Oct 28, 1935 - Mar 29, 2018
With sad hearts we say good bye to the strongest man we have ever known.
On March 29th, 2018 Norman quietly parked his tractor, closed the gate behind him and now peacefully rests.
Born in Langley, October 28, 1935, Norman had met and married the love of his life Eleanor (nee Froom) on August 1st 1959. They worked side by side running the family dairy farm, VI-BAR Acres for 59 years. Raising four children; Gary (Andrea), Reg (Carrie), Sharlene and Yvonne. Grandchildren; Nicole, Derek, Racheal, Erin, Grayden and Summer and great grandchild Roxy.
Moving to the farm in March of 1960 as a dairy farmer, Dad spent hours milking his Ayrshire cows twice a day, selling the cows in 1996. Raising his beef cattle herd to the day, Dad never retired from farming, he was dedicated to his herd and his land on Nicomen Island for 58 years.
There was never a motor he couldn't fix, a calf he couldn't birth, a barn he couldn't build, Dad could do it all and he did it right the first time. Dad spend season after season driving his John Deere tractor, a signature of his on Nicomen Island.
As a younger man Dad loved to square dance with his beautiful wife, and enjoyed their scenic drives together, always stopping for a root beer. He loved to ride his horse Maxine, and play guitar, a cowboy at heart. Dad always made the time for his family, water skiing, ice hockey and target shooting were some of his favorites. He could always be found at the head of the kitchen table giving solid advice and opinions, with strong views and wit Dad gave from his heart.
Dad loved working with wood recognizing the beauty in a log at a glance, spending hours at his sawmill, enjoying the smell of the fresh cut cedar, sunshine and the rain.
Norman always a Farmer, an amazing provider, Husband, Dad, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, departed the way he lived his life, on his own terms, a legacy, he will be greatly missed and is greatly loved.
This poem is for you Dad. Close the Gate (For Dad)
For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head,
Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.
Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith transcended,
Put away your tools and sleep in peace, the fences have all been mended.
You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the sun,
Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done.
A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way,
The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day.
Your love of the soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine,
Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by the blessed rain one final time.
You always believed the earth would provide and always had somehow,
Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.
Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait,
Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.
Service will be held at Norman and Eleanor's Farm, Saturday May 5th at 1 pm.