Norman Frank Clarke Highfield

In Loving Memory of

Norman F.C. Highfield

1920 – 2014

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Highfield; beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend.  At the age of 93, Norman passed away peacefully at Slave Lake, Alberta, with family by his side.

Let us now celebrate Norman’s long and full life, and take time to remember, cherish and honor the great man that he was.  A true gentlemen… who’s quiet strength, hard-working ethics and infinite wisdom will leave an admirable legacy for his family and friends to look up to and model in their own lives.

Norman was born in Grandview, Manitoba on December 21, 1920.  He was the 3^rd of 8 children born to Frank and Emily (Fisher) Highfield.  He had many fond memories of growing up with his parents and many siblings, and often reflected and shared the many stories that he recalled.

In his childhood years Norman was educated at the Blackstone School in rural Grandview, where he grew up.  He also attended the Dauphin Youth Training School.  In his late teen years, he traveled to Ontario for seasonal work cutting pulp wood and as a camp cook.  After that he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 and was stationed various places for training.  He returned home to marry the love of his life – Eva Mack, on April 19^th 1944.  They then returned to Mont Joli, Quebec together for a short time before he went overseas, and Eva returned home.  Norman proudly served in the RCAF Squadron #420 as a mid-upper gunner until 1945.

After the war, Norman settled on a farm in the Blackstone district in the Grandview area with his wife and chosen family – Albert, Lester & Karen.  They moved their family into Grandview in 1964, and resided there for the remainder of their years together.  Anyone who had the pleasure of visiting their home will attest to great food, great company and lots of laughter.  Norman farmed until 1970 when he broke his kneecap and sold the farm.  In addition to being stewards at the local Legion, he and Eva were later long-time custodians at the Grandview Credit Union.  Norman also worked at Parkland Plastics in Dauphin until his retirement.

After retirement, Norman and Eva spent a fair amount of time traveling, visiting family and friends, and enjoying their grandchildren.  Over the span of more than 15 years and well into their retirement years, they provided daycare services for many families in the community.  This brought much joy to their lives.

After Eva’s passing in 2008, Norman then permanently moved to Slave Lake, Alberta in 2011 to be close to family where he lived out the rest of his life enjoying close company of his grandchildren.

Some of Norman’s greatest pleasures over the years included fine wood-working, reading, gardening, camping, fishing, traveling and being among family, friends and the many children in his life.  Norman’s gentle demeanor and quick sense of humor complimented his wife’s energetic, fun and caring personality perfectly, and they were inseparable for 63 years of marriage.

To read more of Norman’s life that was written by his own hand… Visit:  http://www.blurb.ca/books/2809561-i-remember

Norman is survived by his three children; Albert (Lorraine) Highfield of Selkirk, Manitoba, Lester (Ruth)  Highfield of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Karen Highfield of Edmonton, Alberta, by six grandchildren; Brenna-Lee (Cory) Emes of Slave Lake, Jennifer (Steve) Beaufield of Slave Lake, Darla (Roy), Osurkiewicz of Churchill, Manitoba,  Glenn Highfield of Winnipeg, Sheila (John) Laffradi of Winnipeg, Syndi Highfield of Edmonton and seven great-grandchildren; Jacey, Mikaela & Brooke Emes, Logan & Paige Beaufield, Albertina Osurkiewicz and Vincent Highfield. 

Norman was predeceased by his wife Eva, as well as all siblings; Wilfred Highfield, Dorothy Kerrone, Joyce Kerr, Mary Hicks, Ronald Highfield, Alfred Highfield & Eva Berezenski.

Norman’s Funeral Service was held on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grandview United Church in Grandview with Rev. Karen Kuzek officiating. The Organist, Mrs. Ruth Clark, led The United Church Choir and the congregation in singing “Come In, Come In, and Sit Down”, “Jesus Loves Me”, and “Amazing Grace”. The Choir Anthem was “Blessed Assurance”. Granddaughter Brenna-Lee Emes shared the Words of Remembrance.

The Royal Canadian Legion, Grandview Branch, No 14 conducted a Poppy Memorial Tribute. Casket Bearers were Bengt Schmidt, Ab Scott, David Suidy, Sidney Yurkiw, Wayne Manweiller, and Cory Emes.

Following the Interment at Grandview Memorial Gardens a reception was hosted by the UCW in the lower hall of Grandview United Church.

NAIRN-CHYZ FUNERAL HOME

Entrusted with Arrangements

Roblin’s Only Locally Owned

and Family Operated Funeral Home

(204) 937-2111

nairn-chyzfuneralhome.com