August 24, 1935 - May 15, 2020
Norm was not the average guy therefor his obit won't be either.
Norm was a simple man, he loved his family and friends. Norm had the ability to draw people in and surround them with love. Those that knew him would describe him as the human form of a teddy bear. Norm would have given the shirt off his back to anyone he thought needed it. It may have been torn or holey but he would have offered it in a heartbeat. The kindness and compassion that he offered the world is rare.
Norm was born in New Westminster, BC. He lived his childhood in Canoe / Salmon Arm area. He joined the Canadian forces and instructed thousands of cadets how to shoot a multitude of weapons in Vernon, BC. He drove most BC and Alberta delivering and handling explosives including blowing up a massive rock in my grandfather field in Wainwright, Alta. Norm knew every backroad in both provinces. He poured concrete and drove truck for Dave Williams & worked with his buddy Paul. You boys and your nightly calls kept him going.
He married the love of his life (Caroline Withrow-deceased) and became a family man & dad of 2 children (Dolores & Chuck). Norm attended many family functions with Caroline's side of the family, even after she passed. (Cheryl & Julie) He also lived in Prince George for a time. He was able to help with caring for his Mom (Josephine Lundie-deceased) and spent time with his brother Gerald Lundie (deceased) and his family (Christina, Nadine, Phillip, Liz). His brother had 4 more children from his 1st marriage Norm loved them and always asked about them. (Ron, Laurie, Carrie & Terry). Norm loved to tell stories and reminisce about family history. Most of Norm's time on this planet was spent in Comox and Courtenay. Most of Comox knows Norm or has seen him out walking getting his exercise, from all his social calls to the IGA store, Rexall, The Smitties crew (Will, Brook, Diesel, Paula, Brandi are a few), dentist, post office, bank, doctor's offices, Physio, Dr. Gordon Hearing, St. Joseph's hospital. Norm was a proud member of prostate cancer survivors club and maintained great friendships (Paul). Like Norm's usual, he made friends (Arlene & her daughter Robyn) at Glacier View on his 3 times a week visit at the Adult day program. He thrived in that program and made so many friends and reacquainted with old friends as he had "privileges" that allowed him to visit the residents as well.
Norm stopped and spoke to everyone regularly! If he knew you... You were a friend.
Norm has gone to meet his maker and will be surrounded with the family that we have already lost and he'll be there to greet the ones of us to come with open arms.
A special thanks:
Comox Valley Monarch Lions club, Norm was a" very" proud member and when he needed help.... You were there for him. Norm volunteered for every event ever sponsored by the lions club and man did he sell the reflective signs! He would talk about all the fun times he had with his group. His awards were proudly displayed in the Cumberland Lodge room he occupied briefly. Our family could not be more appreciative. A couple names come to mind... Lloyd & June, Ann, Tom & Danielle, Bob, Terry... sorry I know there are so many more but I cannot think of them at the moment... just know you were very special to Norm.
Cumberland Lodge, just as always anywhere Norm goes he gains a fans club. It was no different when he went into care in Nov. 2019. You people care and you care about all aspects of your residents. I appreciate the video chats when I could not come see him. Norm passed a happy man knowing he was well cared for and he had unlimited friends to tell his stories to. We, thank you. Xoxo
Ministry of Veterans Affairs, you came through for Norm in his golden years, with the compensation cheque for injuries incurred while in service. He was able to set up his apartment and stock up the pantry like he had never had the opportunity to before. Ya know one of the 1st things Norm did was donate and sponsor a bus for Variety, the Children's Charity. He made me promise to make sure I ordered him the prints and get it framed (more $$ for the charity that way) and do it when there was a corporation that would match his donation, smart guy. Because of the money, Norm was a jet setter for the last couple years, I was able to take him to Mexico twice, a cruise to Alaska, PG to meet his great grandchildren and spent time with his family, Mount Washington trips & so many meals out visiting and spending time with his friends. (Rod & Pam, April) Here's where, I wish I had a better memory... Names of people... you'll know you are unintentionally missed.
Lastly but definitely not the least... Dr. Carol Ostry, you and your staff are amazing and from the bottom of my heart I cannot thank you enough. Your kind, compassionate care for my uncle will always stand out. There is a special place for you in our hearts.
Norm was loved by so many and those of us that were lucky enough to know him.... Well... we know that he loved us. His goofy smile, his kind eyes, big bear hugs and sloppy kisses.... Well... we'll miss that.
Due to circumstances in today's world, we cannot honor him the way we would like to at this time. So, on a later date, we will celebrate Norman Leitch Lundie. He would love to have everyone together celebrating and maybe we could get into a little trouble too.
If you want to send cards or love letters you can mail them to:
Carrie Jeune (Niece)
1820 Clerke Rd
Campbell River, BC
V9W 5L3
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