It is with great sadness that we announce his passing, after a brief illness, on Thursday September 12, 2024 at the F.J. Davey Home in his 86 year.
He is predeceased by his loving wife Roberta Louise Cress (nee McLaughlin), his parents Cecil and Marguerite (nee O'Neil) Cress, his brother Jack Cress (Diane) and his sister Eileen Sweeney (Cress).
Norm is survived by his children Norman Cecil III (Christine), Daniel and Teresa. Cherished brother of Gail Sheppard (nee Cress). Norman was a grandfather to Rosie (Matt) and Melissa (Ryan) and his great grandchildren. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Norman Cress graduated Grade X in Sault Ste Marie and joined the Canadian Army under the Boy Soldier program and completed his grade 12 while with the military and trained as a sapper apprentice. His service commenced in September, 1954 till his honourable discharge on September 10, 1965. He was sent to CFB Chilliwack, Vedder Crossing to train as an engineer. He was part of the 2nd Intake of RCE and graduated on August 3, 1965.
His military record shows the following:
From April to June, 1957 he was training in Gagetown, NB. From Sept to December, 1957 he was posted to Churchill, MB. From January, 1958 to March, 1958 he was attached to the 2 RCHA, and moved to 18 Works Coy, RCE, MB from March to September of 58'. From there he was posted to 11 Works Coy, RCE in Vancouver and was there from September, 1958 to April, 1959. In February of 1959 he was promoted to Corporal. He was attached to Naden from April, 1959 to July, 1960. From there he was posted to Egypt as part of UNEF 1 and served there from July, 1960 to April, 1961. After his overseas tour he was posted back to 11 Works Coy in Vancouver where he served until his release. Norman was hired as part of the Public Service of Canada working as a draughtsman with the Dept of Transport.
He later worked for the newly created Canadian Pacific Airlines as a draughtsman where he travelled extensively working with CP Air to design their new facilities. He travelled to Japan, Tahiti, Argentina, Chile, Peru working on various projects.
He left CP Air and started two businesses in Chilliwack, BC in 1972 where he lived until 1986 when he moved back to Sault Ste Marie to be with his mother after the death of his father.
The family would like to extend a thank you to the F.J. Davey Home and their staff on Birch Lane 3 for their kind and caring attitude towards Norman through his tough times. We would also like to thank Dr. Perron for his care during his time with F.J. Davey Home.
As per Norm's wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. Arrangements are entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton and Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E, 705-759-2522). Memorial donations (payable by cheque or online) to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and tributes can be made and found at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Cress family.