NORM SENKIW

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NORM SENKIW

May 20, 1945 – November 15, 2025

Norm Senkiw, aged 80 years, of Steinbach, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach.

Norm is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandi Senkiw (nee Funk); one daughter, Andrea and Chris; Andrea's children Ana, Ben and Lola, and stepchildren Hannah and Jordan; one son, Steve and Lauren. He is also survived by four brothers: Lawrence and Lorna, Alvin, Wayne and Maria, and Dale; in-laws Rufus and Marti Derksen, Esther Gibson, and Curly and Erna Martens; and many nieces and nephews.

He was greeted by his parents, Peter and Pauline Senkiw, brother Bob, parents-in-law Peter and Rose Funk, and nephew Ryan who passed away in infancy.

Norm was born in Steinbach, on May 20, 1945, the second of six boys. He spent his early years helping out on the family farm in Sarto. As a young man he found himself entering the world of sales, a career that took him through most of his life. In between his many years of selling cars, he became the proud owner of Norm's Jewellery for a few years before he returned to the business of selling cars at various local dealerships. Not only did he love the world of sales, he also had a passion for owning a huge variety of vehicles which naturally included a few hot convertibles. Then just in the past few months he took on the task of restoring a 1985 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham, a project that thrilled him to no end. In addition, his creative talents spurred a brief career in painting until the idea of climbing ladders wasn't so appealing anymore.

An absolute favorite period in his life came when he joined the Grounds Crew at Quarry Oaks Golf Course. He loved everything about golf - from playing the game locally, to annual golf trips to Florida, to watching it on the screen, and to possessing a mountainous collection of golf balls. He especially loved the early morning grass-cutting at Quarry when he would be mesmerized by God's creation as the sun rose, and as deer and even the odd bear crossed his path.

As is often the case in an aging person's journey, various health issues arose in the last while which forced Norm to give up activities that he fiercely valued, one such being the champion of yard maintenance. Each blade of grass, each fallen leaf, each snowflake bowed to his impeccable care.

Bigger than life, Norm was a man who simply loved. Humor was his love language and he taught many not to take life so seriously. He loved to tell jokes, some hilarious, some not so much, but he loved to share them over and over again. He loved quirky expressions that didn't always make a whole lot of sense but amplified his joyful outlook. This joy shone through a thankful heart - gratitude for the good and pleasant things in life - wild mushrooms, pickled eggs, garlicky pickles - all of which he prepared with great enjoyment. Mostly he gave thanks for family - his children and grandchildren, his siblings, in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews, and cherished friends. Even more, he was ever so grateful to Jesus for His saving grace and Norm never hesitated to share that good news. Many times he declared that 1974 was the best year ever - this was the year he got engaged to Sandi, they were married, bought a house, and Norm accepted Christ as his personal Saviour.

Thank you to all who have supported the family through prayers, love and comforting words. Thank you also to Dr. Keeper and the staff of Bethesda Regional Health Centre and to Birchwood Funeral Chapel for their exceptional care.

Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of Norman Stephen Senkiw’s life will be held at a later date.

Vichnaya Pam'yat.

As published in The Carillon on Nov 27, 2025