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NORMAN ALLEN ZELMER
Date of Passing: Apr 26, 2019
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NORMAN ALLEN ZELMER
1930 - 2019
Norm was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Gwendolyn Pamela Zelmer (Seary), and never stopped missing her. Norm will be deeply missed by his two daughters, Catherine (Cathy) Proulx and Cynthia (Cindy) Morris and by Cathy's husband David and Cindy's husband Christopher.
Norm spent all but two years of his life in Winnipeg, the only place he ever thought of as home. After retiring from Schneiders, he worked a few years for Kipp Kelly. Both were places where Norm could do what he loved doing best - fix things, make them work better and keep them working. He was a remarkably talented fixer and builder. Neighbours often knocked on his door looking for help with one problem or another, and Norm was always able to lend assistance. The delight and willingness with which Norm undertook any project was evidence of his genuine love of helping out.
Norm was also a wonderful gardener. His devotion to his plants was evident on the many evenings he was outside covering them to protect them from frost before spring had really sprung and before Winnipeg's winter had hit too hard. Norm's love and care for plants extended to animals as well. There were always family pets, and each one - dog, cat, hamster or fish - was given Norm's loving and gentle attention for one reason or another at one time or another.
Since December, 1975, Norm was a devoted and proud member of AA. He loved the camaraderie of the group and was devoted to sobriety from his first visit. Norm was also a member of Grace Chapel. He was very close to Ron Hampton, Minister of the Chapel, and Robin Hampton (Zelmer), Norm's older brother's (Glen's) son-in-law and daughter.
Norm's last few years were very hard. Severe memory loss ripped away most of the things he enjoyed having done and the people he had loved. Norm's loss of physical strength - and he had had so much of that - was taken as well. Cathy and Cindy thank the dedicated staff of the River East Personal Care Home for all the care they provided while Norm was in residence there. They also express deep affection and great thanks to Rita Prevost who helped to keep Norm company and to care for him as he became less able to remember and to move. Speaking to Norm with Rita on the phone allowed Cathy and Cindy to give their dad back some of the wonderful things he had lost, if only for a few minutes.
Funeral services will not be held and, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Siloam Mission or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
Family and friends may sign a
Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca
Glen Lawn Funeral Home
204-982-7550
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2019
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I lived across the hall from Norm for a few weeks in 2008 at Seine River Retirement Residence. He admired the ceramic cat I had outside my door. When I moved away I left it with him and our mutual friend Vi told me he had it for many years. What a lovely man he was. Vi has kept me up to date over the years so our acquaintance never really ended. A blessing to have known him. I have a few pictures I’d love to share, taken during happier times. I’m saddened but feel certain he is in heaven where I know he wanted to be. - Posted by: Nancy Kast (Friend and neighbor ) on: May 04, 2019
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I recall Mr. Zelmer from the pharmacy in Southdale where I was a pharmacy technician several years ago. He was such a nice person, a very friendly gentleman, and a pleasure to talk to and to serve. I didn't see him too often, but considering it's been several years ago now and we dealt with thousands of customers, my being able to remember him from the crowd indicates the good impression he left on people. Rest in peace Mr. Zelmer. - Posted by: Bradley Pisiak (acquaintance) on: May 04, 2019
