Frederick NORRIS

NORRIS Frederick Elford, passed away peacefully in his 94th year, September 18, 2003. Fred was born at home, across from Beacon Hill Park, 2 January 1910. He attended Beacon Hill, St. Michael's and Victoria High Schools, and Victoria College during his Craigdarroch Castle days. He completed his university education in the Commerce Faculty at McGill University, then returned to Victoria where he was employed as Office Manager with Vancouver Island Coach Lines from 1935-55, and with the Victoria Press from 1955 until his retirement in 1975. Fred and his wife, Mary, golfed, gardened and travelled together enjoying destinations such as Kenya, South Africa, China, Tunisia, Surinam and the Caribbean. Fred has a passion for punctuality, and for 27 years enjoyed his 7:17 to 8:03 walks in Mount Douglas Park with a devoted dog at his side. Fred was a proud fourth generation Victorian who exemplified a life of service to his community in a wide range of activities and organizations including the Oak Bay Kiwanis Club, Victoria Golf Club, Victoria Jaycees, the Municipality of Oak Bay, where he served as councillor from 1949-54 and Reeve from 1954-58, the St. Joseph's Hospital Board and the Southern Vancouver Island Hospital Society, where he served terms as chair of both. He was respected throughout the community for his integrity, common sense and 'can do' approach to problems. Frederick Norris Drive, near the University of Victoria, is named in his honour. Fred was predeceased by his elder daughter, Wendy, in 1977. He will be affectionately remembered as 'my Fred' by Mary, his wife of 67 years, and as 'Dad' and 'Granddaddy' by daughter, Judith (John) Anderson in North Saanich; grandchildren, Marie Anderson in Campbell River, Brian (Jill) Anderson in Vancouver, Lynne Anderson in Victoria, Sara (Stan) Collins in Brentwood Bay, William (Lise) Lowen in Toronto and David Lowen in Victoria; and great-grandchildren, Carmen and Todd Collins and Simon and Gabrielle Favreau-Lowen. The family would like to thank the many helping hands who enabled Fred to maintain a level of dignity and independence through his final weeks of life. At Fred's request there will be no service. Donations to Victoria Hospice, Red Cross, or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.