NORRIS, A. Michael H. Norris
of Qualicum Beach, BC • 1922-2013
Michael or “Mick” was born January 7th, 1922, in Hendon, London, England. Michael was a Flight Sergeant Navigator in the RAF during WW11, a Professional Civil Engineer as well as an accomplished Artist, a Draftsman, an Elder, a Freemason, Legionnaire, and dear father and friend. Michael met Grace in 1944 and they were married August 17, 1945.
The family lived and worked in England before sailing to Canada, arriving 1953. They resided in the Maritimes until 1968 when the family moved to Edmonton, AB. They raised three children: Linda, David, and Sheila. Michael and Grace retired and moved to Qualicum Beach in 1985. They were happily married for 61+ years until Grace’s passing in January 2007.
Michael designed, drew plans, and supervised the building of the family homes in the Maritimes and on Vancouver Island, a summer cottage in Alberta, as well as two sailboats. During his career with CMHC, he was Program Manager, and was responsible for building and infrastructure projects in the Maritimes and Northern Canada.
Michael loved swimming (earning swimming certificates from 2007-2010 and also entered the Qualicum Beach Mile Swim several times), horseback riding, and cycling. He loved nature and walks by the ocean. He liked to write, has written his wartime memoirs, and enjoyed entertaining others with his storytelling. He volunteered his time pursuing charitable work such as gathering shoes to send to Nicaragua and was instrumental in coordinating the donations to save the QB Heritage Forest. His other passions included music, singing, playing the piano (including playing for residents in a care facility), aircraft and flying, travel, and a fondness for ice cream!
Michael was well loved and will be dearly missed by Linda (Chuck), David (Celia), Sheila, Trevor (Kamla), Melanie (deceased), Devin (Shannon), Brynn (Keith), Hayley (Dylan), and great granddaughter Charlotte. He will be fondly remembered for his warmth, kindness, generosity, and integrity by family, friends, and relatives in Canada and overseas. Michael was a true gentleman, well respected, who loved God, family, friends and valued all life.
M.I.Z.P.A.H.
(May The Lord Watch Between Me and Thee While We Are Absent
One From Another)
On behalf of Michael, the family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Hawthorne Place, V.I.H.A. Home & Community Care, and Trillium Lodge for all their support.
A celebration of life memorial service for Michael was held at
St. Columba Presbyterian Church, Parksville on October 16th, 2013.
Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to any
worthy charity of your choice.