NORMAN PETER STAPON

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NORMAN PETER STAPON

With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of Norman Peter Stapon, who left us on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the age of 88.
He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Francis Staponavicius, and adoring wife, Gail (nee McDonald), whose memory he treasured every day.
Norm leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family. He was a cherished father to his five adult children and their partners: Grant and Elaine Stapon (Calgary, AB), Craig Stapon (Winnipeg, MB), April Stapon-Palahitski and Garry Palahitski (Winnipeg, MB), Mona and Brian Sali (Chemainus, BC), and Garth Stapon (Winnipeg, MB); as well as brother-in-law Myles and Anne McDonald (Kamloops, BC). Norm adored his grandchildren: Raeanna and Darren Sam (Edmonton, AB), Justin and Krystle Stapon (Winnipeg, MB), Lindsay and Brandon Jones (Calgary, AB), Brandon and Rachael Farr (Kelowna, BC), Ashley Sali (Kelowna, BC), Claire and Michael Minister (Toronto, ON), Kenneth Stapon (Toronto, ON), and Meredith Stapon (Toronto, ON). His love extended beyond his immediate family to his nephew Scott and Jaye McDonald (Vancouver, BC), niece Kelly and Mark Sieban (Kamloops, BC), and ten great-grandchildren, with another soon to arrive in November 2023.
Born on December 24, 1934, in Winnipeg, Norm was a first-generation Lithuanian-Canadian. He was introduced to the love of his life, Gail, during their time at Tec-Voc High School, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love and laughter.
Professionally, Norm's journey began as a lineman at MTS, and he retired as an executive at the age of 58. It was not career accomplishments that defined Norm; it was his unwavering passion for his community and the people within it. He served as a Winnipeg City Councillor from 1971 to 1981, and his efforts played a pivotal role in the development of the EK Concordia Pool, Terry Sawchuk Arena, and various recreational parks in Elmwood/East Kildonan. The City of Winnipeg honoured Norm by naming Stapon Rd. in recognition of his service.
Norm's love for sports was evident in his time as a football player for the St. Vital Bulldogs and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he earned the nickname "Stormin' Norman". He was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. His dedication to sports extended to coaching, where he mentored young athletes in hockey and football.
Norm was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in fishing, boating, skiing, and snowmobiling. He co-owned Thunderbird Lodge, a fly-in fishing resort in northern Manitoba, where lifelong friendships were forged. Norm's true sanctuary was his cherished cottage at Falcon Lake, a place that held endless memories for his children and friends.
While Norm enjoyed travelling far and wide, he felt most at home soaking in the warmth of a hot tub or gathered around a table, playing cards with his family. He was a member of a barbershop quartet and took pride in being a member of the Transcona Legion number 7, where he found much camaraderie.
As we bid farewell to Norm, respecting his wish for a simple goodbye, we invite you to consider donating to your local animal rescue, a cause that meant a lot to him.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 29, 2023