NORMAN REGINALD VAN TASSEL

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NORMAN REGINALD VAN TASSEL December 18, 1934 - December 3, 2007 Suddenly but peacefully, Norman passed away at the Health Sciences Centre on Monday, December 3, 2007. Norman was predeceased by his father Howard Burton and mother Robena Blanche Van Tassel (Rice); his brothers, Howard Jr., Clyde and James; sisters, Florence and Joan of Digby, NS. Norm is survived by his wife Lynne (Lena); son Stephen (Carol) of British Columbia; his daughter Lori Ann (Dugald) Carter; his grandchildren, Amy, Andrew and Vance Carter; brothers, Wayne (Minnie) of Ontario, Neil (Florence) of British Columbia; sisters, Pauline and Sharon of Nova Scotia, Donna (Bob) Kranstz of Ontario; brother-in-law Bill (Hazel) Rudishyn, sister-in-law Anne (Marion) Tylipski; Edna (wife of Clyde) of Manitoba and Lucille (wife of James) of British Columbia; nephews, nieces, family, friends in Canada and the United States. Norm, born in Digby, NS attended school at Digby Rural High. He may be remembered in Digby as a young man playing hockey with his cousins and the other Van Tassels out on the pond or in the Digby Rink in the early 1950s. He moved to Toronto in 1952, joined the Canadian Army and served in the regular forces until 1962. He had overseas duty in Korea with the 2 QOR of C and numerous postings in Canada as an instructor and later as Clerk Administrator. Upon his release from the Canadian Army, he was employed as a Correctional Officer at Headingley Correctional Institute then as a fireman at the Atomic Energy of Canada in Pinawa, MB. Later he returned to Corrections to work with juveniles at Vaughan St. Detention Home and Manitoba Youth Centre. In 1974, Norm founded and Directed Winchester House (first licensed Group Home for problem children in Manitoba) and Van Tassel Homes of Winnipeg which included a Wilderness Camp at Wallace Lake. He then finished his working career as a Real Estate Agent for NRS Block Bros. Many summers were spent at his cottage at Wallace Lake where he, his wife and family enjoyed time with their friends. Norm's favourite pastime was fishing with his partner Ginger. In 2002 he sold the cottage and purchased an RV with dreams of traveling. There was never a dull moment in Norm's life. He was a past member of the Board of Directors for the Last Post Fund, a member of No. 283 ANAVETS Association for 25 years, The RCL BR No. 4 for 21 years, Past President of KVA Unit No. 17, a founding member and Past President of the LGen RR Crabbe Chapter of the CAVUNP, founding member of the Sgt Tommy Prince MM Memorial Unit 76 of KVA and a member of the QOR Association of Canada. Norm took part in many fund raising activities and memorials and will be remembered by many for his volunteer work. Norm, with the never ending support from Lynne, his devoted wife of 42 years, was granted many certificates and awards for his work: The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, Queens Golden Jubilee Medal, service medals from Korea. Norm was the only Manitoban awarded with The Distinguished Service Star for his work with the Korea Veterans of Canada. Norm will be fondly remembered by all his family and friends that supported him over the years. He will be especially missed by his three grandchildren and by Tara, his early morning walking partner. Memorial service will be held on Monday, December 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Assiniboia Christian Centre, 3390 Portage Ave. with interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave. Pallbearers were selected from different organizations with the assistance of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 4. The family would like to thank Dr. Lipschitz and Dr. Atwal for all their care, compassion and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. MAY HE REST IN PEACE We will meet again, another time, on another parade square! Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 07, 2007