Norman John Howson

Norman John Howson   Age 94 years. Born May 9, 1924 in Ochre River , MB.  Norman passed away peacefully on May 14, 2018 in Dauphin General Hospital with his family by his side.

Norman is survived by his loving wife Margaret of 59 years.  Daughter Kimberly of Kelvington, SK, daughter Karen (Alan Lamy) of Ochre River, MB and son William of Ochre River, MB. Grandchildren, Jennifer (Stephan) Gingras of Makinak, MB Morgan (Derek) Evans of Pipestone, MB and Jossie (Andrew) Mellor of Ochre River, MB; 7 great grandchildren, Dannie Lynn, Darren, Cayde and Dean Gingras, Daphne and Norman Mellor and Elizabeth Evans (his little great granddaughter born in February 2018).

Norman was predeceased by his parents Gordon & Freda Howson, an infant daughter Daphne, sister Dorothy and husband Jim Dale of Manarton, ON, sister Noreen and husband Earl Rioux of Winnipeg, MB, brother Harold and wife Evelyn of Nanaimo, BC and sister Alma and husband Bill Stasiuk of Russell, MB.

Norman was born on the family homestead on the banks of the Ochre River on the SE quarter of 32-22-17.  He grew up with a love of the land around the river and the Riding Mountain.  Norman worked at many of the sawmills in and around the area including Elder's Mill and Mack's Mill, cutting logs and hauling lumber... all before the days of chain saws and skidders.  
He served his country with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in 1944-45.  After the war he returned to Ochre River and the family farm. Norman married Margaret Eleanor Coles on July 19, 1958. They were blessed with 3 children, Kimberly Kathleen, Karen Rose and William Norman.

Norman loved the farm and the land.  He especially loved his cattle and horses.  He took great pride in seeing his animals well taken care of and being warm and well fed.  He always looked forward to seeing the new calves and foals born in the spring.  Even at age 94, Norman was able to walk out to the barn and see the new spring calves.  Life was filled with hard work, but there was always time for fun.  Riding horses over to the river for a swim and weiner roast with the kids or a Sunday drive up to Moon Lake in the park were always enjoyable outings.  Norman rode his horse Dude, right up until he was 84 years old. 

He loved his grandchildren so much, and taught them the love of horses and animals and respect for the land.  How to tie a saddle knot and ride a horse, braid a rope and shoot a rifle.  He loved to make up little poems, sing songs and tell the stories of his life and family.

Norman celebrated his 94th birthday with his entire family and enjoyed one last trip down to his beloved river, even enjoying a drink of spring water that runs year round from the river bank.  

Norman lived his 94 years on the family farm.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He will be missed... May he rest in peace.

Special thank you to his Home Care workers and David and Shauna Katcsma, Cathy Lytwyn and all family and friends who visited during his short stay in the hospital.

Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 2:00 pm from Ochre River Community Centre with Rev. Steve Wilson officiating.  

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in Norman's memory may be made to a charity of ones choice.

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