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Norman Eligh

April 22, 2024

Early on Monday, April 22, 2024, at University Hospital, London. Cherished by many, Norman was a family man and businessman, a dedicated volunteer, and a raconteur of shaggy dog stories. He was 76 years old.

Born in Winnipeg to Jean (nee Kendall) and Gordon Eligh, Norman grew up in Ottawa and Edmonton. In Edmonton, he married Linda and launched a family along with a 35-year career with Sears Canada that eventually took him to Toronto headquarters. Customer service was Norman’s North Star, leading him to store management roles in Guelph, Kitchener, St. Thomas, and London. He enthusiastically represented the company at countless high school productions for the Sears Drama Festival. Following retirement, Norman owned and operated a London UPS Store.

Norman volunteered his time and leadership, serving as Commodore of the Guelph Lake Sailing Club, and President of the Royal City Kiwanis Club, Scouts Canada Wellington District, and Probus Club of London. As an adaptive downhill ski instructor, Norman shared his love of the sport with skiers with disabilities, first with Waterloo Region Track 3 Ski School, and then as President of the London Track 3 Ski School.

Norman championed his family, supporting all of Linda’s endeavours and attending his children’s dance recitals, school concerts, and soccer games. He took every opportunity to tell his children he was proud of them. As a grandfather, he delighted in finding gadgets and magic tricks to dazzle the little ones.

He was a skilled handyman, dog lover and blues fan, and a top-tier pancake maker. He was happiest holding hands with Linda, basking in the sun poolside, or on the dock at Whiskey Island, surrounded by family.

He leaves Linda (nee Donnelly), loving wife of 56 years, daughters Blake (Jeff Phillips) and Meredith (Kevin Sexton), son Ryan (Amy), and grandchildren Tulia, Grace, Rowan, Ireland, Finnley, and Juno.

Lovingly remembered by siblings Peter (Connie), Gregg (Angele), and Jane Eligh-Feryn, brother-in-law Dave Elliott, and family and dear friends across Canada and around the globe.

Predeceased by his parents and extended family, Pat Feryn, Jean Elliott, Jim and Doreen Donnelly, Tom and Geraldine Donnelly, and Helen and Elburne Donnelly.

The Eligh family extends their deepest gratitude to the many friends, family, and neighbours who held Norman and Linda in love and support over the past year. They particularly wish to recognize the exceptional care of Dr. John Gonder and the staff at the Ivey Eye Institute, who treated Norman as if he were their only patient. Thanks also to the skilled professionals at London’s University Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Care, Victoria Hospital, and Parkwood Institute, as well as Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, for attentive and expert care. The family also offers thanks to nurse Elliott Vukovie and colleagues of Bayshore and the Personal Support Workers of ParaMed, whose compassionate and diligent care provided Norman with dignity and comfort at home.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 3, 2024, at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, at 2:00 p.m. and by livestream link for those who are unable to attend in person. Click on the link  Remembering Norman below to register.

Remembering Norman

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to organizations that meant a great deal to Norman: London Track 3 Ski School, Scouts Canada or Almost Home in Kingston, Ontario.

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A donation has been made to Track 3, Scouts Canada and Almost Home. Message from the donator: In memory of his leadership and dedication to community service, we are honoured to contribute to three causes that were dear to Norman's heart - London's Track3 Ski School, Scouts Canada and Kington's Almost Home. With love, The Eligh-Phillips Family

~ Blake Eligh

My thoughts and prayers are with you all today.

~ Cameron Donnelly

I was so sad to hear the news of Norm passing away. I always think of him leaning back in his chair, crossing his legs and getting ready for a long chat about why I was in his office. Norm always made me feel comfortable enough that I was able to discuss anything with him and discuss we did. I learned so much about Norm and his family during these discussions. Such a great man. I know he will be dearly missed.

~ Mary Granton

So sorry and saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Norm. I hope and pray that your good memories will bring you comfort in the days to come. With love and hugs…..

~ Cheryl Kerr

With sympathy to you all. Fine memories of Scouting with Norm and his rule that you cannot put too much butter on popcorn.

~ David Jones

Our deepest sympathy to Linda, Blake & family, Meredith & family & Ryan & family. Our thought & prayers are with you all.

~ Maeve and Joe McNally

I was so sorry to hear about Norm. Norm was a sweet kind man I enjoyed working with him at Sears. Linda you will miss him I know. It has been nearly six years since Steve passed away and we still miss him so much. It is so very hard to let go of the ones we love dearly. God bless you and your children and your grandchildren. Heather Burton.

~ Heather Burton

Our deepest sympathies to Linda and family as you grieve your loss. We were saddened to hear of Norm's passing. It came as quite a shock. Memories come to mind of our carpool commute to Jarvis St. where Norm made the drive seem shorter with his humour and witty banter and so much more. Norm you will be missed.

~ Greig & Irene Carson

Knew Norm for quite a while through Sears and always admired him for his unselfishly giving of his time to many varied endeavours. He was so talented in many things! My sincere condolences to his family. Sincerely, Bob Nelson

~ ROBERT NELSON

I had the privilege to know Norman and the honour to work with him at Sears. I’ll cherish many fond memories and laughs about him always! RIP!

~ Janet Holmes

He will be greatly missed as a pool, poker and ROMEO breakfasts member, as well as a member of the musical theatre set construction team, aka the Swamp Rats. His personality would light up the room when he walked in. With all the things we did together Norman, certainly going to miss you.

~ Tom Smyth

I’ve just read Norm Eligh’s obituary and since I am 92 years old and not in the best of health, i will not be able to attend the funeral, but do wish to extend my most sincere condolences to Linda and all the family. Bill Nicholson

~ William Nicholson

Services for Norman Eligh

Celebration of Life will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

May 3, 2024 2:00 pm

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If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.

London Track 3 Ski School

Scouts Canada

Almost Home

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