NORMAN W. SUTHERLAND

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NORMAN W. SUTHERLAND Norman W. Sutherland, aged 76 years, has passed into the arms of his loving Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on November 17, 2007, with his niece Cookie by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, Eva and David, a sister Doris and brothers John and Edwin. Left to mourn is sister June and brother David of Edmonton, Ab., sister Gladys of Thunder Bay, Ont. and numerous nieces and nephews. Norm had warm memories of his childhood days of speedskating amongst the bulrushes on a frozen pond about a mile down the road from home. Every summer he and dad would be outside working long hours in the vegetable garden and tending to the flock of chickens, which would be running freely in their back yard. For seven years Norm worked for the transit system in Edmonton as a troubleshooter, maintaining diesel, propane, trolly and gas buses. He eventually moved to Winnipeg and worked faithfully for the Manitoba School Board for 25 years, first in caretaking and then in maintenance overlooking 92 schools. While working there he also worked extra long hours into the evening as a contract cleaner, eventually fulfilling his hope and dream of one day owning his very own piece of property and a place to call home, in St. Andrews. Norm battled alcoholism for over 30 years and won victory over it. He understood and felt compassion for others in their struggle to overcome this destructive behaviour. He had joined A.A. in the Centennial Division and encouraged others in their struggle to have a better life. His favorite saying was Never give up, always persevere . Everyone knew his love for his faithful furry friend, Lady, and all other neighbour dogs you could find at his kitchen door waiting for their daily soup bones and doggie treats, not to mention the handful of peppermints that would be thrown their way. Norm was so thankful for all the friends he met along the pathway of his life, Jerry, Bob and Ian, just to mention a few. He was blessed with good neighbours when help was needed, Andy, Peter and Frances, Alex and Marilyn, Michelle and Scott, and sweet Betty, known for her famous strawberry jam, all helped out when my uncle needed an extra hand. Thank you to Lorraine Dacombe for special assistance in caring for my uncle and Pastor Richard Soo for his many visits and encouraging words. A Celebration of Norm's life will take place at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 530 Donald Road, between Hwy. 8 and McPhillips at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 22 and at 11:00 a.m. on Friday November 23 also at the church with Fr. Richard Soo officiating. Lunch to follow at the church hall. Flowers are gratefully declined, donations in Norm's memory can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at the Selkirk General Hospital. Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28 Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2007