BURDEN, Norman Rowland
June 6, 1938 – June 22, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Rowland Burden on June 22. Norm passed away at home surrounded by his family at the age of 82 after battling cancer for 22 years.
Norm is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Josie Burden; daughters Joyce (Keith) Fox of Red Deer, AB and Norma Burden of Sorrento, BC; grandchildren Taylor (Zach) of Stettler, AB and Parker (Ashley) of Red Deer. Also, his sister Marjorie Mort of Kelowna BC, several in-laws and many nieces and nephews.
Norm was born at Rosetown, Saskatchewan. He grew up in the Saskatoon area on the family farm. In 1958, Norm married Josie Bisschop of Saskatoon. A year after they were married, they started their farming and ranching career with 10 Hereford heifers and a quarter section close to Norm’s family farm. In 1965, they moved to Alberta where they farmed and ranched near Stavely, Springbank, Milo and finally near Carstairs. Norm was a hardworking, dedicated mixed farmer (grain and cattle) who grew his farming and ranching operation throughout his career. His heart was mainly in the ranching side of the business and for many years they ran at least 100 head of commercial cows. During the last few years of ranching, Norm and Josie raised purebred Charolais cattle that were showed and sold for breeding stock. They retired from the Carstairs farm in 1997. They have lived in Cochrane for the past 7 years.
Norm was predeceased by his parents Harry and Lydia Burden, sister Doreen Thorburn, brother-in-laws Bill Thorburn and Dale Mort, in-laws Alphonse and Lily Bisschop, sister-in-law Alice Guttormson and brother-in-law Tom Meagher.
Norm and Josie enjoyed 30+ years of retirement and often escaped the winter doldrums and traveled to warmer climates. They spent many winters in the southern states and Phoenix, at their vacation house, along with exploring many Caribbean islands. Norm and Josie enjoyed their snowbird experiences and made many good friends along their travels.
Norm always enjoyed a good laugh and loved to reminisce, tell stories and jokes. He was a jokester and loved to tease. He truly enjoyed all the warm winter happy hours in the warm countries and in Cochrane!
A true passion of Norm’s was wood working and building in general. Throughout his career, he was always building or repairing something on the farm. By far, his biggest project was when he took on the task of finishing the new farm house that was built in 1980. The whole family became apprentice carpenters as the new house took shape.
Norm’s grandkids, Taylor and Parker, were near and dear to his heart. He spent many hours with them playing, creating, building, laughing and attending their sporting activities.
A celebration of life will be announced once the pandemic restrictions have been lifted.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Thank you to all our family and friends for their kind thoughts and prayers.
Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director. Ph: 403-932-1039.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Walter and I are so sad to hear of Norm’s passing and we offer you our sympathy and condolences. It is wonderful having you in our community and please know that we are here for you if you need help with anything. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynn and Walter Neumann
We are sorry to hear about Uncle Norman. He will be missed in our hearts and will miss his humour. Send everyone our love and your in our thoughts and heart!
So sorry to hear of you loss. Norm was a good man and he will be missed. Condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Dear Josie, I am very saddened to learn of Norm’s recent passing. I feel very privileged to have met him and enjoyed the company of all of you on the “Norm” trip to Mexico which was organized by Norma. Then, I was so pleased to see the both of you again last year at the anniversary celebration of mutual friends in Okotoks. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Josie; not only for you, but for the rest of your family too. Norm will be dearly missed by so many! Sincerely, Norma Dogger
Josie, so surprised and saddened to hear of Norm’s passing. My sincerest condolences to you and your family at this time. 62 years…wow! What a great length of time to enjoy each others’ company, both in good times and in not so good times, as we all know there are both! I have fond memories of working with you both when you moved to Cochrane. My thoughts and prayers are with you. John Thomson
Dear Josie, will miss Norm a lot! You two were always so much fun to visit with when we were down south.
Norm really helped make our trips south more interesting & we “LOVE” that he was such a straight shooter & always said things the way they really were! It is an honour to be called your friends. We are so sorry about Norm’s passing,
You both will always be in our hearts! Love & prayers Art & Linda.
Dear Josie, will miss Norm a lot! You two were always so much fun to visit with when we were down south.
Norm really helped make our trips south more interesting & we “LOVE” that he was such a straight shooter & always said things the way they really were! It is an honour to be called your friends. We are so sorry about Norm’s passing,
You both will always be in our hearts! Love & prayers.
So sorry to hear of Uncle Norm’s passing. We send our love and are holding you all close to our hearts in this difficult time. Virtual hugs and kisses for now but hope to see you all soon. Take good care.
Josie, Joyce, Norma and families: so sorry to learn of the loss of Norm. I have many fond memories growing up as neighbours west of Carstairs. Busy lives tend to separate people but warm memories live on forever. My heartfelt condolences to all of you through these tough days. Feel comfort in knowing he is at peace and loved by many. Thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?