(January 28, 1935 - May 7, 2020) - Norm passed away at the Sault Area Hospital at the age of 85 years old on Thursday, May 7, 2020.
Beloved husband of Sandra, father to Christy and Douglas (Alicia), and grandfather to Nora and Katy. The youngest of eight children, he is survived by his sister Beth Poste, his brother Malcolm Lyons (Joan) and his step-brother, Clayton Lafleur (Mara), and predeceased by his siblings Grant (Jessie), Ken (Leslie), Lois Shaver (James), Donald (Rhoda) and Carol Montgomery. He was also close to his brother-in-law Rod Stone, and his many nieces and nephews including Amanda Stortini (Gregg), Mathew Stone, Ann Deveen, Rose Hutter (Bruno) and Steve Poste (Linda).
Born and raised in Ottawa during the Great Depression, his mother died shortly after his birth, and he was raised by his dad, aunts, older sisters, and grandparents. He loved to tell stories from Ottawa about his aunt working for Coca Cola, hanging out with his brother Mac and catching the street car. His older brothers Grant, Ken, and Don served in WWII.
Norm’s first full time job at Agnew Surpass Shoe Store in Ottawa led to a long career in retail. He moved to Sault Ste Marie at a young age to manage Agnew Surpass, then worked at Virene’s Department Store. While living in the Soo, he met and married Sandra Stone, and they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October 2020. Norm and Sandra left the Soo for a few years for his career, but moved back in 1976 to manage Kwik Lumber and eventually to start up his own franchise Pictures Store in Station Mall.
Norm has been a member of the Sault North Rotary Club for 41 years as well as a past president and club historian. He has devoted the second half of his life to “service above self” through his involvement in activities such as the Duck Races, Youth Exchange programs, Fish dinners, online auctions and trip of the month. He has also served as the United Baptist Church’s treasurer for a couple decades. His faith in Jesus’ gracious love and the faith of the family is what has sustained them through difficult times, bringing them hope that this parting is not permanent, but a mere blip in eternity.
Norm had a great sense of humour and loved to get together with his pals Bill Kiteley, Wayne Lion, Harvey Moar, Ron Houghton, Moe Belsito and the late Kerry Coventry for a coffee or a Greyhound game. He loved puns, playing board and card games with family at the camp or after Sunday dinner in the winter. He shall be greatly missed.
Many thanks to those at SAH, Tenaris and Superior Heights for their support and kindness during this difficult time, and to pastor Gabriel Araba for his spiritual support.
Due to the COVID19 restrictions, a memorial service will take place sometime in the future.
Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to Sault Area Hospital Foundation, United Baptist Church, the Rotary Foundation or the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522). Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.