Norman Roger Shaub passed away in the McLennan Hospital on Feb. 17, 2020 at the age of 72 years.
Norman was born two months early on Dec. 18, 1947 at the family home near Barthel, SK, to Walter and Tonie Shaub. He was cared for at home by a neighbour, Hazel Molyneaux, while his mom recovered at home and in hospital.
At an early age he was able to help his dad with all aspects of the farm, which required handing horses and machinery. Norman had the skills required for running and repairing equipment, which led to his future work in Northern Alberta and British Columbia as a heavy equipment operator. In the 1970s, he tried his hand at farming and found he enjoyed work on earth moving machines, so he returned to the north.
Norman loved animals and always had at least one dog that went everywhere with him. While he was working near McLennan, he boarded his dogs Buster and Gretzky with Don and Dale Fish, who became dear friends.
In the late 1980s, he bought a house in McLennan where he happily lived with his new best furry friend, Dimond, until Jan. 31, 2020 when he was admitted to McLennan Hospital.
During our visits, we met and/or heard about all the people in McLennan and areas who knew and helped Norman in so many ways: caring for Dimond, delivering and installing home purchases, delivering groceries, shopping for him and, of course, the wonderful Christmas treats he received.
We are so grateful to Shery Silver, who was Norman’s caregiver and friend, to neighbour and jack-of-all-trades Tom Chalifoux, to the nurses and staff at McLennan Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, and home-care team, and the McLennan and area first responders who helped with transfers. And most of all, we are appreciative for the trust that Norman had for his doctor of 20 years, Dr. Pieter de Wet, and for the care and professional courtesy he provided.
Our family is small and Norman is survived by: his sister, Lorraine Manz [Randy], and a multitude of cousins who remember Norman for his tricks, sense of humour and countless stories.
Norman was predeceased by: his mother, Antoinette [Clement] in 2009; his father, Walter, in 2003; sister Annette Barthel in 2016; and bother-in-law and long-time friend, Ken Barthel, in 2005.
Norman had five nieces and nephews who were his pride and joy. He looked forward to news, photos and phone updates on all their lives.
A family graveside gathering will take place in Loon Lake, SK in the spring.