Baldwin, Norman William

Norman William Baldwin was born 79 years ago on November 22, 1931 at Lafleche, Saskatchewan, the second of four children in the Baldwin family, who farmed at Woodrow, Saskatchewan. He had an older brother, Neal and two younger sisters, Phyllis and Gwenda. Norm’s father was a veteran of World War 1.  Norm took his schooling to Grade 8 at the Winnifred Country School and his high school education at Woodrow High School.
In 1949 he started working for the Bank of Toronto, and was transferred to Coronation, where he met the love of his life, Marlene Short, who, when they first met, was just a high school girl. A short time later the young couple was engaged. Norm started working with Imperial Oil in Calgary in 1950, a company for whom he worked the rest of his working years. It was there that he and Marlene were married in 1954.  
In 1955 the young couple moved to Regina and it was in 1958 when Cam was born. In early 1960, the Baldwin’s moved to Unity, Saskatchewan and there their second son, Aaron, was born in 1964.  The day that Marlene left the hospital with this new baby, the family moved to North Battleford, Saskatchewan.
There Norm’s interest in hockey got him the position of a scout for the North Battleford Beaver Bruins. As an employee of Imperial Oil, the family was able to live in many cities of Western Canada including Dauphin, Winnipeg, Lethbridge and finally in Calgary. Norm retired with 37 years from Imperial Oil in 1987. Marlene retired in 1989 and the couple moved to Harvey Heights, near Canmore.
The “empty nesters” enjoyed several summers at the mountains and many winters in Arizona until the smog got to be too much for Norm.  In 1990, Norm was discovered to have throat cancer and required a laryngectomy. They later moved back to Calgary.  In early 2004, Norm’s physical problems broadened and he was required to have his first knee prosthesis. Norm and Marlene later elected to move to Castor to be closer with their family.
As time passed, Norm endured his second knee replacement in 2007. Due to expanding physical problems, Norm’s need for frequent hospitalizations, medical and surgical procedures kept him in and out of Castor hospital.
These challenges never stopped him from leading an active life, interacting with his family and even taking a trip to Russia, where Aaron is employed.
After some tests in Red Deer and Edmonton, Norm was again enjoying life at home until suddenly on Friday morning, December 17, he suffered an event that took him from this life to be with his Lord.
Norm loved hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking and winemaking. But most of all, he loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He went on many fishing trips to northern Saskatchewan. For many years he was a Mason.  He was raised in a staunch Anglican home and that heritage never left him.
In fact, he said that if there was to be a funeral for him, it must be held in an Anglican Church. When asked what words described Norm, Marlene replied, “Loving, thoughtful, generous, and a real fighter.”
Norm is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marlene; his son Cam and wife Jackie: his son Aaron; his five grandchildren, Sean, Lauren, Rhett, Hunter and Clinton; and his two great grandchildren, Keeley and Linden. Also surviving are Norm’s two sisters, Phyllis of Saskatoon and Gwenda, of Parksville, B.C., his sister-in-law, Jewel, of Winnipeg, many nieces and nephews, and other relatives, and many friends.
May God comfort the hearts of all who mourn the passing of this kind, gentle man, Norman Baldwin. The memorial service in honour of Norman Baldwin was held on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 1 p.m. at the Anglican Church, Castor, Ab, with Pastor Jim Culham officiating.
Cathy Schaffner played for the congregational hymns, “Rock of Ages”, and “Abide With Me”.
Norm’s son Aaron Baldwin shared the poem “If”. Special recorded music was “Danny Boy”.  Urn Bearer was grandson, William Sean Baldwin. Honourary pallbearers were “All of Norman’s family and friends”. The interment followed the service at the Coronation Cemetery. Lunch and fellowship was held at the Baldwin’s home. Memorial donations may be made in Norman’s honour to the Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital, Box 329, Castor, AB, T0C 0X0 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. You may send your condolences by email to  corofuneralhome@xplornet.com. Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements. 403-578-2928. “Knowledge, Experience And Professionalism With A Personal Touch”