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Norbert Cote
Norbert Cote Obituary
February 1929 – February 2026
Norbert Cote of Terrace, British Columbia, passed peacefully in the presence of family on February 7, 2026, weeks short of his 97th birthday. Diagnosed with terminal cancer four months earlier, he met the end of his life with quiet strength and grace, having previously defied the odds by living 22 years after surgeons removed a once?inoperable gallbladder tumor. He is survived by his children Cory (Yvonne) and Claire; granddaughters Erin and Kelley (Aaron); his brother Richard; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Born into a large Catholic family of French and French?Canadian heritage as the fourth of eight children, Norbert's 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 responsibilities at school when teachers joined the Armed Forces. Following his brother Maurice to Vancouver, he worked in the chemistry department at the University of British Columbia, distributing supplies to students, and later made donuts at the Aristocratic Restaurant on Granville and Broadway. He returned to Terrace to work in the lumber industry, then pursued further education, completing a demanding night?school program in the mid?1960s to earn his Certified General Accountant designation. His professional career included positions with MacMillan Bloedel and leading insurance firms in Vancouver; he took pride in his work and received a 50?year service award from his professional association.
In 1957, Norbert met Wilhelmina ("Willi") Leenders, who had recently arrived from the Netherlands. They married the following November and shared a devoted partnership of 57 years until Willi's death in 2017. Their life together centered on work, church, raising two children, and a wide circle of family and friends. In spring 1973, Norbert moved the family to Tsawwassen-partly inspired by a broken ankle after slipping off a snowy Terrace roof-and together he and Willi lived in seven homes, building enduring friendships and a strong community network.
Norbert's creativity and love of art were lifelong. His home displayed works by Canadian artists and he pursued his own artistic projects, including a red poppy painting shown at the Tsawwassen community art fair when he was in his 90s. He and Willi were active with Terrace Little Theatre-where he earned a Best Supporting Actor award-and later he continued acting and worked as a theatre makeup artist in Vancouver. He was an avid knitter, producing many toques and scarves for family and charity, and a devoted gardener who cultivated vegetable plots, fruit trees, and flowers well into his later years. After condominium living, he gardened in the Tsawwassen Earthwise community plot, then on a friend's farm in Abbotsford, and finally tended a small shared plot with his daughter Claire.
Known for composure, patience, thoughtfulness, and a generous spirit, Norbert never forgot a birthday, kept close to family and friends, and was active for decades at Sacred Heart Parish. In retirement, he volunteered extensively with the Canadian Cancer Society, driving patients to treatments, assisted the Vancouver Film Festival, and served at the Delta Police Community Office, greeting the public and registering non?urgent concerns.
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 [email protected]
Norbert Cote of Terrace, British Columbia, passed peacefully in the presence of family on February 7, 2026, weeks short of his 97th birthday. Diagnosed with terminal cancer four months earlier, he met the end of his life with quiet strength and grace, having previously defied the odds by living 22 years after surgeons removed a once?inoperable gallbladder tumor. He is survived by his children Cory (Yvonne) and Claire; granddaughters Erin and Kelley (Aaron); his brother Richard; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Born into a large Catholic family of French and French?Canadian heritage as the fourth of eight children, Norbert's 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 responsibilities at school when teachers joined the Armed Forces. Following his brother Maurice to Vancouver, he worked in the chemistry department at the University of British Columbia, distributing supplies to students, and later made donuts at the Aristocratic Restaurant on Granville and Broadway. He returned to Terrace to work in the lumber industry, then pursued further education, completing a demanding night?school program in the mid?1960s to earn his Certified General Accountant designation. His professional career included positions with MacMillan Bloedel and leading insurance firms in Vancouver; he took pride in his work and received a 50?year service award from his professional association.
In 1957, Norbert met Wilhelmina ("Willi") Leenders, who had recently arrived from the Netherlands. They married the following November and shared a devoted partnership of 57 years until Willi's death in 2017. Their life together centered on work, church, raising two children, and a wide circle of family and friends. In spring 1973, Norbert moved the family to Tsawwassen-partly inspired by a broken ankle after slipping off a snowy Terrace roof-and together he and Willi lived in seven homes, building enduring friendships and a strong community network.
Norbert's creativity and love of art were lifelong. His home displayed works by Canadian artists and he pursued his own artistic projects, including a red poppy painting shown at the Tsawwassen community art fair when he was in his 90s. He and Willi were active with Terrace Little Theatre-where he earned a Best Supporting Actor award-and later he continued acting and worked as a theatre makeup artist in Vancouver. He was an avid knitter, producing many toques and scarves for family and charity, and a devoted gardener who cultivated vegetable plots, fruit trees, and flowers well into his later years. After condominium living, he gardened in the Tsawwassen Earthwise community plot, then on a friend's farm in Abbotsford, and finally tended a small shared plot with his daughter Claire.
Known for composure, patience, thoughtfulness, and a generous spirit, Norbert never forgot a birthday, kept close to family and friends, and was active for decades at Sacred Heart Parish. In retirement, he volunteered extensively with the Canadian Cancer Society, driving patients to treatments, assisted the Vancouver Film Festival, and served at the Delta Police Community Office, greeting the public and registering non?urgent concerns.
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 [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Delta Optimist from Feb. 19 to Mar. 21, 2026.
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