Norman MILLER

Norman (Stormin' Norm) Miller
June 24, 1931 - January 25, 2017
Norman, beloved husband of Lorraine, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2017 in the St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care Unit at the age of 85. He is loved and remembered by his children, Glenn Miller and Gayle (Murray) Bourget of Saskatoon; and beloved grandchild, Danielle Bourget. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brother, Lorne (Verla) Miller of Edmonton; sister, Beatrice (Stan) Gardiner of Rosetown; cousins, Clifford (Astrid) Miller, Grant (Connie) Miller, and Bob Richardt of Saskatoon; sisters-in-law, Ilene (Phillip) Miller of Calgary and Marlene (Allan) of Saskatoon; brother-in-law, Murray Baschak of Oregon; dear friends, Agid Isa (Zeena Toma) family of Saskatoon; a large number of cousins, nieces and nephews; a dedicated group of antique/memorabilia collectors and vendors he associated with, and so many great old and recent friends from his extended time in the community. Norman was predeceased by his parents, William and Gertrude; his sisters, Laura, Etta, Helen, and Margaret; and his brothers, Walter, Richard, Harold, Phillip, and Allan. Norman was born on the family farm in the Victor School District in 1931. He attended Victor school as a youngster, enjoyed the swimming hole at Beaver Creek, was a devout member of the Grasswood Baseball team, and worked alongside his siblings and parents on the farm. He celebrated life at the Beaver Creek Pavilion, dancing, and playing clarinet and sax with his brothers. He spent many wonderful times throughout life, hunting and fishing with his brothers, cousins and friends. He met Lorraine Baschak in 1955, married her in 1957, and took over the farm from his parents that same year. Together they managed a successful dairy operation, along with a Hereford beef herd a few years later, and expanded the land base. There, they raised their family, and he watched with pride as they matured and prospered. Following the dairy dispersal sale in 1976 and the beef dispersal after that, the farm focused on production of cereal grains, hay and straw. He also spent untold hours in the 1980s delivering feed to the horse folk at Marquis Downs, whom he befriended and socialized with daily. Many summers were spent attending auctions, where he laughed and joked so easily with the people he met, and had his fill of coffee and homemade pie. He lovingly worked the rest of his days on the farm, alongside his son Glenn, venturing finally into organic crops. Norm loved everything about the farm and nature. He was especially devoted to his family and was deeply involved in the life of his granddaughter, Danielle, whom he loved above all else in this world. In later years, his passion in life was his daily trips to the local restaurant, to bask in the friendship of the owners and the various characters he interacted with. He climbed on the swather and combines this fall for one last harvest, and took a walk to the former site of his beloved Beaver Creek swimming hole, which he cherished with all his heart. At this time, he also spent many hours parked in his van, watching nature and the deer he used to hunt in the pasture beside the 60 acre slough he had known so fondly all his life. He will be forever missed by family, friends and acquaintances. He wore his heart on his sleeve and his booming voice, heartfelt laughter, energetic joking, and enjoyable conversations will be always cherished. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Paul's Palliative Care Unit. A Funeral Service for Norman will be held on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home (east on 8th Street, first right past Briargate Road), with Reverend Arlene Reynolds officiating. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. Condolences may be emailed to the family at www.hillcrestmemorial.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Carley Brown.