Norman Elder

ELDER, Norman (Sam) July 17, 1939
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Norman on October 15th, 2003 in Toronto. Explorer, Olympian, Author, Cinemaphotographer and Collector. Beloved son of the late Robert and Margaret Elder. Beloved brother of Margaret Ann Cudney, Jim Elder and the late Marianne, John Elder and Pat. Uncle of Robert Leslie and Chris Cudney and Michael, Mark, Erin Elder, Elizabeth (Charalambous), Richard, Jim, Gary and Dan Elder. Great uncle of 14 loving nieces and nephews. Dear nephew of Helen Knights and beloved friend of Jeanne Byrne. Norman was a graduate of Upper Canada College and the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelors of Philosophy. He then studied Architecture at the University of Toronto. Norman was the Curator of the Norman Elder Museum, which included unusual artifacts that he collected from his many travels around the world. Norman was also President of the Canadian Chapter of the Explorers Club. His adventures included expeditions to Papua New Guinea, the Amazon, the Congo, the Arctic and most recently Madagascar. He was a Gold and Bronze medalist in the 1959 Pan-American Games and participated in the 1960 and 1968 Olympic Games in the Three Day Event with the Canadian Equestrian Team. He spent many happy times at 'Fort Torrance' in Muskoka where he was an avid water skier from early summer to late fall. He was a true gentleman with a kind nature and he captivated his family and friends with his animated story telling and wonderful sense of humour. He was very fond of all types of animals and nurtured many rare and exotic species within his home. Funeral service will be held at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A. W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East) on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. Donations may be made in memory of Norman to the Toronto Humane Society, 11 River Street, Toronto M5A 4C2.