Obituary of Norm Thomson

On January 31, 2024 we said goodbye to Norman McLaren Thomson.

Norm, will be missed more than words can express by his wife of 53 years, Joanne; his daughter, Tracy (Jeff); his son, Scott; his grandsons, Kieran and Jace and his sisters Ginny (Rob) and Dianne (Dave) as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  Norm is also survived by his daughter Cassandra Scheier (Brian) and granddaughter, Brooklyn with whom he was united in 2019 and became part of the family.

Norm was born on May 28, 1946, to Norman and Collette Thomson.  Norm lived in Brantford, Ontario until he left home in 1969 when he went to Regina and joined the RCMP.  Norm was the quintessential Mountie – so proud to serve – and such a great ambassador for the RCMP.

Norm married his wife Joanne on May 23, in Calgary.  Together with their two children, Tracy and Scott, they made their home in Saskatchewan, having lived in Kerrobert, Big River, Nipawin, Maple Creek and Avonlea before retiring to Nipawin in 2003.  While the RCMP played a big part in his life his family was his TRUE PASSION – especially his grandchildren.  You could not be with Norm long before he pulled out his wallet (and of course later his phone) to show you photos and to tell you a story or two … or three … or four … about them.

Norm was an outgoing person who genuinely liked people.  It was important to Norm that he be actively involved in each community where he was stationed.  In Maple Creek, Norm was on the planning committee for the first Healing Lodge built in Saskatchewan.  In 1999 he was on the Events & Planning Committee for the Reenactment of the March West.  He was in charge of the Avonlea section of The Trek which included the Musical Ride.  Sitting behind a desk was not in Norm’s nature.  What he loved and enjoyed the most was being on the ‘front lines’ where he could interact with the public on a daily basis.

Norm belonged to the Royal Canadian Legion for over 40 years.  He was involved with the Wounded Warrior weekends held in Nipawin.  He was also a member of the Lions Club for a time.  After he retired, he joined the Prince Albert RCMP Veterans Association and served as President for several years.

Norm approached retirement with the same enthusiasm that he did everything else in his life.  His day started with coffee at the DQ.  After that you would often find him in his garage working on his hobbies – making rock geese and other rock creations.

For the last eight years Norm and Joanne became snowbirds and wintered in Lake Havasu, Arizona where they put the young in the word senior.  They hiked the mountains, enjoyed happy hours at the pool and made life long friends.  Norm panned for gold, made it to the final condo porker table and enjoyed his morning coffee hour in the lobby where he found a new audience with whom to share his stories.  Of course, he always came back to Nipawin with a fresh supply of rocks.

As we say farewell to Norm let us remember his zest for life, his laughter, his stories and his ability to live in the moment.  Norm you were a good, kind person and a passionate family man.  Our lives are so much richer for having you in it.