Norbert Cote

February 1929 – February 2026

Norbert Cote passed peacefully in the presence of family on February 7, 2026, just short of his 97th birthday. Diagnosed with terminal cancer four months earlier, he met the end of his life with quiet strength and grace. He had previously defied the odds by living 22 additional years after surgeons removed an initially inoperable gallbladder tumor. He is survived by his children, Cory (Yvonne) and Claire; his granddaughters, Erin and Kelley (Aaron); his brother, Richard; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Norbert was born in Terrace, BC into a large Catholic family of French and French-Canadian heritage as the fourth of eight children. His childhood spanned the hardships of the Great Depression and the upheaval of World War II. Too young to enlist, he nonetheless supported his community by assuming educational responsibilities at the local school when teachers joined the Armed Forces. After following his older brother Maurice to Vancouver, he worked in the chemistry department at the University of British Columbia, distributing chemical supplies to students, and later, he made doughnuts at the iconic Aristocratic Restaurant at Granville and Broadway. He returned to Terrace to work in the lumber industry. Determined to build a professional career, he completed a rigorous night-school program in the mid-1960s to earn his Certified General Accountant designation. His professional career included positions with MacMillan Bloedel and later with leading insurance firms in downtown Vancouver; he took great pride in his career and received a 50-year service award from his professional association.

In 1957, Norbert met Wilhelmina (Willi) Leenders, who had recently immigrated from the Netherlands. They married the following November and shared a devoted partnership of 57 years, until Willi's passing in 2017. Their life together revolved around work, church, raising their two children, and a wide circle of family and friends. Their life was often filled with laughter and fun. In spring of 1973, Norbert moved the family to sunny Tsawwassen--partly inspired by a broken ankle after slipping off a snowy Terrace roof. Tsawwassen soon became home and over the years, Norbert accommodated Willi's quest for the perfect house; they lived in seven different homes while building enduring friendships and a strong community network.

Norbert loved art and gardening and had great creativity. The walls of his home were filled with works by Canadian and other artists. Not content to simply admire art, he dabbled in artistic pursuits himself. In his 90s, he created a painting of a red poppy that was featured at the Tsawwassen community art fair. He and Willi were active in the Terrace Little Theatre, where he earned a Best Supporting Actor award. After moving to Vancouver, Norbert continued acting and contributed as a skilled makeup artist in theatre productions. He was also an avid knitter, producing many toques and scarves for family and charity. A lifelong gardener, he cultivated large vegetable plots and grew fruit trees and flowers. After he and Willi moved into a condo, he gardened at the Tsawwassen Earthwise community garden. When it closed, he arranged to garden at a friend's farm in Abbotsford. He loved it so much that he drove from Tsawwassen to Abbotsford and back even in the heat of summer, until he was ninety. Finally, he tended a small plot in Ladner as a shared project with Claire, where he passed on his experience and knowledge.

Norbert could be described as having the composure and patience attributed to saints. He was thoughtful, considerate, and relaxed in his manner. He enjoyed people and social gatherings. He was generous with his time and attention. He never forgot a birthday, always kept up on the lives of family and friends and was always willing to discuss any issue that was important to the people in his life. His decades-long involvement with Sacred Heart Parish reflected his love of community. During his retirement, he volunteered countless hours of service as a driver for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Vancouver Film Festival. He delivered patients to necessary treatments and film directors to glamorous events. He also volunteered at the Delta Police Community Office, where he greeted the public and registered non-urgent complaints and issues from community members, while collecting amusing stories.

He built a rich and full life, contributing his time, talents, and steady presence to his community, and loved ones.

His family extends heartfelt thanks to his caregivers and physicians, especially Dr. Sean Fay and Dr. Charles H. Scudamore, and to the compassionate staff at Irene Thomas Hospice for their care in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arts BC or the Heron Hospice Society of Delta.

Funeral service to be announced. For inquiries, contact norbertcotememorial@gmail.com