Obituary of Norris Frederick Newman
NEWMAN, Norris Frederick Oct 27, 1929 – June 13, 2021
The family of Norris Newman announce his peaceful passing after a long and courageous battle against many ailments. He left this world with his beloved wife of 68 years, Elaine, at his side. ‘Dad’ will be greatly missed by his children Jan (Mike), Dan, Don (Sara) and Jay (Eve), 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his eldest son Jim in 2014.
Norris retired from a long, successful career at General Motors, followed by several years contracting out his considerable manufacturing expertise in various locales throughout the US. While his intellect, integrity, compassion and work ethic formed the cornerstones of his professional life, he was most gratified in his role as a family man.
From humble beginnings as a farm boy who laboured from a young age to help provide for a large family, he retained his love for growing plants and caring for animals. We could always count on a bounty of fresh vegetables from our backyard garden every summer, with hoeing and harvesting usually ‘supervised’ by a canine sidekick.
Norris was an active parent as his family grew, spending much of his personal time coaching softball and hockey, providing driving lessons, tutoring math and introducing his children to the joys of Bridge, Hearts, Euchre and Cribbage – and was recently awarded that magical hand of ‘29’. He thoroughly enjoyed his afternoons playing bridge at the St. Catharines Seniors Bridge Club and made many special friends there over the years.
Raising 5 children is no easy feat, but Dad coached all 5 who found their unique paths to adulthood, partnership and parenthood. He reveled in the role of grandfather and great-grandfather, and was a favourite playmate because he still loved to get down on the ground and play silly games with the wee ones. It is a true tribute to him that all his grandchildren and great-children have specific and loving memories of times spent with him.
His children wish to acknowledge the love story that was lived by our parents. Norris and Elaine, married at 23 and 17 years old, and against predictions that their love was mismatched because of the age difference, defied the nay-sayers to demonstrate how love and determination can overcome all obstacles. At their late ages, our parents still referred to each other as ‘sweetheart’ and ‘best-friend’, and never lost the playfulness that keeps love alive.
In a parody of “All the Girls I’ve Loved Before”, Elaine and Norris were serenaded at their 50th wedding anniversary with a perfect summary of their love story – here’s a verse that says it all.
To you, the girl I’ve loved so long,
I dedicate this simple song,
To you my darling wife, we’ve shared a special life
To you the girl I’ve loved so long.
Rest in peace Dad and know that we’ll do our very best to take care of Mom.
If wished, donations can be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Update: We would like to announce that Norris' family will receive guests at a visitation to be held at George Darte Funeral Home on Sunday, August 8th, 2021 from 1:00-5:00pm.
No reservations are required to attend the visitation, wearing of a mask or face covering is still required, and guests will self-screen Covid questions before entering the funeral home.