Deschenes, Norman Conrad

It is with sadness that the children of Norman Conrad Joseph Deschenes announce his passing in Sudbury, Ontario at the age of 83 years on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 surrounded by his children.

Norm was predeceased by his Wife and life partner Carolyn (nee Cooke), his Parents Juliette and Conrad Deschenes, his big Brother Lionel Deschenes and Brother-In-Law John Gauthier.

He will be missed by his four Children and their spouses; Daniel  of Cochrane, Kathleen (Tom) Jeffery of Lively, Christopher (Stephanie) of Lively and David (Michelle) of Cochrane. 

He will also be missed by his seven Grandchildren and their spouses; Grant (Stephanie), Alyssa (Ian) Burnside, Adam (Megan), Courtney (Darren), Riley, Patricia and Hayley.  He also leaves behind 2 Great Grandchildren, Owen and Quinnley.

Norm will be also be greatly missed by his loving Sister, Pauline Deschenes Gauthier and Sister in law Aino (late Lionel) Deschenes as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dad was a die-hard Montreal Canadien Fan.  He loved hunting and fishing and going to the camp.

Dad also loved watching his boys play hockey and he could be heard energetically “cheering” on his sons and providing “constructive feedback” from the bench as a coach or in later years from the stands of the arena as a fan.

Norm was very proud of his 36-year career with the Ministry of Transportation.  Likely there isn’t a person dad met, that he didn’t tell the story of being less than honest about his age to get hired on at the young age of 16.  By the time the fib was discovered, he had many successful years on with the Ministry.  As a result, he was fortunate enough to be provided with retirement and a golden handshake at the young age of 52.  After retirement, Norm and Carolyn enjoyed travelling to the East Coast, West Coast, an Eastern US bus trip with his Sister Pauline and her Husband John and finally a memorable Alaskan cruise for their 50th anniversary.

Dad was also very proud of his home, built by his dad who died when Norm was just a child.  After living his life in Cochrane for 82 years, Norm bravely left his beloved home after the death of his wife Carolyn  and moved out of Cochrane for the first time in his life to Lively, Ontario.

The family would like to extend their most profound thanks to the Nurses, PSWs and staff of Pioneer Manor for the exceptional care and compassion Norm received in the last 14 months of his life, they truly are all angels.

If you wish to make a donation in Norm’s memory, the family would appreciate a donation made directly to the Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin- North Bay and Districts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at the Royal Canadian Legion (151- 6^th Ave., Cochrane, ON). Norm’s Children invite Friends, Family and acquaintances to join them between 12:00 p.m. (noon) and 5:00 p.m. Norm’s ashes will be laid to rest alongside Carolyn in the Columbarium at the Cochrane Catholic Cemetery.

Rest in Peace Dad, we love you.