LEWIS, Norman “Norm” Richards
December 7, 1937 – March 21, 2021
“Behind every great man, is a better story”
Norm’s ability to make friends, sing songs and tell stories was second nature to him. His charisma and personable ways were always a draw in any room. It is hard to summarize a man that has done so much in his life and who means so much to so many, but if you try, start with “love”.
Born December 7, 1937 in Llandrindod, Norm grew up in Builth Wells as the fourth child of six siblings. Norm’s pride of country never faded and stemmed from his youth in Wales. Though Norm sought new adventures and relocated to Canada during the 70s, his Welsh pride and patriotism were a defining trait his entire life.
“Businessman, new in town, want to meet a girl for companionship and friendship”, Norm wrote in a Calgary Herald classified ad in 1981. After years in Yellowknife, building choirs, and businesses, Norm was looking to settle in Calgary where his friends Charlie and Theresa were based. Norm’s ad caught the attention of a visiting Colombian woman, his soon-to-be wife Melba Lewis. From their first date and for the rest of their lives they would be together and love each other deeply. They went on to have five children together: Norman, Howard, Gwyn, Richard and Paul, whom they loved and lived for. The love in the Lewis house was beyond measure, and it would grow even further with the introduction of Norm and Melba’s granddaughter Kiana, and their daughter in law Jennie.
The doors to the Lewis Household were always open, Norm was always welcoming, and he loved the company. There was always laughter, joy, and singing wherever Norm went. No matter where he was, the good times came with him and he shared his joy of life with all.
Those who knew Norm as a loving husband, father, grandfather, sibling, and friend, all feel a great pain in his loss. Though we are all devastated, Norm leaves behind the legacy of a great man. Once, Norm was asked how to live a good life, his response was “make and keep good friends”. You are our greatest friend Norm, and we will always keep you in our hearts. We love you, and may you rest in peace until we are together again.
An online Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. MST (mountain standard time). Please join our family as we honour our beloved Norm. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Calgary Poppy Fund https://calgarypoppyfund.com/.
Arrangements entrusted to Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – Ph: 403-932-1039
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Gwyn and Family.
Bob and I are so sorry for the sudden loss of your father. By reading his obituary I realize what a wonderful man he was. Hold on to all those great memories.
Fondly Lorraine
My condolences goes out to the family from the Johnson family, I never got to meet Norm in person but I do have the chance to meet his son Paul. I wish we would of had the time to meet Norm and get to know the family, we are greatly sorry for you loss.
Norm was an amazing dad. Growing up best friends with Richard I spent a good chunk of my childhood at the Lewis house causing a ruckus and making a mess. There were definitely a few times Norm had to come downstairs and straighten us out! There is one particular instance where I believe we put a hole in one of the basement doors with a hockey stick…
As the years passed Richard and I became less close, but he had one of his huge birthday parties and I thought it would be a great opportunity to catch up, not just with Richard, but also with Norm and Melba as they had always been so welcoming of me. It had probably been about 10 years and Norm didn’t recognize me at first but when he did he gave me the biggest “Andrew, my boy! Come here!”, a firm handshake, and a strong pat on the back.
When I think of my childhood memories at the Lewis house, and of Norm, I will always remember how excited and welcoming he was even all those years later.
Melba,Norman,Howard,Gwyn,Richard and Paul. Norm was like a second father to me when i was younger and u all inviting me on your vacations or asking me to come out to your acreage for a weekend. I’m so blessed to have meet and known your father and i have great memories of him. Thanks for everything Norm. Sorry about the loss Lewis family. From The Dam Family
Melba, aqui Olivia e Andy, no tengo palavras para dicer o cuanto sentimos el fallecimiento de Norm. Usted siempre fuiste el que suportava Norm e sus cinco hijos. Ahora esperamos que tenga el amor dos sus hijos, hijastra e nieta para los próximos pasos de tu vida.
Norm and me were deeply involved with our kids in the Calgary Rangers Soccer Club,
With our backgrounds in English and South American soccer we strives to impart the joys of the “jogo bonito”
to our kids, we were somewhat successful but they had a lot of fun.
Norm always had a positive and encouraging comments to the players, and I never heard him with any disparaging remarks to anyone, players, coaches, referees and parents.
But the memories that, what lingers were the parties Norm and Melba hosted at their Springbank “ranch”. All were welcome with open arms and could hang on beyond reasonable times for most people, but Norm and Melba never asked anyone to go home just because it was morning!
My son Jonathan told me that Norm was very important in his formative years and for that he’ll always have a special place in his and our hearts.
Rest In Peace my Friend !
Brenda and myself are very sorry for your loss I’m glad I got to know Norman over the years from my son Jens and being very good friends with Paul we spent many summers in Sicamous and ski trips to Montana at Xmas time and New Years stay strong Paul and give you mom a hug for me and one to all your brothers Warren and Brenda
When Norm was visiting in Calgary, before he moved there ,he would often come and stay with our family. He would always sleep in . I would get the kids off to school and then the neighbourhood wife’s would come for coffee. My husband was always out of town or in Yellowknife. Right in the middle of ladies coffee Norm would come with his pyjamas on and put his arms around me and say “Good morning love”. That was Norm and I could never convince everyone that he was just a friend. I will always remember “Good MorningLove”
Condolences to the family
Queridos todos, hoy es un día en el que perdemos a un miembro de la familia. Así hayamos estado lejos, siempre quedaran grabado en nuestros corazones lo importante que fue Norman. Se que la vida nos ha distanciado, los caminos no siempre son los mismos, pero nuestro amor y nuestros recuerdos nos vuelven a conectar cada vez que elevamos nuestras oraciones y nuestros pensamientos hacia ustedes. Por medio de este mensaje, Claudia,la abuelita Alcira, Sebastien y François, queremos transmitir nuestras más sinceras condolencias, sabemos que este es un momento difícil para ustedes y que realmente ningunas palabras podrán llenar el vacío que llenan sus almas actualmente. Sin embargo, queremos que tengan presente que aún seguimos con ustedes y que cualquier cosa que necesiten, estaremos presente tanto en Francia como en Colombia.
Los queremos mucho, nuestros pensamientos y oraciones están con ustedes.
Dearest Howard
My deepest sorrow and condolences to you and all your family. Thinking about you lots. Nora
Our sincere condolences to you Melba and family. We first met Norm in the ‘70s in Yellowknife and the friendship continued through the years. The Welsh Yellowknife boys met again in 2016 for the North American Festival of Wales where Norm participated in the Opening Ceremony and then joined in this musical festival with his great voice! Norm was also an active member of the Calgary Welsh Society where he would often lead us in song. You will be sorely missed Norm! David and Mona
In Yellowknife Norm’s presence was felt everywhere. He was a natural entertainer. His choir, The Nevar singers, (RAVEN spelt backwards) always walked on stage backwards and exited backwards. The best word to describe him was ebullient. He lit up everyone’s lives and would burst into song when the spirit moved him. We’ll miss him greatly. Brian and Della Lewis
It’s always hard having people leave your life but in some
way, their presence is always near. Just as a beautiful sunset comes to an end so does our mortality. We don’t fester on the darkness that follows rather, reflect on how amazing and beautiful it was in its short time. My deepest condolences to the family.
My most heartfelt condolences to the family
We will remember Norman as a kind, friendly and generous person who loved his wife and family so much, and he always liked to have fun. Rest in Peace lovely, always remember, John and Helen x
I have lovely memories of Norm in the early 70’s in Yellowknife. The only thing bigger than his voice was his heart. Rest in peace Norman, sing with the angels my friend. You will be sadly missed.
Thank you for allowing me to share this moment with you all. It was a lovely service. Each and every tribute was touching and appreciated. Hugs to you all!
Thanks Gywn and Richard for the pleasure of
Meeting your family; such a strong bond…My deepest condolences to you and family. Forever his spirit will shine in all
Of you.
Tammy
Dear Melba and family, We are so sad at your loss. We have so many happy memories of Normans visits to us in the UK and our visits to Calgary. Norman was a true character who gave so much joy to everyone he met and who, once seen was never forgotten!
We enjoyed watching the tribute ceremony very much – it was a great tribute to a great friend.
“To live in the hearts of those we love, is not to die”
We would like to send our sincere condolences to all Norman’s family at his sudden and sad loss. After joining in the moving and emotional service, we really feel like we knew this amazing figure in your lives. What a fulfilling life Norman led and what a wonderful legacy he left behind in you all. We want to thank Norman and all the Lewis family for welcoming our daughter Jennie as one of their own. We know how much she appreciated that and how much she loves you all. As parents, we know that this meant so much to us – to know that she has that family supporting her when we are so far away. So thank you Norman for being that friend and father figure she loved and cherished. We are so sorry for your loss.
I got to know Norman through his four sons that trained at Bowmont Boxing Club. All the four boys were different in character but were all true gentlemen and were kind and generous to all those at our gym. I got to meet Norm at many events that some of the boys were participating in. He also sang the National anthem a few times at some of those events. However, he always encouraged and supported his boys and you could see the deep and strong love he had for them and his family. He and his wife did a fine job raising some wonderful boys to men. It was a pleasure and honour to meet you Norm and your family. God bless and may you be in peace.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. I will always remember parent teacher interviews with Melba and Norm. Super supportive parents of their boys but always concerned that they were doing the right things; being kind, caring, respectful but also having fun and laughing. That we did for sure in our Spanish classesMay god shine light over you in these hard days to come but may you continue to cherish and love the memories and the time you had on earth with dear Norman.
Joyce and I have very fond memories of Norman. We first met Norman in our home town Morriston back in 1959 South Wales, He was Bestman at our Wedding in October 1965 in Aberfan. We will never forget the fun times we had with the BBQS on the beautiful Beaches in Gower Norman was always a big Tonic when it came to be fun. Have a Bloody good rest Norm and when you get there organize a Bloody good Choir and get them Bloody well going. Condolences to a proud and beautiful Family,
Merlyn and Joyce.
Norman was my uncle but not just any uncle, he was my wacky, funny, loud, and loveable uncle that Made life exciting whenever he came back home to visit Wales. He was larger than life and as a young child I loved his mischievousness and his positive and passionate outlook on life. He lived life to the full in everything he did and it was great to catch up with him, Melba, Gwyn, Richard, Paul and Howard when they all came over for the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and we’re able to meet my children for the first time. My oldest son, Ollie was fascinated by Richard’s amazingly long beard and thought the boys’Canadian accents were the coolest thing ever! We all watched Japan beat South Africa in the supporters village at the Cardiff Arms Park and enjoyed a few beers and songs along the way. Norm was always great fun to be around and will be sorely missed by everyone in our family. Our thoughts go out to Melba, Norman David, Howard, Gwyn, Richard and Paul at this sad time. Love Mark, Kathy and family. X
Dear family Lewis,
From the bottom of my heart I share my pain with you but at the same time I want to wish you the best of the blesses. I know your family since 2001 and i can say that you guys have and adorable family.
Im pretty sure God is with your dad because he always have been a good example of love for all of you.
I know that we are friends, but I consider you part of my family.
Blesses for each of you.
Cristian Silva M
To the Lewis Family…..knew Norm in Yellowknife when I was married to John James. Norm was always full of energy, loved to sing & perform when he could. Such a vibrant individual…he will be missed by so many. My condolences to each of you at this time.
Brenda James
Etobicoke
Our hugs and thoughts are with you. We hold our memories of Norm fondly, a man like you say of love, fun and energy. Living life fully and the party is now. From your cousins and family the other side of the ocean. Rest or party in peace Norm. Our love you all xxx Lara, Iolo, Iago, Otis and Mali x
To Melba and the Lewis Boys
My heart felt regrets on hearing of the passing of Norm. We have know Norm and the family over the last 25 years in Calgary. I first met Norm with the Football and we had some great leg pulling on the various clubs in the English leagues, I believe Norm played for Wrexham FC or wrecked em as I would say, just to liven him up. Coaching in Rangers with Norm and the Boys and then young men’s was always fun.
It was my pleasure and privilege to know Norm and the family, hard worker and staunch family man, you will be greatly missed by all that have known you. Yacky Da Norm, There will be a Welcome in the Hills waiting for you.
Love to all the Lewis family, your friend Rob Kennedy & Family
Dear Melba, Richard, Gwyn, Norman David, Howard and Paul, What a beautiful farewell you had for Norm who I knew from Yellowknife days and then reconnected with “down South”. I failed to send condolences before the service as I wasn’t sure how appropriate it was! However now I’m certain I can give you a chuckle at one of my fondest memories! When Norm was working in Nisku he stayed in our basement for a while and one evening when I was going out on the prowl he exclaimed “bloody hell woman, you’re not going out in those coloured tights, you’ll never meet someone in those!” He had such a wonderful sense of humour and I always remember how important the Sunday family roast was. A true gathering of a close knit loving family. We have many Christmas photos of the splendid Lewis Clan. I know he’ll be greatly missed. Lots of love to you all, Tessa and Jack
Dear Melba, Norman, Howard, Gwyn, Richard, Paul and your families
We were so sorry to hear the sad news about Norm. John and I remember him exactly as he has been described: an energetic, cheerful, active, charismatic, loving family man. We feel lucky to have known Norm and your family while our boys were all growing up and finding their way in life. Hold each other close and remember all the fun wonderful times you shared as a family. Our best wishes to you all.
Cynthia and John Visser
Hello Norm
We would just like to give our condolences for the loss of your father. We know its never easy losing a parent and we would just like you to know that we are always here if you need anything. Much love and stay strong and safe.