Norman Rowland Burden

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. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norman Rowland Burden, please visit our flower store.