AUSTIN, J. Norman – Murray Siding. In his 90th year, Norman passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday afternoon, November 15, 2012, at Wynn Park Villa, Truro. Born February 6, 1923, in Skye Glen, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, he was a son of the late James and Lavinia (Smith) Austin. Norman was an affiliate of The Peoples Church, Truro. He was a veteran of the Second World War, having served overseas in Africa, Italy, France, Belgium and Holland and was injured at the Battle of Monte Cassino. He was a meat cutter and worked at Natick Packing Company, Massachusetts, and later owned his own store. An avid traveler, he enjoyed trips to Japan, South America, an Alaskan cruise and six bus tours to Europe. He had a love of flowers and gardening and also enjoyed walking and reading. Norman was the last surviving member of his immediate family and is survived by his wife, C. Lorraine (Bickers); children, Hedley (Debbie) Austin, Virginia, USA; Marylou (Bernie) Bowse, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA; grandchildren, Jonathan Austin, Ronald Bowse, Justin Bowse, Peter Bowse, Katie Bowse, Emily Bowse; great granddaughter, Kyomi Bowse. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Catherine (MacKay); siblings, Smith, Ella, Florence, David, Lottie, Beatrice, Ida, Bessie, Earl, JD, Claire, Isobel, Hugh, Henry, Tom. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Norman’s family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m., Sunday, November 18, 2012, and 1-1:45 p.m., Monday, November 19, 2012, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m., Pastor Ken Fillmore officiating. Reception will follow. Interment in Crossroads Cemetery, 110 Salmon River Road, Valley. Family flowers only. If so desired, donations in Norman’s memory to The Gideons or Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Norman’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com