Norm loved to watch movies and to eat movie snacks. Apparently his favourite snacks were Humpty Dumpty corn puffs. In addition, Norm also loved hamburgers and fries as well as grocery store chicken. If I remember correctly, Norm is the only person alive who would go on a bus trip to Lord Elgin Fish & Chips with the residents and order a hamburger! What a guy!

Norm died suddenly last week at the young age of 64, way too young of an age to die. However, Norm has struggled for decades with the debilitating complications of MS – Multiple Sclerosis. One can only imagine the great amount of frustration Norm encountered being bound to his wheelchair – not able to drive a car, walk into a movie theatre, teach tai chi, jump up and down after winning at the casino or play with his great-nieces and nephews. Norm lived at Parkview for close to sixteen years and Parkview was not his first long term care facility.

Norm suffered for a very long time and he made the best of his situation, and he truly did, Norm is now free from any pain and suffering. An incredible brother, uncle, great-uncle and friend has been lost. He loved Wendy, his sister, and would do anything for her. And didn’t he love Sean, Jeff and Logan, his niece and nephews? He talked about them all the time. Norm always remembered his family at Christmas time and gifts were given! Once Norm even gave a train set. Imagine! He was truly a gift to family and to those friends who knew and loved him.
Norm always went to church at Parkview and he was a very active participant. Even though Norm loved the harder rock, like Aerosmith, of the 1970s he did love to hear and sing the gospel hymns.

Norm was born Saturday, August 13, 1955 to Norman Martin and Audrey Reba (Martin) Harvey in Weston, Ontario. As a young man Norm lived a full life. He was highly intelligent, with his IQ being on the verge of getting into Mensa. That meant that Norm was in the top 2 or so percent of the world population, belonging to a group of people with high intelligence and having the ability to succeed in life.

Norm went to school for electrical training and thus did electrical work for bands. Perhaps that is where his love for rock came into play. Or, perhaps of his love for rock Norm became interested in doing the electrical work for performing bands. Norm himself admitted that he partied a lot in the 70’s and that it was the best time of his life. No doubt!

In addition, as a young boy Norm delivered papers for the Toronto Star and this interest led him to become a regional manager for the very same paper. He was very proud of this accomplishment.

Norm loved to drive and he even drove all the way out to California to visit with his sister Wendy and her family. Imagine! Ask Wendy to tell you about their trip through Louisiana! Believe it or not, Norm taught Tai Chi which is a martial art practised for health benefits and meditation as well as defence. Norm lived across from Exhibition Place in Toronto and would go across to it to teach this lovely gentle exercise.

It has been said that Norm was a real ham and this spirit could also get him into some trouble. Before he moved into Parkview he had been to at least two other long term care facilities. There he was always trying to escape and was eventually asked to leave! He had a great sense of humour. His most famous joke was the one about astronauts. “A blonde, an American, and a Russian astronaut are chatting. The Russian boasts, “We were the first in space!” “Oh yeah? Well we were the first in the moon!” replied the American. “We’re going to be the first in the sun!” says the blonde. “You can’t do that. You’ll burn up!” Exclaims the American. To which the blonde retorts, “We’re not stupid you know… we’re going to go at night!”

At the same time as being lively entertainment, Norm was also very thoughtful and a great conversationalist. He would always ask the staff how they were doing and he was genuinely interested in the reply. He always had something nice to say and was always polite. Norm loved to read and the MS eventually even took that away from him. Norm also loved to watch WWII movies. Spending time in the Men’s Club at Parkview was another favourite activity for Norm. There he was sure to talk war stories.

Norm really enjoyed going on outings with the residents of Parkview and trips to the casino were really enjoyed. Although, if remembered correctly he always complained about not having enough money. Which of course he did, but he still complained about it! Norm also loved to play cribbage with Wendy, as well as Skip-Bo®, bingo and checkers. His favourite meal? Breakfast!

Norman Martin Harvey of Chesley, passed away suddenly at Parkview Manor, Chesley on Monday, October 21, 2019 in his 65th year.

Loving brother of Wendy Patterson of Walkerton. Norm will be dearly missed by his nephews Jeff Patterson (Kim Quesnel) of Hanover, Sean Patterson of Walkerton and niece Logan Patterson (Kyle Steckley) of Walkerton. Great-uncle of Finch, Jared, Calvin, Abi, Carson and Carter. Norm was predeceased by his parents Norman and Audrey (Martin) Harvey.

A memorial service celebrating Norm’s life will be at Parkview Manor, Chesley on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial donation to the MS Society of Canada would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.