Norman Harry Lewellyn Tessier of Vanguard, SK passed away on January 25, 2016, at the age of 83. He was born in Shaunavon, SK on September 4, 1932, to Antoine and Marguerite (nee Jacques) Tessier. Two years later the family moved from Dollard to the farm at Scotsguard, SK. Growing up Norman rode his horse to school, carried buckets of water from the spring to feed his mother’s chickens and turkeys, and milked cows. Norman attended school until part way through grade 8, when he began to help on the farm. He later began his career as a mechanic at Wilton Motors in Shaunavon. He was working there when he married Lillian Jean Meek of Shaunavon on Jan. 28 1954. They were blessed with five children, Rosemary, Deborah, Joyce, Judy and Ron. Norman worked at Christofferson’s for a short time, before moving to Ponteix to work at the Ford dealership. After about six months Norman decided to switch employers and went to work for Marcel Carigan. Before long Norman became a papered mechanic and Carigan’s took over the Ford dealership, so he was a Case and Ford Mechanic! In the spring of 1964 the family moved to the Louis Briand farm southwest of Vanguard, and in the fall of 1971 they family moved to Vanguard. Norman bought many a piece of equipment, forever upgrading and getting bigger with every trade! He started with a WD9 International, then replaced it with a 97 Massey with a hand clutch, next was an 806 International, and then his first of many new tractors. In 1978, Norman and Jean toured the GM plant in Oshawa. Norman, with Jean as co-pilot, drove home his new grain truck. Norman opened Tessier Service, where he sold tires fixed exhaust, and did repairs. Norman continued to farm and did some custom grain hauling. At the age of 74 he retired from farming, but continued custom grain hauling for two more years. Norman continued to work in his shop until 2013, when he sold the shop and fully retired. Norman enjoyed travelling to visit his friends and relatives. He liked to watch TV programs such as the Price is Right, Let’s make a Deal, Wheel of Fortune, Judge Judy, Judge Marion Millan, Hot Bench, and in the evening he watch NCIS, Blue Bloods and Hawaii Five-O! He also enjoyed reading and playing cards, such games as cribbage, whist and Smear, and playing games especially Tile Rummy, Chicken Foot or what you may know it as Domino’s! In past years Norman and Jean enjoyed old time dancing, such as the waltz, two step and square dancing. Norman’s family would like to thank the entire community and everyone for your acts of kindness at this most difficult time! The food and expressions of sympathy is quite over whelming and greatly appreciated! Norman’s family is truly thankful for the 80 good years he had, and are very grateful that even in his last days he said he wasn’t in any pain. Norman was a proud, strong man who worked hard all his life and lived a good life his way! Norman is survived by his loving family, wife Jean (Meek) Tessier; daughter Rosemary (Walter) Wall, granddaughter Cora (Sheldon) Rood, great grandchildren Carson, Jessie, granddaughter Jolene (Trevor) Isaac, great grandchildren Kade, Hunter, Rian, granddaughter Amanda (Jeremy) Doerkson, great grandchildren Logan, Peyton; daughter Deborah (Ken) Scheller, granddaughter Michelle (Kevin) Kelner, great grandchildren Ashton, Kayden, grandson Kristin (Stephanie) Scheller, great grandchildren Kian, Ethan, Kai; daughter Joyce (Butch) Evans, grandson Mitchel (Janina) Evans, great grandchildren Alyssa, Ryder, grandson Curtus (Jennifer) Evans, great grandchildren Corben, Carter, grandson Lee Evans; daughter Judy Brenholen (Daryl Irwin), grandson Murray (Darla) Brenholen, great grandchildren Brayden, Bailey, Shayla, Peyton; son Ron (Lynn) Tessier, granddaughter Dana (Dale) Johnston, great grandson Taden, granddaughter Stephanie Tessier, great grandchildren Zoey and Scarlet; siblings Isobel (Bernie) Heinrichs, David (Colleen) Tessier; sisters-in-law Dorothy (Lawrence) Scott, Elsie McLean; brothers-in-law Jack Meek, Bill (Connie) Meek, Bob (Janet) Meek. Predeceased by his parents Antoine and Marguerite Tessier; brother Emile Tessier; great-grandson Bryson Johnston; brothers-in-law Alfred (Mary) (Pat) Meek, Tom McLean; sisters-in-law Bea Meek, Irene Meek.
Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 30th, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at the Vanguard Community School, Vanguard, SK. Officiant was Laura Balas. The eulogy was shared by Ron Tessier. Music by Lynn Tessier, Dana Johnston, and Stephanie Tessier. Urn bearer was Ron Tessier. Memorial donations in memory of Norman to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 279 3 Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8 were greatly appreciated.
Online condolences can be shared at
www.pichehawkins-grondinfuneralchapels.ca