NORMAN BRUCE EDIE

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NORMAN BRUCE EDIE Norman Bruce Edie, of Dugald, MB passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg, with his children Elaine, Barbara and Wayne at his bedside. He was 85. Born July 25, 1926 in St. Boniface Hospital and raised in Dugald, Norman descended from a long line of pioneers in the Springfield area, where he spent his life as a farmer, family man and active member of the local and provincial community. He is survived by his children Elaine (Wes) Froese, Allan (Linda DeWilde), Wayne (Lynn) and Barbara, and was predeceased by his daughter Grace (1988), as well as his wife Lois (1998). He is mourned by his special friend Lorraine Dubyna. Norman's surviving siblings are Verna Bailey, Lois (Lyall) Allison, Glen (Eunice) Edie, Ken (Susan) Edie. Norman is also survived by seven grandchildren, Erica, Ian, Chad, Kaitlyn, Taylor, Jessica and Kamryn; and several nieces and nephews. Graduating with a Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 1945, Norman loved the land and loved farming. He worked with his father (Bruce Edie) and three brothers on their dairy farm, until he and his wife Lois (married in 1955) ventured out on their own to establish a successful beef and grain farm. Together they raised five energetic children, in the huge brick house on Dugald Road, built in 1903 by Norman's grandfather, father and a Scottish brick mason. As an agricultural producer, Norman Edie served on several boards such as the Manitoba Cattle Producer's Association, The Carman Farm Business Management Group, Keystone Ag Producers, Manitoba Crop Insurance, and the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame. He received the Certificate of Merit, University of Manitoba for leadership and farming practices. He was named Manitoba Farmer of the Year in 1974. The legacy of the family farm has been passed on to Norman's son Wayne who continues as the fourth generation of Edie Farms. Norman's neighbours could always count on him to lend a helping hand, calling him the gentle giant . Amazingly, this was also the name he was given by his care givers in the nursing home where he spent his last year of life. Norman loved the water as much as the land, and spent years in the Canadian Naval Reserve, from 1947 to 1958, travelling to the Caribbean and Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East. He enjoyed travelling with his children in later years. He served many years as trustee for the Dugald United Church. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 6 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard, with a reception to follow. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Transcona Cemetery, Dugald Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 9Z9. Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstances but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters. Michael Josephson THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2011