NORRAD, ANSEL BRUCE
1948 - 2016
Following a brief illness, the family of Ansel Bruce Norrad of 1720 Hickey Road regret to announce his passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on February 4th, 2016. Ansel was born in Sussex, NB on September 4th 1948, and was the son of the late Allwyn and Sybil (Snider) Norrad.
Ansel will continue to live on in the hearts of his two sons, Troy (Cathy) and Mitch, two daughters, Sylvia and Carla, two grandchildren, Amber and Nathan, three brothers, Bert (Ruth), Jack (Pat), Dale (Cathy), four sisters, Gerry (Bill), Darlene (Carl), Ruby (Pat) and Nancy, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.
Besides his parents, Ansel was predeceased by infant twins, Joel and Jolene, a brother, Paul (Shirley), and a sister, Zona (Lloyd) Smith.
Ansel loved his children dearly and was completely devoted to all aspects of their lives. He remained totally, and actively, involved in all phases of his son’s challenges, and attended school, and extra curricular activities for all of his kids. He was a man of outstanding character and had an unwavering faith in God.
Ansel enjoyed playing all recreational sports, especially baseball, and hockey, and he loved a good challenge when it came to playing any card game.
Ansel was a man with a big heart and was very generous to family, friends, and even strangers who he felt needed a helping hand. He loved all kids and they certainly loved “Uncle Ansel.” Ansel felt all kids deserved at least one chance to experience Disney World, and for those who couldn’t, he surprised them with an expense paid trip to Florida. Summer vacations in NB, AB, and PEI also left the kids with a lifetime of memories, thanks to “Mr. Drysdale”.
Ansel loved country music and in his younger years, he managed and entertained with his brother Dale and his band, “Country Travellers” (later “Traveller’s Revival”). The band performed for the prisoners at Dorchester Penitentiary and hosted many local benefits before packed audiences to help raise money for someone in need.
Ansel was a “Red Seal jouneyman electrician by trade, and worked for many years across Canada, working for Irving Oil Ltd., PCA Potash Mines, head operator of a gas plant for Standard Oil, AB, Flaconbridge Ltd. (Kidd Creek Mine), and Law’s Electrical Contracting Ltd., to name a few. He also had his own contracting business. Ansel was well respected by his peers and co-workers and made many lifelong friends along the way.
As per Ansel’s wishes, he has donated his remains to the medical research at Dalhousie University so there will be no viewing, or funeral service.
Memorial donations can be made to Early Intervention, Shriners, or a Charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent by email to ncnorrad@rogers.com