NORMAN, DAVID MALCOLM, Q.C. - David Malcolm Norman Q.C., passed away at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Fredericton on February 7, 2013. David was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland September 24, 1936, the eldest son of The Reverend Malcolm Norman and Audrey (Stirling) Norman. He is survived by his loving wife Doris and five children: Dianne (John Campbell) of Halifax, NS; Malcolm (Andrea Mitchell) of Vancouver, BC; Audrey of Fredericton, NB; Shelley (Patrick) Hyde of Bedford, NS and Katherine (Nancy McConkey) of Coldstream, BC. He is also survived by his brother Laurence (Shirley) of Kingston, ON, sister Rosamond McCue as well as numerous nieces, nephews and nine grandchildren. David had a long and varied career, graduating from UNB in 1958 with a degree in geology, in which field he worked for several years being party chief in base mineral exploration. While working on his Master’s degree in geology he decided to switch to law school as the nomadic geologist’s life was not consistent with a happy marriage. After graduating from UNB law school in 1963 David joined Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, ON as assistant to the corporate secretary and vice president of industrial relations; following which he graduated from Osgoode Hall and became a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada to which he remained a member throughout his legal career. He was also a member of the Advocates Society of Ontario. In 1971 David and his family returned to New Brunswick to take the position of Director of Legal Services in the Provincial Department of Justice. In 1981 he returned to private practice with the Fredericton law firm of Hanson Hashey where he remained with it and its’ succeeding firms ending with the firm of Cox and Palmer in 2013. During his legal career David practised primarily in the area of general civil litigation, labour and employment, engineering and construction law, administrative law, including representation of a large number of professional organizations. He appeared in all levels of Court, including many cases in the Supreme Court of Canada, and was involved in many precedent setting decisions. In recent years he practised in the energy field including oil and gas development and pipeline construction. David was known for his gentlemanly manner. Although he “did not suffer fools gladly”, he was always considerate of others’ views and opinions. In 2012 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Bar Association for his contributions to the legal profession, including in New Brunswick and Canada. True to his Newfoundland heritage, David maintained a great sense of humour throughout his life and to the end. Also true to his heritage he was a registered commercial fisherman for many years, some of his happiest days spent on the Bay of Fundy with his many fisherman friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 10th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at McAdam’s Funeral Home, 160 York St, Fredericton, New Brunswick. A funeral service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton, NB on Monday, February 11th at 2pm, where David and his family have been faithful long term members. The Very Reverend Keith Joyce will officiate, assisted by The Right Reverend Bill Hockin. Reception at the Cathedral Hall, 168 Church St to follow. The family wishes to thank all of David’s caregivers and his family for the wonderful attention he received during his period with cancer. For those who wish to make donations they may be made to the donor’s choice, The Palliative Care Unit, The Chalmers Hospital Foundation, The Extra Mural Program, The Christ Church Cathedral Restoration Fund or the Fredericton Homeless Shelter. Online condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com.