Norman William Hill

HILL _ Norman William June 5, 1934 - November 30, 2006 After a long and valiant battle with cancer, and with his loving wife, Sharon, by his side, Norm passed away peacefully at home on November 30, 2006. Born and raised in Vancouver, he attended Franklin Elementary, Templeton Jr. High, and Lord Byng High School. In 1952, when school was over, he followed in the footsteps of his father and began his career with Murphy Stationery. Norm loved sports and as a young man he decided to step into the ring as an amateur boxer though his passion for boxing never faded, his family was happy when, in the late 50's, he made a switch to softball and played in the major men's softball league for Mount Pleasant at South Hill where he proved to be a pretty decent catcher. Never to sit still for too long, he and Sharon spent many happy hours on their boat, cruising around Howe Sound and when not out on the water, he could be found in his well stocked workshop building a variety of things, from boxes to furniture. He was lucky enough to be able to retire at 54, but knew he needed a hobby. Shortly after moving to Ladner, fate took its course as he drove out to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary. There as an instant connection with nature and he went back, almost everyday, volunteering much of his time over the last 17 years. He loved the time he spent with the birds and truly enjoyed the time he spent talking to all those who visited the sanctuary. He did whatever was needed, including filling over 500,000 bags of seeds so everyone could have an opportunity to feed the birds. The Delta Museum and Archives was another place where Norm often hung his hat, volunteering as the resident handyman. One quick call and he was there to fix or build whatever was required. A proud member of the Masonic Lodge, Southern Cross, since 1966, he was also a very active member of the Gizeh Shriners since 1972 where he took great pleasure riding in many parades as a member of the mini corp. He later joined the Quetzacoatle, Tyee Teocali, #90 as well as the Royal Order of Jesters Victoria Court. He served as an aide to the Potentate for several years. What made him happiest though, was when Sharon and he travelled on the Shriner's Care Cruiser with children who were in need of hospital treatment. Together, they help the kids and their families through a difficult time, often going with them on over night trips to the Shriners Hospital in Oregon. Norm will be sadly missed by his high school sweetheart and much loved bride of 51 years, Sharon, his children and their spouses, Doug and Pat, Joanne and Mark, and Jacqui and Brian, his beloved grandchildren, Trenton, Parker, Jennifer, Erica, Hillary, Lindsay, and Matt. Also, his adored sister Carole Cousin, her husband Bob, and his nieces and nephew. Goodbye to our husband, father, brother and friend, we will forever hold a special place in our hearts. The family would like to thank all those who helped to care for Norm during his illness, with special thanks to Dr. David Kason and his staff, Louise, Sandy, Pattie and Sophie, as well as Dr. Kevin Jasas and the chemo staff at Surrey Memorial. They would also like to thank the Delta Palliative Care Team, and the Delta Hospice, especially Dorothy, Linda and Chris. Also, to the many friends and neighbours; your love and support has helped us more than you know. A celebration of his life will be held at the Richmond Funeral Home on Saturday, December 9 at 11 AM, 8420 Cambie Road, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in Norm's honour, to the Gizeh Temple (directed to the transportation fund) so that the Care Cruiser can continue its work with the many sick children who need special care and transportation to and from hospital.