Norman Gerard Dean passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2014, in Stettler at the age of 82 years.
Norm was born in St. Michael’s Hospital in Lethbridge on April 22, 1932 by cesarean section which was almost unheard of at the time.
Norm grew up in Macleod and he had one younger brother, Bob. They lived in an old house overlooking the Oldman River and the boys, along with their friends spent their days swimming, skating, riding horses and playing at the river.
Norm worked hard all his life from paper routes to driving a gas truck, taxi driver to working on a seismic crew, travelling all over Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Norm and Linda Martin started courting on April 22, 1956 and were married on July 27, 1957. After they were married they lived in High River, Three Hills, Rimbey, Gravelbourg, Sask., Central Butte, Sask., Grenfell, Sask. and Moosomin, Sask. In 1960 they moved to the Stettler area and settled down.
Norm was hired by the County of Stettler on Feb. 1, 1960 to be parts man/purchaser in the heavy duty equipment and school bus shop. He worked for the county for 35 years.
In 1960 Norm and Linda moved to their acreage at Warden. Norm was an active member of Christ-King Parish, spent time as a parish councilor and a term as chairman. He also took an active part in planning and organizing the Stettler summer games.
Norm loved to bowl and curl but most especially he loved to golf — anywhere, any time. He golfed 18 holes at Kananaskis in a snow storm and won a prize — everybody else had gone home. He had two holes in one — one on the Stettler course and one in Lacombe. On summer holidays the family traveled frantically from course to course so Norm and his brother-in-law, could get 18 holes in before dark. Some days they would golf sun rise to sunset. After retirement Norm took a term as president of the seniors golfers and spent many days “working” at the course.
Norm worked hard keeping up the grounds on the acreage and keeping the family home warm and comfortable. In 1984 a home renovation began and he hired a good friend to add an addition to the back of their house. The timing of the addition was perfect as their family began to grow once more and the first of his 12 grandchildren was born.
Norm loved to mow the lawn, roto till the gardens, putter in his garage and basement, and he never missed a walk with his dog. He also loved old cars, music and carpentry.
In 2010 their lives were changed. Norm fell and they found themselves packing up their home of 49 years and moving to town. Although his health was deteriorating they enjoyed their time together at their new home in Spruce Terrace. In 2012, Norm had to move to Pine Ridge and then on to Heritage House.
Norm lived a long, and happy life filled with love and friendship.
Norm leaves to remember him with much love his wife Linda of Stettler; his children Nancy (Denis) Roy, Martin (Bev) Dean, and Amanda (John) McLeod; and daughter-in-law Lee Dean; 12 grandchildren, Timothy Dean, Jennifer (JP) Bourque, Stuart McGathan, Andrew (Tania) McGathan, Patrick Roy, Jessica Roy, Staci Dean, Jessye Dean, Kiesha Dean, Sydney McLeod, Julia McLeod and Mia McLeod; one great granddaughter Hannah McGathan; his brother Bob (Vella) Dean; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many very dear friends.
Norm was predeceased by his parents Melville and Dolly, his son Bruce Dean and by an infant daughter and son as well as his half brothers and sisters Cliff Dean, Marg Stockton, Fred Dean and Evelyn McConkey.
A prayer vigil was held at the Christ-King Catholic Church on Friday, May 23, 2014, at 7 p.m. with the mass following in the church as well on Saturday, May 24, 2014, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Donatus Ihekwoaba as celebrant.
Norm was laid to rest in the Lake View Cemetery, Stettler and following this everyone gathered at the Parish Hall of the Christ-King Catholic Church for a time of fellowship and refreshments graciously prepared by members of the Stettler CWL.
As an expression of sympathy an in loving memory of Norm, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Society or to the Stettler Health Services Foundation — Heritage House Recreation Therapy in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 193 Stettler, TOC 2LO, who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. Phone 403-742-3315.
Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting www.brennenfuneralhome.com.