NORMAN (NORM) GILBERT HARVEY

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NORMAN (NORM) GILBERT HARVEY

July 4, 1925 – August 14, 2023

It is with heavy hearts we share that Norm died peacefully on August 14, at the age of 98, in his home at The Parkway Retirement Community in Winnipeg.

Norm was predeceased by his parents, Horace (Melville) and Birdie Harvey; wife of 72 years, Nora Harvey; brothers, Len and Les Harvey; sister Bernice Savoie; daughter Jill Harbicht; and grandson Mark McLean.

He is survived by his sister Lorraine (Lori Lewis); son Robert (Carol); son-in-law Steve Harbicht; daughters, Judy (Jeff) McLean, and Jane Wittstock; 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Norm grew up in and around the towns of Rivers, Cardale, and Newdale, in Manitoba. His formative years were during the great depression and many of those were spent on one of two farms. In 1943 he eagerly joined the army serving in the 5th Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment in Belgium and Holland, then the 14th Canadian Field Regiment in Holland, and then as part of the Occupation Force in Germany until April of 1946.

After the war, supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, he attended the University of Manitoba, graduating with a science degree and teaching certificate in 1951. While at university he met his wife-to-be, Nora Daly. They were married June 12, 1948, while Norm was completing his studies. He and Nora lived in Wellwood, Pilot Mound, Lynn Lake, and Souris during the early years of their marriage, where Norm worked as a teacher, principal, or school inspector. In 1966 they moved to Winnipeg where he served as a school inspector for the Fort Garry School Division, as Special Assistant to the Deputy Minister of Education, later as Director of Administration in the Department of Education, and for the last 14 years of his career, as the Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of School Trustees.

In retirement, Norm and Nora traveled the globe touring many countries including Europe, Sumatra, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and many places in Canada. Their cottage at Rock Lake was their summer retreat for over 50 years and where they hosted many memorable family gatherings.

Special thanks to the staff and wonderful friends at the Parkway, the homecare workers and nurses, and to Norm’s niece Gerry Daly, who supported Norm through his final years and months.

A graveside service for Norm will be held at the Pilot Mound Cemetery, on August 26, at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the Call-Inn’s Hotel in Pilot Mound.

If so desired, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.

204-925-1120

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 19, 2023