Norman John Pottle
June 12, 2023
In Loving Memory
Norman John Pottle
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Norman John Pottle of Kamloops BC, who passed away in his home on June 12, 2023, at 91 years of age. Those left to mourn the loss of Norman include his wife Lorraine of 63 years, along with his daughter Donna (Ron) Burkatsky, son Russell Pottle, grandchildren Ashley (Kevin), Lindsay, Matthew, greatgrandchildren Brayden and Kaylee and his remaining 7 siblings: Earl, Ray, Shirley, Blanche, Jim, Linda, and Darlene along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Norman is predeceased by his father Stephen and mother Victoria along with his other 11 siblings: Gordon, Florence, Alice, Agnes, Fred, Edna, Ivy, Gilbert, Joan, Stephen, and Ernest. Norman was born in 1932 on a farm in Usherville, Saskatchewan and later after his school years, made his way to Williams Lake BC to manage a general store. This is where he met his wife Lorraine and they were married on January 19, 1960, in Oliver, BC where they later had their first child, Donna in 1962. After many other adventures and some hardships, Norman eventually settled on 10 acres with his wife and family in Barriere, BC where he enjoyed working as a Construction Contractor while his wife worked as a Custodian of the local school. After retirement they enjoyed travelling, sometimes to events which included showing and racing their horses. Eventually Norman and Lorraine decided to simplify their life; sell their farm and move closer to their daughter and family, in Kamloops, BC.
Norman had many interests including caring for his Arabian horses, farming, gardening, crafting wood gifts for his family, and being the biggest fan of his favorite sports teams, the Blue Jays and the Canucks. He was an avid horseshoe champion and much to the chagrin of his family members, often winning many of the card games and board games during family gatherings.
While Norman lived a hardworking farm life and carried this integrity for hard work and duty into his adult years, he was often seen with a smile on his face and was always quick to chime in with his famous wit and humour. He always spoke about his life with gratitude and enjoyed telling stories about prairie living. Norman was especially fond of spending quality time with family and would often make long trips back to the prairies to attend family reunions. He would never miss an opportunity to attend a graduation or birthday of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved attending regular family get togethers.
Norman was a true old school prairie gentleman and even into his latter years, was often seen tending to his wife and others around him whenever he was able. His kind, quiet, gentle presence will be sorely missed by all his family. A celebration of life will be held at the Northshore Community Center, 730 Cottonwood Ave. Kamloops B.C. on July 16, 2023 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
Leave a comment
Comments: 3
Condolences and hugs to Lorraine, Donna and family. He truly was a kind and caring gentleman. I love the picture you chose, so like him! Will see you on July 16th.
Our sincere condolences to you all during this sad time . Words are not enough to ease the deep sorrow of losing someone dear but hopefully this message will offer you some comfort in knowing others are with you and grieve along with you all . May the good times be warmly remembered as you keep those precious memories close to your heart .
Norman, You always seemed to be a great mentor, neighbor, and teacher. No wonder that you wound up with the school board. You taught me much about gardening, and construction. You had one of the best backyards in Riverdale, Kamloops. You cared about your fellow man, and gave me many tips. In a way, you were like my second father to me.
My mother lasted until 73, and my father until 75. You made it to 91. I think that your secret was your humor. That was mentioned a lot in your celebration of life. We always walked away with a laugh , as we watered together, side by side. Meeting your brother, Jim, yesterday at cottonwoods manor, was an honor. I didn’t understand your inflection when, you always said…”have a nice day, Jim”. Yes, I was your brother in a way too…or kind of a son in a way. I miss you Norman. I knew that Jim was your brother…Even had the same laugh. DNA?
I was amazed as your grand daughter said, the word….”tenacity”…My dads favorite word.
At the back table, Sharon and I and Judy, your old neighbor, Shared. You always put it out there, with your neighbors, let alone, your 11 siblings, many grandkids, and 300 nieces and nephews. Wow. I was impressed by your granddaughters fond rememberances of you and they kept it together. Your daughter, Donna, was great.
Your service and celebration, reminded me, of my mothers in Ontario in 2014, where it was tough to give a eulogy to my mother, but sometimes , we find strength in our inner core.
Great slide show of your life that your grand daughters husband put together. I had to compliment him. When we were getting your good food. He said, “Donna did most of the work”. He also seemed to share the same humbleness that you had too.
You were loved by many and had a gift definitely. You were a testament, to what a good life truly represents. Many should be so fortunate. Your apricots and pears are still doing great.
We all learn from each other to those whom, “listen”. You did indeed “listen” and so did I. You can never go wrong there. It was a very interesting story about your dad.
It’s a brave new world today, and much different than growing up on a farm. Me and Sharon could relate. Sharon grew up on a farm, just a few miles from you, near Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
My prayers are with your family. They all did a great j.o.b.
hang onto all the positive memories. The only way to move on.
I did not know of Norms passing, but a message came to me from above, to call the Hamlets a few days ago in Westsyde. Many months since moving from Riverdale to there. Only then did I find out he passed away.
Yes, I was happy and privileged to have attended that service in cottonwoods manor.
Yes, Norman was strong, in his soft way. That is true strength.
RIP , Norman.
Jim