Norman Pickering

Obituary for Norman Pickering 

It is with love and sadness we announce that Norman Pickering passed away on December 21, 2024, after a brief illness. He was 95 at the time of his passing, a few years short of reaching 100; a goal he announced to family while celebrating his 90th birthday.

Norman was born on April 26, 1929, in Gosport, England. As a child growing up there, he recalled having a front row seat to air raids during World War II. This experience influenced his decision to become a Reservist in the British Army when he was old enough to join.

Norman married his first wife in his early 20s, and they had five children together. After his divorce, he met his second wife, Verity, who had four children of her own. Shortly after marrying in 1975, Norman, Verity and his four stepchildren emigrated to Canada, joining extended family in Sundre, Alberta.

Norman worked at the lumber mill and became actively involved in the local Legion, acting as its president from 1978 to1980. He grew a love for camping and, in his retirement, found tremendous joy camping every summer at Glenifer Lake. He was affectionately nicknamed the “Harbour Master” by the friends he made there.

Like many retirees, Norman began playing golf, which eventually led to volunteer position at the Forest Heights Golf Course. When it became clear that he was going above and beyond, Norman was hired as a casual staff and performed a variety of duties. He continued to work there until he was 85 and was honoured with a lifetime membership in recognition of his contributions.

Norman moved into the Sundre Lodge in August 2020 at the age of 91, where he resided until recently. He moved to the Bethany Airdrie in late summer of 2024; he quickly adapted and became dear to staff who provided his care.  

Norman will be lovingly and fondly remembered by his family, friends from the lake and the golf course, as well as all of those who were fortunate to know him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Forest Heights Golf Club on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Please contact Norman’s daughter at dahoward@telus.net for more details. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bethany Airdrie.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norman Pickering, please visit our floral store.