June 19, 1948 – August 8, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin. Norm passed away unexpectedly at St. Boniface Hospital on August 8, 2022, after a heart attack. He was predeceased by his parents, Romeo and Bernice, brothers Romeo Jr., Robert and Lloyd, nephew Rodger, sisters in-law Rollande Murray and Valerie Payette, as well as father in-law Eugene Lavoie.
Norm will be dearly missed by his wife Ivy, his son, David (Leila), his sister Louise (Michael), brothers Louis and Donald(Maggie), sisters in-law Lynnette Bruneau and Cheryl Bruneau, stepchildren Stacey Rogers (Dustin), Kyle Rogers (Sheena) and Kevin Rogers, his granddaughter Anita, his grandchildren Cain, Jude, Gabriel, Gavin, Dylan, Nya and Scarlett, his mother in-law Hallie Lavoie, sister in-law Gail Nesbitt, brothers in-law Mark Lavoie (Evelyn) and Dwight Lavoie (Amberleah) in addition to numerous nieces and nephews plus other relatives and friends.
His love of fast cars became a lifelong adventure. What began was a hobby tinkering with cars on his father’s auto-wrecking business turned into a career as a mechanic. Atomic Energy of Canada (Pinawa) employed him during his apprenticeship at Red River College. Upon graduation in 1973, he started work for Worona’s garage in Lac du Bonnet before returning to AECL in 1978 as head mechanic until retirement in 1998.
He approached every car needing his expertise with that same dedication of doing it right. He truly was a master of his trade and will be sorely missed by all who depended on him for that knowledge.
Over the years, Norm owned many cars. The only one that stood the test of time is his cherished 1969 Nova SS that he purchased in 1970. From street to dragstrip to car show, this car has always been there.
In 1974, Norm married Lori Gretsinger and 3 years later, their son David was born. The marriage ended in 2006 when they both decided there was a better life waiting for them. He didn’t have to wait long as his forever love, Ivy Rogers, came into his life. Ivy renewed his passion for travel and, together, they travelled to locations all over the USA and Mexico. He also jumped at the opportunity to travel with his son, driving to both coasts to bond with their Subaru SVX family.
Norm had many talents. He had a way with children and animals that instantly created a bond between them. He was resourceful and always successful resolving challenges in his own way.
On his farm, he raised dogs, cats, cattle, bison, pigs and even a pet skunk.
He was involved in many sports and hobbies including baseball, broomball, golf, fishing, hunting, racing, snowmobiling and hockey. The latter provided him the opportunity in 1989 to tour Europe and play in several countries.
Norm was a man of few words, but when he spoke it was always kind, respectful, honest, selfless and many times, very funny. He humbly viewed life as something to be fully enjoyed every day, free of conflict and negativity. He was dedicated to his trade and became the most knowledgeable mechanic for miles around. He was very much admired and respected for that.
Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Notre Dame du Lac Roman Catholic Church, in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. Masks are strongly recommended. Interment at the Lac du Bonnet Cemetery with luncheon to follow in the church basement.
Donations can be made in Norman’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada; 1200-2300 Yonge St, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P1E4.
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JoAnn Stefaniuk
I’m very saddened to hear this news. My deepest condolences to all the family on your loss.
Robert Loewen
To Ivy and the rest of the family – So sorry for your loss.
We got to know Norm through racing sleds at his place.
Always enjoyed visiting with Norm whenever I stopped in.
He will be missed.
Robert, Betty, Kieran Loewen
FLORENCE BRUNEAU
As a Bruneau, I’m sending condolences to the family.
Tracey Duchinski and family
I am so sorry for your loss
Prayers and lots of love for u and your family
Janet Bunbuc
George and I are so saddened to hear this. Our love and prayers go out to Ivy and all of the family.
Elizabeth Rose
So very sorry. My thoughts and prayers with you, Ivy and your family.
Nick Reimann
I got to meet Norm the first time at AECL. He was the whole reason I got into the automotive industry. I learned so much from him. He was a great role model for me. Was looking back at some pictures of us back then after hearing this and am saddened beyond belief. He will be greatly missed.
Joyce Dreger
Ivy and family
Heartfelt Sympathy to all
Janice Hoffman
My condolences to you Ivy and to the Bruneau and Lavoie families on your sudden loss. Norman was one of the first guys I met when Ron and I were dating 50+ years ago, and Yes, there was a lot of car talk, car fixing, car races, etc., in our world in those days. But, good times. He will be missed! Sincerely,
Janice Hoffman
Theresa Solomon Zabolotny
Dear Ivy and Family:
With my deepest sympathy for you and your family members who are experiencing this unexpected loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
Norman was a wonderful and loyal person to everyone who knew him.
Love
Theresa and David Zabolotny
Joyce Simcoe
Sorry to hear of Norman’s passing.
Condolences to Ivy and David and the Bruneau and Lavoie families.
Jackie Hodge
Sorry to hear this condolences to the family
Cliff Zarecki
I was shocked to hear of Norm’s passing. Norm, together with his brother Don and I spent many hours flying North fishing and cabin building. We had many great times together. Norm was a phenomenal mechanic and could fix anything. His skills were often called upon when a generator or outboard motor broke down while we were on a fishing trip up North.
Marilyn and I were so sorry when we heard the sad news. Our condolences to Ivy, David and all of Norm’s family.
Donna Wagner
Ivy and families, my heart and love reaches out to you all. So so sorry for your loss of a wonderful man
Megan Eccleston
I didn’t know Norm well but he was one of my absolute favourite customers to help when I worked at the insurance agency in town. He was always so positive, light hearted, and interesting. I am so sorry to hear of Norm’s passing, I’m sending you all my prayers.
Harold Billan
Ivy, David and families – Debbie and I are so sorry for your sudden loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
I have such fond memories from the old days of cruising around LDB in Norm’s 69 Nova and the great times we had and in more recent times his repairing the old tractors and us just reminiscing. Norm was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace dear Norman.
Cliff and Gwen Veilleux
Sending condolences to you Ivy, and to the Bruneau and Lavoie families on the sudden passing of Norm. We were saddened to hear this news, as were many others who knew Norm. He will be forever remembered for his mechanical sklills and missed by his many friends met through his passion for cars and a variety of sports.
Tracy Zwarych
Sincere condolences to you on the loss of your father David.
My sympathies to your extended family as well. May you find comfort in one another in the coming days.
Tracy Zwarych (nee Hoffman)
Don Kjear
To Norm’s wife and Family,
It was a great shock to hear of Norm’s passing. I met Norm racing my snowmobile at his Farm. Norm was a great host. He always met you with a smile and a laugh. He will be remembered fondly, and be deeply missed.
Don KJEAR