March 21, 1930 - December 23, 2021
Predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Helen, survived by 8 children, 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Norman was born in Liberty, SK on his grandfather's homestead; the commitment and hard work of the pioneers made a lasting impression and formed his character, and his memories of growing up in the Dirty Thirties were full of community and sharing, both laughter and hardship. He met Helen as a teenager home from university; they soon married and started a family, which necessitated a move to better job prospects.
In the mid-1950's they came to Alberni, where Norm worked as an electrician, moving on to plumbing, heating and eventually owning McLean & Higgins Mechanical Contracting, which is still in the family today. Norm was involved with many major construction projects in the valley, and built several houses, most memorably the Barn on Beaver Creek, a quonset-style house where they raised their growing family, and hosted many parties around the pool.
Unfortunately a stroke forced his early retirement from business but it didn't stop his love of working with his hands and being active. With Helen by his side he created a magnificent garden of flowers and berries, and continued the work at their retirement home on Mary Street.
Norm was an early supported of Mount Arrowsmith Ski Hill, and made several trips to other hills in BC, enjoyed getting our on the Hobie cat on Sproat Lake, and in later years spent most summer days with Helen at Mactush Creek Campsite, joining in any improvement project with enthusiasm. He valued skilled craftsmanship and was an exacting taskmaster, and you knew by his admiring eye and his, 'that's real good' comment you'd done well. He and Helen took many cruises all over North America, but his favourite vacation always was returning to the family farm to help bring in the harvest.
Norman and Helen will make their final journey together to the Wolff Family Cemetery in Liberty later in the spring. No service at this time. The family wishes to thank Dr. White and staff of West Coast General Hospital for their care of Dad in his final months.