NORMAN WILLIAM CEPPETELLI

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NORMAN WILLIAM CEPPETELLI Suddenly, with his family at his side Norman William Ceppetelli peacefully passed away on May 31, 2009 in Winnipeg, MB at the Health Sciences Centre at the age of 75. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, June 8, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 114 Cree Road, Thompson, MB. Norman has been cremated and burial will take place at a later date in Kirkland Lake, ON. Lovingly remembered, Norman is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eleanor, his three sons, Dino (Ali) Ceppetelli, Gary (Karen) Ceppetelli and Donald Ceppetelli (Penny Rutherford); four grandchildren, Derek, Brett, Dean and Martina; two step-grandchildren, Jeff and Kevin; five brothers and sisters, Gene (Mary Joyce) Ceppetelli, Shirley (Michael) Ryan, Camillo (Lynda) Ceppetelli, Joyce (Wayne) Reynolds and Barbara Ceppetelli (Diego); two sisters-in-law, Florence Bortot and Norma (Mike) Gunsinger; 17 nieces and nephews, Lisa, Megan, Michael, Michael Shawn, Andrew, Martina, Gina, Craig, Bryan, Jessica, Justin, Peter, Larry, Ann, Danny, Tina and Ben. Norman is predeceased by his mother Inez, father Aurelio and stepmother Jenny. Norman was born March 22, 1934 in Copper Cliff, ON. In his youth he thrived in running and set numerous high school and provincial records. He was training for the 1952 Summer Olympics when an accident left him with a broken leg. As an adult, Norman was a contract development miner for Patrick Harrison, Redpath and McIntyre, developing mines throughout Canada. He started his career in 1949 at Inco in Sudbury, ON and at Kerr Addison in Virginatown, ON before settling in Thompson, MB in 1969. Norman was an accomplished miner who was involved in setting the North American Drifting Record for most footage in a 30-day period at the Pipe Lake Mine in Thompson, MB in 1961. He also was involved in setting the record for sinking the deepest single-hoist shaft (7,173 feet) in the Western Hemisphere at the Creighton No. 9 Shaft in Lively, ON in 1967. Norman ended his working career with Inco and retired in 1993. He was named Honourary King Miner in 1994. In his retirement Norman took up woodworking. A devout family man, he made numerous treasured pieces of furniture for his family, who were his main priority. Norman remained active and could be seen riding his bicycle in all kinds of weather. He was also an avid reader, focusing on the Second World War history. The family wishes to express their thanks to the compassionate staff at the Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface General Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to a charity of their choice. Boardman / Northland Funeral Home in care of arrangements phone 778-7982 Thompson.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2009