Norville was born in Star City on January 10, 1924 to Jim and Olga Armstrong. They lived on the family farm with his grandparents Richard E. and Margaret Armstrong. He was the first grandson in the family so he got a lot of love and affection from everyone – especially his grandparents.  He grew up in a family of close cousins, aunts and uncles. Norville attended school at McAllister School and then took high school at Margo, SK with his Uncle Orville and Aunt Florence. In 1943, he enlisted in the American Army and served in the Aleutian Islands and The Philippines. When the war ended he returned to Vancouver where his parents now lived and worked for the National Harbour Board. In 1947, he made the decision to return to the home farm to help his Uncle Harvey. The next year he met and married his wife, Dorothy Wiemken, and lived on the farm where their four children were born.  There were good years on the farm with high crop yields and bad years – being hailed out, early frost, and wild oats. They also had pigs, chickens, a team of horses, cows to milk, sold eggs and cream.  He had a love of his special work horses that he used for chores around the farm.  He spent a lot of days in the winter using his snow plough to clear neighbours yards and roads. Their children Janet, Richard, Pat and Margaret were born in seven years.  There was always a large garden with lots of potatoes and a  big corn patch. Norville was a very good carpenter-building his own kitchen cupboards. His first love was iron work and he was often found at the forge or the trip hammer making or fixing machinery or parts. Norville had an interest in old tractors and loved being able to get them running again. John  Deere tractors were perhaps his most favourite brand though.  His whole farming career he always kept a daily detailed weather report and farming details.  Norville retired from farming but continued  to live on the family farm while Richard and Pat took over the farm duties until his health deteriorated and he moved to Sasko Park Lodge and then Parkland Place.  He was so proud when his grandsons continued to have a farming interest. Norville could often be found having coffee at  John Deere in Melfort or going to the Coffee Shop in Star City with his friends. He enjoyed his visits with surrounding friends and neighbours. Sitting on the deck enjoying nature and watching the sunsets when checking the crops were special times for him.

 

Norville passed away peacefully on October 7, 2014 at the age of 90 years. Norville is predeceased by his parents, Jim and Olga Armstrong, his sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Hobert  Hinkel.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 66 years, Dorothy; his children Janet (Michael) Gorkoff, Richard (Cathy) Armstrong, Pat (Penny) Armstrong, Margaret (Delbert) Miller; His grandchildren Kenneth (Jill) Gorkoff, Ward (Krista) Gorkoff, Michael  (Lisa) Armstrong, Carolyn (Robert) Stailing, Sherri (Anthony) Armstrong, Aaron (Pam) Armstrong, Cora (Shaun) Sutherland, Amy (Darren) Drollinger, Jason Armstrong, Laura Miller, Logan Miller;  his great grandchildren Aubree, Wesley, Elliot, Katlin, Paige, Joshua, Matthew, Madison, Ashlyn, Tyrell, Ethan, Hailey, Brett, Amanda, Reese, Sierra, Khirgan, and Chelsea.

 

A Memorial Service for Norville was held from the Star City United Church, Star City, SK on Monday, October 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Carole Beal McKenzie officiating. The eulogist was Pat Armstrong. Honorary Pallbearers were “All who knew and loved Norville”. Brian Rislund attended the memorial guestbook and David and Elaine Meier provided music ministry. Bob Kirkland and Gary Gratton served as ushers. A private family interment took place in Star City Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be directed the Star City United Church or to Parkland Place Auxiliary. To leave condolences for the family, you are welcome to visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.com

 

• Date : 2014-10-07