hartness, Connie Nickle, Mark McKay, and Don Draper, and all the relations.
Norm maintained a longterm relationship with Universal Realty, Tom and Burnell, and the Farmer's Market. 1953 Chevrolets and Henry J's. Norm's passions were horses, dogs, chickens, any machinery, seeds, tools, books, his bible, people friendships, LeeValley tools, buck knives, felling trees, long hours of work, wit and appetite, co-ops and wheat boards. He rejected sugar, white flour, big pharmacy and any type of tax money waste. He quietly voted for Tommy Douglas, the CCF/NDP for 71 years. Co-op number 5995. Our family is far from gentle but he is an inspiration to everyone to heal and endure.
For his last 12 days of life, as his lungs failed him, his home was St. Paul's Hospital, where the doctors, nurses, residents and support staff gave him every advantage to live another day. As a man of faith, he was not afraid to go home, and after 31 years, dance with his beloved Ruby once again.
Please join us in celebrating Norm's long wonderful life on May 5 from 12:00 - 7:00 at the RCAF Lynx Wing (red airplane), 2407 Ave C North. There will also be a second memorial to honor Norman's long standing relationship with his faith community at Elim Church 419 Slimmon Road on April 30 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to John Martens, Martens Funeral Home 306-934-4888.
*PS: All will miss you now and forever. Storm'n Norm'n was the common man, the common spouse, the common worker, the common Canadian. A flatlander always. He was so common he was extraordinary in a common fashion. And much like Chuck Sebestyen, a mentor to this family, these two men possessed the common touch but in very different venues.
Special friends, Peggy Strachen of Thetis Island and David and Pauline of Wollaston Lake.
"To you from failing hands we throw the torch ... "
Thanks to Chief Navigator, Sue, Deb, Dave, Pastor Bob, Father Bob, UKI Sugomota, Mary Denechezhe, Ormond McKague, cousin Jerome and Gwen, Orion and Wava of Minnesotta, Marion and Walter, John and Ann, Karishwavee, Peter Lily and John Elander, for getting us through the week and years.
"lang may your lumb reek on other people's coal"
If your name did not appear; by the grace of Norman, please pencil yourself in.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign NORMAN MCKAY's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 4, 2014

Winston & Linda Nowlan posted to the memorial.

May 2, 2013

Mark & Laura McKay posted to the memorial.

May 1, 2013

Ann Brierley (McGregor) posted to the memorial.

26 Entries

Winston & Linda Nowlan

April 4, 2014

Only met with Norman & Marge a couple of times. A wonderful man & Brother in Christ ! My mother ( Jean Nowlan ) daughter of Ira McKay , Norman's uncle , from the Miramichi. Condolences from my Mom , and also from my wife (Linda ) & myself . Linda & I now live in RedDeer Ab.

Mark & Laura McKay

May 2, 2013

Our condolences in the passing of uncle Norm

Ann Brierley (McGregor)

May 1, 2013

There is a HUGE hug that I wish I could give to both of Ruby and Norm's boys...The time I spent with your Mom and Dad is time that will always be remembered and cherished, and the many stories and memories that they shared with me will always remain with me.Gentle,always whistling,reading, curious and above all the loyalty he had for his family was a strength of his character that no one can take away from him. Loved him dearly, and he always managed to put a smile on my face...and your Mom's!
XO Ann

May 1, 2013

Dear Doug and Jim,
Your dad was the sweetest, the best, the most charming and yes a storyteller ultimate! May he be riding all the fast horses in the skies and dancing the smooth dances with your lovely mother! You were blessed to have him for many years and some odd days, as was John...I was blessed to know him for some short years, but still it seemed like days forever; one never knows why a gentle spirit like Norm comes for a short time. Much love to you and your families, Margaret, Mackenzie and John

Cheryl, Rob Norgaard

April 30, 2013

Dear Jim , Doug and family
Rob and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to spend time with Norm and to have enjoyed his company and his stories....we cherish the memories....We hope that the love and support of your friends and family will be a comfort to you all....
With Love
Cheryl and Rob

April 29, 2013

Our sincere sympathys with fond remembrances of the days of 406 Reserve Squadron
S/L Bruce Parsons,(Ret.) Kelowna, B.C.
F/L Jack McIvor, (Ret.) Saskatoon, Sk.

Rex Badger

April 29, 2013

Jim & Doug. Sorry for the loss of your dad. Condolences from our family to your family.

D

April 28, 2013

Dear Jim,
I am so sorry to hear that you dad has passed away. I felt I met him through your stories. He seemed like a kind and gentle man. I know you loved him so very much. I wish I was there to help you through this painfully sad time.
Hugs!

Karen

April 28, 2013

Norm was a kind man who took great care of his boys. Skye will be glad to have his company in heaven.

Fred &Susan Hamre

April 28, 2013

We always will remember Uncle Norman for he was great fun....never a dull moment when he was a round.....We know you will miss him very deeply....Norman is there where there is no pain....oh what joy it is for him...praying for u all as u go through this difficult time.

Lorraine Khachatourians

April 28, 2013

Norm and Ruby were the first neighbours we met when we moved here and they, and then Norm were the best neighbours for almost 40 years. Norm was the block 'Grandpa' to all the kids who grew up here. We liked to talk about the gardens and check them out every year. A good life, well lived. Lorraine and George

Don Scott

April 28, 2013

Dear James and Doug,

I only met your Dad once. I know he was special and after reading his obituary I now know why.
I'm thinking of you in these difficult days.
Your friend and neighbor,

Don Scott

April 27, 2013

Dear Jim and Doug,
I only got to know Norm in the last few years, but what a lasting impression he made. I will miss his stories and hugs. You were truly blessed to have had your Dad for so many years. He will be missed by all.
Take care my friends,
Dianne

Bob & Lorraine Gunn

April 27, 2013

We will miss Norms stories, his firm grip in a hand shake or a grip on your knee. The stories, I'm sure Jim and Doug will be telling for a years to come. We will miss him.

April 27, 2013

I will remember Norm as his dentist of the last 30 years. Always with a smile and warm greeting. He was a man of character. I loved his wonderful remembrance in the Star Phoenix obviously written with great love. We will miss his beautiful smile in the dental office. Dr. Jim Wilson m

Loran & Barb McKay

April 26, 2013

Jim and Doug, your father was a wonderful man who had a wonderful life. Will miss his bear hug and stories. May your memories carry you through the coming weeks. Loran and Barb

Judy Magill

April 26, 2013

Norm had a truly wonderful life and was always so much fun to be around. I will always miss him, he was one of a few special people that you just think will be here forever, now he will live on forever in our hearts. Love to all he left behind.

Deb Walker

April 25, 2013

I will remember Norm as a wonderful grandpa, a caring father/father-in-law and a curious faithful man, enjoying each day of the journey. Rest well dear One. Peace & blessings to all.

Emily Mckay Hikwa

April 25, 2013

Grandpa
I miss you
I love you
I think about you being with Grandma Ruby
Say hi to her for me
Love you always and forever
Your baby girl
Emily

April 25, 2013

Doug I am so sorry to hear about your dad! I enjoyed our visits when he was out here ! Take care love Ladine

Jim and Angie Murdock

April 25, 2013

Dear Doug,
Jim and I are so sorry to learn of your father's death. He was an engaging character with a very spirited personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your brother at this time. We know your many happy memories and funny stories will keep him close.

ANN & Mike Michalycia

April 25, 2013

It's with Great respect We say till we see you again In GLORY We'll miss you NORM ANN & Mike Are PRAYERS and well wishes are with you Doug & Jim

Jerrick McKay Hikwa

April 25, 2013

Oh for gosh sakes !!!
Grandpa u shared so many stories and jokes
I love u
Jerrick

Lori and Albert Maione

April 25, 2013

Our sympathy to Doug and Jim. Your dad had a wonderful life, one he will always cherish. We are glad that we were a part of it. He was truly an amazing man, dad, grandpa, and friend. God bless.

Debra and Dennis Maione

April 25, 2013

Our deep condolences, Doug. It was a privilege to meet Norm on so many occasions and we know how much you will miss him. We knew him as an engaging and memorable person with a big heart. May the peace of Christ rest on you at this time of loss, remembrance, and gratitude for the long and full life your dad was able to share with you on earth. Debra and Dennis

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

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Not sure what to say?

April 4, 2014

Winston & Linda Nowlan posted to the memorial.

May 2, 2013

Mark & Laura McKay posted to the memorial.

May 1, 2013

Ann Brierley (McGregor) posted to the memorial.