March 1, 1926 – December 28, 2024
Passed away peacefully at the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, in his 99th year.
Beloved husband and best friend of Irene Whitney for 42 years.
Loving father of Marty (Karen), Murray (Patricia), Anne Locke (Karl) and Ellen Whitney. Proud Grandpa of John (Sabrina), Jacob (Anna), and Jared Whitney; Whitney (Nick) and Devon Locke.
Predeceased by his parents Edgar and Orma Whitney. Dear brother of Isobel Thompson (Robert), both predeceased, and Mary Barbara Johnson (Len), both predeceased. Norm will be missed by his nieces Dorthea Hangaard and Jane Thompson, and nephew Robert Thompson.
Lovingly remembered by Irene’s family Leanne McSorley (Peter), Alanna McSorley-Burke (Jeff), Ed McSorley (Chrissy) and Brad McSorley (Cathy). Poppy to Ashten (Nick), Shelby, Bailey (Mack), Braeden (Zoe), Garrett (Jayme), Justin, Bruce (Celine), Shannon (Carm), Katie (Marc), Katie (Patrick), and Jake (Silken). Great-Poppy to Chloe, Jacques, Ophelia, Josephine, Lennon, Grey, Brice, Bennett, Isabella, Autumn, Grace and Mila. Norm will be missed by the Laughlin family.
Norm joined the Navy at 18 years of age. He was stationed in Montreal where he became a lifelong “Habs” fan. His love of hockey was exhibited through many years of playing. Norm was a member of the Atherley United Church. He worked for Bell Canada for 25 years, then retired to the farm, raising Black Angus cattle, which he loved. Norm and Irene farmed until 2002, and then retired to the lake. Norm always looked forward to a week away with the boys at the Atherley Hunt Club. There was nothing Norm liked better than to get behind the wheel of the motorhome and take off across Canada, Alaska and the United States, spending winters in Texas for a few years.
Norm liked to be involved in the community, from being a member on the Mara School Board to various positions within the Township of Ramara, including two terms on Council. He was most proud of his 10 years on the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, with 3 years as Chairman.
The family extends sincere appreciation for the care and compassion provided by Dr. David and Sheila Collins; Dr. Devon Bhatt (Norm said he saved his life at least three times); Karen LoRusso, RMT, for helping keep Norm mobile for several years. Thank you to the many PSWs who looked after Norm (sometimes with a lot of laughter). Thanks to the Bayshore nurses, especially Christina. Thank you to Carol, who went above and beyond to help. Appreciation to Sarah Stevenson, RMT, who came to the house to help Norm. Thanks to our families for all their love and support.
Cremation has taken place and a service to celebrate Norm’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Norm may be made to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital through Simcoe Funeral Home, 38 James St. E., Orillia, 705-327-0221. Messages of condolence are welcome and can be left at www.simcoefuneralhome.ca