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Norma Elizabeth Browne (nee Chute)

November 21, 2017

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Norma was born in Eureka, California and moved to Vancouver, B.C. at a young age.

She was a very active competitive swimmer and loved spending much of her youth as a member of the Royal Life Saving Society teaching others water safety and rescue.

After attending Kitsilano High School, she attended secretarial school and began work at Vancouver City Hall where she met Billy Browne Jr. who she married in 1948.

Billy Browne Jr., or Billy Fortune as he was known at CJOR, was a top Vancouver Radio Host.

Norma and Billy moved to the Comox Valley in 1959, often joking they "went on vacation and never came home."

Together they decided to create CFCP Radio LTD. A network of radio stations that included CFPA Port Alice, CFNI Port Hardy, CFWB Campbell River, CJGR Gold River, CHQB Powell River, and CFCP in the Comox Valley.

For 46 years, Norma Browne was an integral part of the broadcast industry and helped many young broadcasters get their start. She carried on with the business after Billy died in 1990 until she sold the company in 2005.

Norma was said to have many talents above broadcasting and swimming. She was an excellent marks-woman, and an incredible angler.

She was a force to be reckoned with, a keen wit, tenacious spirit and a passion for broadcasting and storytelling. She will be greatly missed.

Norma Browne is survived by her daughter Charleen (Greg), her grandson Ryan (Kevin), as well as her granddaughter Roo.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Views at St. Josephs' for their wonderful support and care.

A memorial lunch will be held for Norma January 20, 2018. Please contact Roo Phelps, roobar@shaw.ca if you wish to attend for further details.

Donations gratefully accepted by the Comox Valley Health Care Foundation for the Views at St. Josephs. www.cvhealthcarefoundation.com



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