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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BUTT, Norman Russell - Peacefully at Ste-Anne's Veteran's Hospital. Cherished and devoted husband of 38 years to the late Lily (Franks), loving stepfather and grandfather to Donald (Derek and Mark), the late Flora (Lesley and Donna) and the late David (Melanie and Heather). Much loved uncle to Susan, David and Peter, Lynda, Steve, Arlene and Adele. Predeceased by sisters Pearl, Daisy and Mae, brother Bill, and nephews Ken, Alan and Les. There are many great- and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews proud to be related to Norman.
Norman was born on Argyle Avenue, Verdun, in the duplex built by his father whom he tragically lost at the very young age of 8. (The 1932 Vickers explosion) Norman went on to high school but before long , he left to join an apprentice program in the shops of the CNR. As a loyal employee and qualified machinist he remained with the railway for his entire working career until his retirement in 1986.
As with many young Verdun men, at the age of 18, Norman joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942 during WW ll where he served on the HMCS Sioux as an able seaman-qualified seaman Torpedoman in the D-Day invasion off the shores of France. He remained a reservist until the late 1950's.
Norman was a staunch supporter of the United Church, always lending a hand with exuberance and energy, helping to raise money for the church and helping others. He had a lifelong passion for sports and a special love of hockey and baseball. He coached baseball in Verdun and after the Montreal Expos retired their jerseys, Norman became a loyal Blue Jays fan. He enjoyed their 2021 effort. Norman coached the Verdun Canadiens hockey to four straight bantam league championship titles with 47 wins during the 1950s. During this time period and early 1960s Norman also acted as a local scout for the Montreal Canadiens. He was an unwavering fan of the Habs and had an encyclopedic memory of players' stats from the 40s to the present day and assessed the quality of each team every season. He had a penchant for the Sunday edition of the journal de Montreal in order to stay on top of what happened the previous Saturday night. The onset of the pandemic did not dampen his hockey spirit. He missed his hockey games and got tired of the reruns and team bubbles, but carried on with strength and hope for another better day. He was without visitors for a full three months starting mid March 2020 and suffered isolation when there were cases close by. It was hard but he managed the situation bravely, as per his character. Until he left us, his mind was sharp and curious about all things. Norman was a true gentleman and inspiration to all.
What a beautiful difference one single life has made.
Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful, dedicated staff of the Veteran's floors at Ste Anne's, namely: Marie Claude, dear Frank(Francois), Martine, Mercier, Madeleine, Louise, Leke, Annette, Anna, Raphny and others. Also a sincere thank you to Drs. Lavalee, Piche and Polson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Collins, Clarke, MacGillivray, White, 222 Autoroute 20, Pointe Claire H9S 3X6 on Friday, October 15. Visitation at 11:00 a.m., Chapel service at 12:00 p.m.
In Norman's memory, donations to Ste-Anne's Hospital Veteran's Committee, 305 Boul des Anciens- Combattants , Sainte Anne De Bellevue, QC H9X 1Y9 would be greatly appreciated. (The Montreal Gazette 09 Oct 2021)
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