WHITNEY, DR. NORMAN
It is with sadness as well as a profound gratitude for a rich life, that we announce the passing of our father, brother, and friend, Norman John Whitney on January 6, 2016.
Norman was greatly comforted in his last few days in the company of his family and many friends, all the while warmed by his Montreal Canadiens blanket, at the Veteran’s Health Unit in Fredericton, NB. The family wish to acknowledge the ongoing support of his many health care providers, and most recently the exceptional care and love that he received while at the Veteran’s Health Unit.
Norman was born a prairie boy in Langdon, Alberta on July 24, 1925, where he grew to be a man who knew how to farm, how to play hockey, how to soap train rails, how to catch gophers, and most of all, how to live in a way that cultivated optimism and demonstrated great respect for the world around him. After serving in the Navy and then receiving his BSc at the University of Alberta, he proceeded to head east to gain his MSc (University of Western Ontario) and PhD (University of Toronto). Norman immediately began his plant science career at a research station in Harrow, Southern Ontario.
Norman found his lovely bride, Karen, in London, Ontario, and they soon married and began to raise a family. Getting the “tap on the shoulder” as his calling to the ministry, he continued his eastward trek to Montreal where he would work in the field of science while achieving his Master of Divinity at McGill University. Ever a curious explorer, Norm then continued further East where he established a long career at both the University of New Brunswick as well as with the United Church of Canada.
Teacher and minister to so many during his full and colorful life, Norman was loved by many. He raised his family to understand the tangible applications of love, acceptance, inclusion, and community—while never wavering in his diehard commitment to social justice. His loving heart and great wisdom helped mend and restore many a broken situation, especially in his counselling practice. Norman was a master at building connections and relationships, and specifically he excelled in bridging the worlds of science and spirituality. Respected in many circles, Norman received his most notable recognition in 2006 as recipient of the Governor General’s Order of Canada.
A tribute to Norman would not be complete without an acknowledgement of his absolute love for the sport of hockey! Norm coached in his early years, and continued playing throughout his entire life, retiring from Old Timers hockey at the age of 80. He loved the sport but no team embodied this passion more than his beloved Montreal Canadiens.
Norman is predeceased by his wife Karen (Jensen), both his parents, George Whitney and Margaret Whitney (Dick), a sister Catherine Scotcher, brothers in law Bill Cathro and Bert Scotcher, two nephews, Tom Scotcher and Gordon Cathro, all from Alberta and BC.
He is survived by one sister: Jean Cathro (Victoria, BC) , two brothers: H. Stuart Whitney (Emily) (Victoria, BC) and Roy Whitney (Georgina) (Calgary, AB), children: Roselyn Green (Leonard), Fredericton, Allan Whitney (Cheryl), Mactaquac, Tanya Whitney (Ross), Fredericton, Lyra Blaney (Ben), Maple Ridge, grandchildren: Darrell Green, Laura Prosser, Kynesha Leadbetter, Hartley Prosser, Taisha Leadbetter, Sam Blaney, Drew Blaney, Jagger Rideout, many nieces and nephews and many other friends whom Norm considered as family.
The family will host a drop in celebration of life and reception at the UNB WU Center on Sunday, January 10 2 to 4 pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 11 at 2 pm at Nashwaaksis United Church, with viewing from 1 pm until service time. Interment will occur at a later date in the spring. Bishop’s Funeral Home have been entrusted with the arrangements.
Donations may be made to the Norm Whitney Scholarship Fund, Development & Donor Relations, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 or online at https://donations.helpforcharities.com/unbdonation/