ARTHUR BRYAN NORTON

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ARTHUR BRYAN NORTON June 26, 1940 - February 8, 2012 Peacefully, with family by his side, Bryan passed away at the Grace Hospital on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Bryan will be missed tremendously by June, his loving wife of 48 years, and his daughter Mindy Hamill (Ian), son Jeff (Sandra Kliman), grandchildren Jesse (Jordy), Travis (Madison), Josh, Rebecca and Marissa, sisters Gail (Harvey Janke) and Susan (Bruce Dagg), brothers-in-law Roy Danielson (Bernice), Jim Danielson (Sharon), David Danielson and Dennis Danielson (Georgina), honorary granddaughter Holly Kroeker, along with many friends and extended family. Bryan was predeceased by his parents John and Thelma Norton. Bryan was born on June 26, 1940 and spent his entire life in Starbuck, which was his intention and desire all along. Bryan attended Starbuck School until age 17, and then the Manitoba Technical Institute in Winnipeg where he completed the Diesel Mechanics Course. His knowledge of mechanics was essential to pursue his primary ambition of trucking. Bryan's first truck was a 1952 single-axle International. It was not long, however, until Bryan was able to acquire his first Kenworth, a 1960 model which we still have. Bryan and June ran a successful local trucking business for over 50 years. There were few if any people who put in more hours than Bryan, but to him it was not work - it was his life. He was never more content than when he was behind the wheel of his Kenworth, pulling a trailer built by one of his closest friends, Arne Doucette. While attending university, Jeff was fortunate to spend several memorable summers hauling gravel with Bryan. When he wasn't on the road, Bryan could be found in the shop where he did all of his own repairs. The shop became an informal meeting place for both neighbours and business associates, many of whom dropped by for mechanical advice, but even more for a simple visit. Bryan maintained a broad network of friends both in Starbuck and throughout the trucking community. Bryan's early years were very much characterized by the motto work hard, play hard . Fun and action were the rule. The setting could be an impromptu party at the house or a major pilgrimage to a far off destination with the Heavy Equipment Rental Association of Manitoba. It didn't matter - everyone always had a good time. Bryan and June travelled extensively in the winters, rotating through various hot destinations. Country music cruises were also favoured experiences - the highlight for Bryan one year was playing bingo every day with Charley Pride. Bryan was extremely devoted to his family and enjoyed their company more than anything. Whether it was a formal event or just lounging around the pool on a summer afternoon, Bryan and June loved hanging out with Mindy, Jeff and their families. In the last few years, the family took several group holidays to Florida, creating some special memories. Bryan was also a great hockey fan, and the family went to all of the Jet games from 1972 to 1996. At that point, Bryan's grandchildren were active in hockey and he was able to attend virtually all of their games, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Since retiring in April 2011, Bryan spent his time reminiscing with family and friends, either at the house or, if it was Wednesday, at the Hitch 'n Post Ranch. Bryan had several health challenges over the years, but he faced each one with resolve and optimism. A very special event occurred in 1997 when Bryan's cousin, Laurel Gargan, successfully donated one of her kidneys to Bryan. This amazing act of courage and selflessness allowed Bryan to continue experiencing life. A later diagnosis of Parkinson's disease proved insurmountable. The family would like to thank all of the staff of the Grace Hospital who cared for Bryan during his stay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation, Parkinson Society Manitoba or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Starbuck, Manitoba. Please join the family following the service for refreshments at the Starbuck Community Hall. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: Feb 11, 2012

ARTHUR BRYAN NORTON 1940 - 2012 Peacefully with family by his side, Bryan passed away at the Grace Hospital on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Starbuck, MB. Longer notice to follow. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: Feb 11, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2012