Normand Pétrin, of Edmonton, Alberta at 93 years of age just having celebrated his birthday, begrudgingly, but peacefully, closed his eyes and departed for the golf course in heaven. He knew, without a doubt, that he would end up there! He will be sadly missed, lovingly remembered and never forgotten.
Norm was dedicated to his family with the priority of always being a good provider for his wife, Edna, whom he married on October 21, 1946 and whom he loved with all his heart. With Edna by his side, he was happy and proud to celebrate his 73rd Anniversary in 2019 with family members and dear friends. He always loved a good party!
Although he started his married life farming in Westlock, Alberta, where he was born, Norm and Edna soon realized that they needed to find a new beginning. They moved to Edmonton in 1948 and never looked back. He worked long hours mostly away from home, improving his education and working to gain experience until he felt able to start his own very successful business, Norm Petrin Plumbing and Heating Ltd. Taking a break from working long hours, he enjoyed many days at Alberta Beach, at their cabin, especially taking the kids water skiing. After he sold the cottage, his vacations took him south of the border as well as exploring many places in the world. When his sons took over the business, he and Edna eventually settled in Sun Lakes, Arizona, for the winters, where he could golf to his heart’s content, playing many card games and socializing with the great friends they made. Avoiding the harsh Alberta winters, was a big bonus. He was also a member of the Edmonton Golf and Country Club for over 40 years, his score still better than his age when he was in his mid-80s.
Though officially retired, Norm was never one to sit still. He continued to manage, and maintain his investment properties, make improvements at his residences and those of his children and tinker at odd jobs to keep himself busy until he was no longer mobile.
One always knew that Norm was in the room because his laughter loudly displayed the joy he had being with people, one thing he gifted to a few of his children. He epitomized: “work hard, play hard”.
Norm was exceptionally proud of the legacy he leaves behind: his eight children; Joanne Baker (John), Eloise Pétrin (Des Rees), Normand Pétrin (Margaret), Judi Semonick (Peter), Daniel Pétrin (Diane), Michelle Pétrin (Adel Gadallah), Gilles Pétrin, and Lise Snider (Earl) as well as 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. All were a big part of his life until the very end. In later years, his grand-children and great-grand-children, visiting him, were what brought him the greatest joy.
To the last day, despite battling COPD, Norm maintained a positive attitude and was happy to be alive, never complaining of his illness, feeling fortunate to have lived the great life he had. A big concern was leaving his wife behind but he was comforted in the fact that she was well cared for and happy.
Norm is survived by his three sisters: Lea Kramps, Alice Martineau and Lorraine Lavine and sisters-in-law: Florence Sabourin and Rita Prefontaine as well as a countless number of nieces and nephews and many friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Eloi and Léda Pétrin, Edna’s parents, Marie and Arthur Racine, two brothers, Felix and Raymond; as well as his brothers-in-law: Emmanuel and Albert Racine and sisters-in-law: Thérèse Gravelle and Dorice Racine.
We would like to thank Dr. Ranieri who was Norm’s long time dedicated doctor. We also would like to thank the hard working Touchmark LTC staff who selflessly took care of Norm for one and a half years.
Thank you also to Joe Sykes, Norm’s long-time friend, who continued to visit him when permitted.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family will hold a private Funeral Mass at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church and Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Any memorial donations, should that be your desire, can be made to World Vision Canada, on-line or to a charity of your choice.
Garry Alexander says
To the family of Norm Petrin my deepest condolences. I am better for it having met Norn. He was gentlemen. Good bye Norn.
Gerry and Eileen Baker says
Our deepest condolences to you Joanne and John, to Edna, and to your whole family. Rest in peace Norm.
With love and prayers.
Bill lowe says
Rest In Peace Norm🙏From the Lowe family in Calgary. Best wishes and condolences to all.
Bill
Denise Ashdown says
Dear Edna and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Norm! Although I haven’t seen him for
a long time I often thought about him! he was such a pleasant
person to be with!
My simpathies and prayers are with you!
God Bless you!
Love Denise!
Jim Scharpegge says
My thought and prayers are with the Petrin family at this time, keep you memories forever.
Grace Giese says
I wish to express my sincere condolences to Edna and her family in the passing of her dear husband and to
their children. Although no words of sympathy can ease the loss you bear, just picture him on that beautiful golf course in heaven.
Sincerely,
Grace Giese
(one of Edna’s many Bridge partners)
Niki Daoust says
Haven’t known Norm for too long but from the time I did, I instantly knew he was an amazing, happy, energetic, loving and sincere man, who loved his family and adored his wife. What a magical couple they were. Lots of love to the whole family
Paul Tsang says
Dan, Diane, Norm, Margaret, Gilles,
I am so sorry to hear about Norm Senior’s passing. My deepest condolences. Norm was a kind and generous man and I will always remember him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult times.
Clem & Georgette Girard says
Dear Joanne & John,
Our sincerest and heartfelt sympathy. Although Clem never had the pleasure of meeting your dad, I certainly did! He was always so loving, thoughtful and kind! And what a smile he had!
My memories of the cabin and times spent there are filled with love!
May your dad Rest In Peace and forever be able to ‘golf’ with his special guardian angel!
Please extend our condolences to your mom and the rest of the family.
Hugs and love
Clem & Georgette Girard
Yvonne Racine says
My condolences to all the family. Uncle Norm was such a great guy.
Julia Sax says
My prayers are with you at this difficult time
Justin Sykes says
My sincerest condolences to the Petrin family. I had the privilege of sharing many memorable golf and fishing outings with my grandpa and Norm over the years – he truly was a great man.
Allan Birkholz says
Norm, Dan & Gilles – I am saddened to hear of the passing of your Father. I always liked that man! Your Dad was more than kind and always generous. He taught me about work ethics, patience and respect for others while he pulled me away from the plumbing crew to help him while building his houses. We worked hard. Then, if not at the lunch table with your Mom in their beautiful home on St. George’s Cresent, we were at the Dairy Queen planning the last half of the work day. I owe thanks to your Father for some of life’s lessons. May peace be with you all!
Allan Birkholz
Don Croome says
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Norm Senior, he was a big part of the Edmonton construction. My father went to plumbing school with him and knew him as I went to school with Danny. He had to be very proud of his sons as they continued his legacy
Hank Lagasse says
Cousin Norm was a dear friend from the early 1930s- many great
times were held on the farm in Picardville.
My deepest sympathies to the Petrin family and especially to dear
Edna- May the good Lord be with you and RIP Norm
BETTY OPSAHL says
MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF THE FAMILY..MET YOU ALL AT SO MANY HAPPY OCCASIONS OVER THE YEARS…LLOYD N I MET NORM N EDNA IN SUN LKS ALMOST 40 YRS AGO… WE BECAME GREAT FRIENDS WITH NORM N LLOYD GOLFING AT LEAST 2 /3 TIMES A WEEK EVER SINCE N COUPLES PLAYED CARDS AT LEAST EVERY THURSDAY NITE! SO MANY LAFFS N HAPPY TIMES….SO SAD TO SEE HIM LEAVE BUT I KNOW HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE…PLS GIVE EDNA A HUG FOR ME….AND KNOW HOW MUCH I CARE THAT YOU HAVE LOST YOUR DAD/GRANDPA/ N GREAT G’PA…SINCERELY, BETTY
Shane Brookes says
Heart felt Condolence From the Pipetrades section at SAIT. We are sorry for your loss. our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Martha Beard says
To the Petrin’s Family.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your father that you and your family have encountered.
May my condolence bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss .
Wishing you strength and peace during this hard time
Good bless you and your family !!
Martha Beard
SUSAN BUXTON says
Eloise and Family,
Geoff and I would like to offer our sincerest condolences on the passing of your dad.
Sincerely,
Susan and Geoff Buxton
Larry Pinnell says
To Norm, Dan, Gilles and their families.
Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your father.
We hope you find comfort in all the good memories which will be
with you and your families forever.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Rose and Larry Pinnell
Leslie Nicholson says
I am so sorry for the family loss.
The memories we all shared with happy meals and friendship all the family shared with me, will be cherished always and remembered fondly in my heart. And one always knows the family were raised well with their caring always .
My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Leslie NIcholson.
Dallas & Gail Paget says
Our sincere condolences to the Petrin family on your recent loss .
May special family memories and love be what you remember the most. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dr. Jean Louis and Mrs Mena Ares says
We were sorry to hear of Monsieur Normand Petrin’s recent passing.
Our sympathies and prayers to his dear wife and soulmate , and also to his families. Special condolences to John and Joanne Baker, our long term friends from “Wainwright days”. May the good memories sustain you all in your sorrow.
Jean-Louis (John ) and Mena Ares
Anne-Marie says
To the entire Petrin family, I am truly saddened by the loss of your dad – he was a very special man whom I’ve never forgotten. Your parents are quite amazing ! It is a beautiful legacy that he leaves behind in all of you…the world is a better place ❤️
Anne-Marie Creurer
Elinor & Jack Thubron says
Our sincere condolences to Edna and her family. Norm was a member of the Board of the Country Club Place Homeowners Association for at least two three-year terms and was always a great asset to the Board and to the community it served. We also saw his smiling face at the Edmonton Country Club where he enjoyed his games of golf for many years. The world was a better place because Norm was a part of it. He will be missed.
Remember all the good times,
Elinor and Jack Thubron
Duane Ritter says
My sincere condolences to the whole Petrin family with the passing of your dad,grandfather and great grand father. He was a good man and leaves a legacy of one of the finest families I have ever had the privilege to know .
Duane Ritter
Doris Baker says
To: Judy & Peter and Families
Our caring thoughts are with you as you mourn the passing of your dad. Please accept our deepest heartfelt sympathy.
Doris & Stew Baker