NORMAN TONSAKER

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NORMAN TONSAKER It is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Norman Tonsaker on January 1, 2008. Predeceased by his parents, Henry and Clara, his brothers, Ralph and Charlie and sisters, Lily and Edna and an infant son. He leaves to mourn Ivy (Emms), his beloved wife of 68 years; his daughters, Dolores (Henry) and Florence (Murray); his grandchildren, Bruce, Rick (Tammy), Kristine (Michael), Susan (Dave), Lisa (Alan), Lori (Blair), Michael, and Sean; his great-grandchildren, Jordan, Joshua, Jessie, Cameron, John-Michael, Samantha, Duncan, and David; many nieces and nephews and friends. Norman was born October 22, 1910, in Winnipeg. He was raised in Fish Lake, MB. He spoke only Norwegian until he attended the one-room school house, grades 1-8. He continued his grade 9 education by correspondence. He married Ivy on June 28, 1939. Norman and Ivy ran a small general store in Narcisse, MB, until 1940. They moved to McKenzie Island, ON, where Norman worked at McKenzie Gold Mine, Ore Lac Mine, and then at Dickenson Gold Mine in Balmertown, ON, until he retired in 1973. Norman and Ivy moved to Guelph, ON, in 1988 and enjoyed living with their daughter Florence and her family until 1995. Subsequently, they moved to Winnipeg, MB, and enjoyed the care and company of their daughter Dolores and her family, close relatives and lifelong friends. Norman had a passion for family, animals, a good laugh, crossword puzzles, wood working, a good game of Bus Ride, a fine rye and coke, and dancing with his gal(s). All his life, he had a memory like a steel trap and could do figures in his head faster than any calculator. At the age of 92, Norman and Ivy moved into Donwood Manor, where he was appreciated, enjoyed and lovingly cared for until his passing. As Ivy says, He was a good man, a good husband, and good to us. We will never find another man like our Norman. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Donwood Manor Auditorium, 171 Donwood Dr. Interment will be at Inwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Michael Bowes, Joshua Bowes, Blair Unsworth, Hal Tonsaker, Hank Giroux, and John Kennedy. Reverend Cathy Giroux officiating. Thank you to all the staff at Donwood Manor for their care, compassion, and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or Donwood Manor. Arrangements entrusted to MacKenzie Funeral Home of Stonewall.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2008