NORMAN (NORM) PREFONTAINE

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NORMAN (NORM) PREFONTAINE

With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Norman (Norm) Prefontaine on June 7th, 2025, at the age of 86. Norman will be sadly missed by his children, Debbie (Lorne), Cathy (Joe), Neil (Debra); his grandchildren, Jessica (Matt), Meagan (Jeff), Tyler, James (Kyle), and Kaitlyn; and his great-grandchildren Grace and Claire. He will also be fondly remembered by his sisters, Yvonne and Gisele; brother-in-law John; sister-in-law Elizabeth (Lloyd); and many nieces and nephews.

Norm was born in Elie, MB on March 21, 1939. His family lived on Hespeler Ave in Elmwood, and it was in Elmwood where he met his future wife Bernice when she was in high school. Norm and Bernice were married in 1963, and they raised their three children in East Kildonan where they lived for 56 years. They were happily married for 59 years before her passing in 2022.

Norm enjoyed visiting with family and attending all of the gatherings for special occasions. He especially enjoyed the visits when his great-granddaughters, Grace and Claire, were there and they always brought a smile to his face.

Norm was mechanically inclined, had a natural interest in automobiles and he enjoyed driving. He worked as a courier, driving for Northern Messenger in the early days and later became an auto frame mechanic, a job he worked at until his retirement. His preferred mode of travel was driving and they took a number of road trips over the years, including to Marathon Ontario, the Black Hills, Port Hardy BC, Kelowna BC and numerous trips down to Grand Forks or Fargo, especially in the summer to watch the stock car races.

Over the years, the family spent numerous weekends camping and fishing. Norm and Bernice eventually put a permanent trailer at Camp Hideaway on Lee River. They enjoyed Camp Hideaway until it closed and then they moved their trailer to Wendigo Trailer Park. Norm always looked forward to the spring and getting out to the trailer, including this year with his last visit being in May.

During the time at Camp Hideaway, Norm’s real passion for fishing was born. He learned where all of the best fishing holes were and what time of year the fish would be there. He fished as often as he could, but the funny part is that he didn’t like to eat fish. His family and friends were the beneficiaries of his efforts, appreciative of the many pickerel dinners they had from the fish he gave them. Norm passed his knowledge of the lake on to only a few of us, as he wanted the best spots to be his secret. He was able to get out on the lake and enjoy the fishing right up until last summer.

The family would like to thank the following - his brother-in-law John and family friend Mary for their weekly Thursday morning coffee dates and other times together. Dad truly enjoyed your company. Good friends and neighbours at Wendigo, Ron and Marge, for their company and for Ron being his fishing buddy for many years. Good friends and neighbours also at Wendigo, Ken and Cheryl, for including him in their gatherings, morning coffee with Cheryl when she came out to the trailer, and for watching out for him at the camp ground.

In keeping with Norman’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private service will be held. A Photo Biography video honouring Norm’s life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations

204-421-5501

Tributes: EthicalDeathCare.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2025