Norman Peter Wilhelm Peterson

On Oct. 2nd at the age of 98, Norman quietly passed away in Shoal Lake, Manitoba.

He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law Annie and Sam Widdicombe. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister and brother-in-law Florence and Jack Widdicombe, and his nieces and nephews:  David (Ruth) Widdicombe, Penny (Ian) Menzies, Melva Widdicombe (Ivan Sabesky), Peter (Michelle) Widdicombe, Daryl (Janet) Widdicombe; numerous cousins and many friends.

Norman, son of P.K. and Minnie Peterson, was born on the farm at Erickson, MB on April 24, 1925. He was seven when the family moved to Chillon Siding.

As a youngster, Norm was an active boy who had a special affinity for animals, often bringing home stray cats and dogs. He trained his dog, Karlo, to pull a sleigh and would whizz to school in a cloud of snow, making his sisters envious as they trudged along behind.

Norman took over his father’s farm at Erickson before enlisting in the army in 1944. After the war, in 1946, he completed grade XII in Foxwarren, MB, graduated from the U of M with a BA of Science in Agriculture in 1950, and joined the Canadian Officers’ Training Corps where he became a Second Lieutenant.

Norm was an inventor, and formed his own manufacturing company in Saskatoon, SK where he patented his own chimney and other fine tools. For many years his company crossed the prairies installing chimneys in homes using gas furnaces.  After selling his machine shop, he moved to Onanole, MB and concentrated his business on continuous-run eavestroughing.

Norman was naturally curious and liked to hold complex conversations on history, politics and economics. Norm had an infectious laugh and a quirky sense of humour. After retiring, he continued to live in Onanole, seldom missing a day checking his farm, the crops and planning new improvements. Later he moved to Minnedosa, MB where he played Bridge, went for drives and hung out at the Legion.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to those of you who assisted Norman throughout the years; and to the staff at the Shoal Lake Transitional Unit for taking good care of him during his last few months.