We Remember
CROSS, Norman Edward Sr. (Norm)
March 7, 1938 — December 13, 2013
Surrounded by his loving family and close friends, Norm passed away with incredible courage and dignity on December 13, 2013 after an eight year battle with IPF (Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis). Last year Norm had selflessly volunteered to be a part of a medical trial to help gain more knowledge of this terminal illness for future patients. We would like to thank Dr. Douglas Rolf and Dr. Mark Clarke for their care, kindness and friendship.
Norm felt one of his greatest achievements was his family. He was proud of his four children and nine grandchildren. Survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Colleen, and their four children; Norman Jr (Berva), Wendy Cook (Shaun), Linda Berger (Joe) and Jodi Merckx (Axel) and ten grandchildren; Courtney, Kelsey, Cody, Dylan, Ryan, Sydney, Tyson, Taylor (predeceased), Axana and Athina; his brother Glen and sister Sandra, sister-in-law Charlleen Bolton and many nephews and niece. He is now in good company with his parents Grace and Russell Cross.
Norm was born in Toronto, Ontario and raised in Barrie. He enjoyed working part-time in his dad’s garage where his passion for cars was sparked. As a young adult he apprenticed to be an auto body repair man.
On New Year’s Eve of 1958 he met the love of his life, Colleen. They quickly started dating and married a year later. This was a busy time as they started their family of four children. Norm changed his career in 1966 to purchase his first business, Georgian Bay Appraisers. Also during this time Norm was a well-known face at the Barrie Speedway racing his 1970 Buick Skylark; car #22.
In 1974 they sold the business, packed up the family and travelled across Canada in their Winnabago, eventually falling in love with Kelowna where they settled. He managed Jacobson Auto Body for two years prior to founding Springfield Auto Body in 1976 until he sold it in 1990. Norm worked hard and took pride in his business.
After retiring in 1990, Norm and Colleen started traveling the world together. When not abroad, they enjoyed the Okanagan lifestyle and time with their grandchildren. Norm enjoyed early morning coffee with his buddies, riding his seadoo with friends, taking his family out on the boat, driving his antique cars, and relaxing on the beach.
Norm was known for his competitive drive, passion, and great sense of humor. He will be thought of and missed by all those who knew him. As Norm would say “stop and smell the roses”. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 4th 2014 at the Hotel Eldorado on Lakeshore Drive. For all those who would like to celebrate his life, please find your way to the Great Room which is located on the second floor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Norman Edward Cross to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 47 Squire Bakers Lane, Markham, On, L3P 3G8.
For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.
Service
2:00pm on Saturday, January 4th 2014
Location
Hotel Eldorado
Share with Others:
Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 47 Squire Bakers Lane, Markham, ON L3P 3G8
Service Information
Service Details
The service for CROSS, Norman Edward Sr. (Norm) is scheduled for 2:00pm on Saturday, January 4th 2014. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Hotel Eldorado
500 Cook Road kelowna, bc
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
My condolences to all the Familly and had the honor to spent time with Norm and it was always a pleasure to be in his company.
Kelowna won’t be the same
Daniel
We are thinking of you all at this time, sending you love and blessings.
Jeff and Sonya Thomlinson
Our condolence to the Cross Family. I have several memories of Uncle Norm growing up but mostly 1 memorable time when he raced. He made sure that I was a guest passenger at the Barrie Speedway one night and drove me around the track each time he won the race that night and dedicated the last race to me which he also won. Uncle Norm was one of the kindest people I had ever known and both my dad and I had several memorable conversations about him. He would open his home and his heart to our family anytime and would make sure we were entertained always. Both him and Aunt Colleen would always make me feel like part of their family. He will be sadly misses by myself and our family. God bless you Norm, Colleen and all their kids and grandchildren. Heaven now has another Angel of God.
I am so sorry for your loss, Norm was a great guy and I loved his dry humor and wit. I will really miss him, and if there is anything I can do to help please let me know.
Best wishes and condolences to the whole Cross family at this sad time.
My condolences Linda, Colleen and the rest of the Cross family at this incredibly difficult time. Though I only knew Norm for a brief period, he was very generous with his time and willingness to help.
It is with deep sadness we learn of Norm’s passing. The memories flooded back to us. Dwight’s connection to Norm in the Western Star days. Our connection to your family with time trials, holding Jodi’s bike steady, triathlon and bike races etc. Norm was always there for his family. We do feel your saddness and understand Kelowna lost a ‘very good man’. Love to you all.
So sorry to read the news about Norm in the paper this morning. Our condolences to you on the loss of this wonderful man. We have fond memories of him. Bless you and your family, Colleen.
Colleen and and the family I am so sad to hear about the passing of my good friend and neighbor Norm.
There are so many things I would like to say but find it impossible to truly express how I feel. There are no words to even come close of how to express my deepest and sincere condolences to all the family. Norm was one of my best friends and one who I have enjoyed many fun days and evenings with.
Things just wont be the same around Shoreline Estates anymore,a great loss to us all. God Bless you my friend, I can only hope and pray that your final journy into eturnity will be of Peace and Happeniess.Sleep well my friend,sleep well. Gerry.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Norm’s Family
A&W Lakeshore
Our heartfelt and sincere condolences Colleen and family at this most difficult and sad time. I so very much enjoyed Norm and is dry sense of humor and it was an honor to know him. Our thoughts are prayers are with you. Take comfort in the love of your family and friends.
Jonn & Susan
Colleen, sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. On behalf of Mark, myself, David, and Steven, please accept our sincere condolences. Norm’s passing brought feelings of deep loss for our family. Just 3 months ago, our Dad passed away. In many ways, Norm and Dad were alike. They were hard working and family devoted individuals who cared very much about giving to others. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Dear Colleen and family,
may the Love of Angels guide and protect you,comfort and sustain you. Always remember those who touch our
lives stay in our hearts forever.
Blessings and Love,
Melcha and Remi Picco.
Dear Colleen and Family,
May the Love of Angels guide and
protect you, comfort and sustain you.
Always remember those who touch our
lives stay in our hearts forever.
Blessings and Love,
Melcha and Remi Picco.
our heartfelt condolences to colleen and the cross family. our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this most difficult time. even though we never met norm we heard good things about him and knew he was a wonderful and remarkable man. love from jack,angela de-thomas and family. toronto,ontario.
Colleen, to you and your family our deepest condolences.
We have such fond memories of days gone by. May your loving memories help you and the family to get through this time of such sorrow.
Sid & Rose Palken
My condolences to Norm Jr. and the Cross family. Norm Sr. took a chance on me many years ago and for that I will always be grateful. He truly was a great guy.
Dear Colleen, Norm, Wendy, Linda and Jodi and family.
We are so sorry for your loss, Norm was always a pleasure to talk with we enjoyed his stories… Norm had a big heart and you could tell he loved you all dearly. Think of the happy times and it will help with the loss. Our thoughts are with you all, Shauna and Cam Bakala
We were so saddened to hear of Norm’s passing. Our deepest condolences to the Cross family. He was a wonderful man.
A truly wonderful man, I will never forget him.
I really liked Norm and I am sad to see him go. I will miss him.
Norms “subtle” dry intelligent wit drew me to him. From his tales, to his generosity. He will give you the shirt off back.
His character would not let things lay and he would use his humor to solve problems.
My condolences to Colleen and everyone else who had the privilege to know him. I am sorry to see him go.
Cheers Norm
Condolences to the Cross family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I only know a little about Norm but he is a great man who is very kind and generous to others.And he knows how to enjoy the life.
Best wishies and condolences to the Cross family for this difficult time. Peace and Love.
Our deepest condolences are extended to you Dear Colleen, and the rest of your family. He will be missed.
I remember with humour and still appreciate Norm letting my brother Chris and I stay the night with his family at their condo in Hawaii before we left for two years in Australasia. As all my brothers and sister know Colleen, all of the children husbands and wives I regret not being able to make the service. Norm was good to all of us and helped mentor us in the early years of our business. Of note I remember him driving the bus for the high school rugby team and Shauna mentioned he volunteered with soccer too. God Bless.
Rusty Ensign
Colleen,we were saddened by the news that Norm had passed away. We have always found him to be such a likeable
person & we enjoyed his great sense of humour.
He will sadly be missed.
Hans & Irene
Colleen, Normie, Wendy, Linda and Jodi…Randy and I send our heartfelt condolences on Norm’s/your dad’s passing…we’ve talked alot about Norm this last few weeks and memories of Norm’s sense of humor and his generosity keep surfacing. When my dad visited in Kelowna a few years ago, one of the highlights of his trip was riding in the antique car with Norm. Dad always liked to sit and talk with Norm. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. I’ll never forget him at Barrie Speedway, sitting in the stands with you Colleen and then that ride in the Cadillac from Calgary to Kelowna, oh man…what a ride that was! ha ha! Much love from Randy and Chris
Colleen and family, Today will be difficult but I hope it helps you to know you are cared for and loved by so many others in your life. Not one will replace Norm but because of Norm you all have many wonds ito share Norm’s any many kindnesses, fun times and great memories. My most sincere condolences on your loss.
Just today learned of Norm’s passing Colleen – certainly won’t be the same world without him. Deepest condolences and big hugs.
Colleen and family-so sorry to hear of the passing of Norm-our thoughts are with you. Take care
Greg & Bev Smart