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NORMAN ALFRED VELNES
Born: Jun 01, 1942
Date of Passing: Nov 22, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryNORMAN ALFRED VELNES
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Alfred Velnes, 82, on November 22, 2024, at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Norman was our dear partner, father, and grandfather. He was a pillar of strength, and a source of unwavering love and support to all who knew him. His presence in our lives was a gift, and his absence leaves a deep void in our hearts.
Norm is survived by his loving spouse of 19 years, Margaret Livingstone; his son Sean (Sarah); his daughter Shelley; his daughter Cara (Matt); his son Stefan (Katie); his grandchildren, Carver, Mason, and Tyler; Margaret’s son Tony (Lisa) and children, Malachi, Luca and Mia.
Norm grew up in Alberta with his parents Helen and Alfred who managed a 160-acre cattle farm as well as the Bremner Mail Delivery Run. Norman helped his father on this daily 76-mile route, with 425 customers. Alfred was a very kind man. Norm and he grew close while sharing life stories with each customer.
Norm earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity from the University of Winnipeg and was ordained as a Minister of the United Church of Canada in 1973. He served in ministry on the Birtle-Miniota Wider Parish, followed by a team ministry at St. Vital United Church in Winnipeg.
He spent 12 years in fund development for the United Church of Canada in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. He became the president of the Manitoba division of the MS Society of Canada and later worked with numerous non-profit organizations as a consultant.
In addition to his professional life, Norm was a resolute philanthropist. He was active in his faith community and in the growth and leadership of the St. Vital United Church as well as the planning of the United Meadowood Church.
Norman was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Winnipeg Inc. for 40 years, serving as President and then Governor of the Western Canada District of Kiwanis International (2003-2004) and served on the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Chateau. He also became President of Kiwanis International Children’s Fund in 2020.
He was the recipient of many awards of recognition: the Walter Zeller Fellowship Award; The Mel Osborne Award; The Kiwanis Foundation of Canada recognized his unlimited service to others with The Diamond Mel Osborne Award and the Tablet of Honour; Kiwanis International awarded him the Presidential Zeller.
He served on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg. He was a trainer for the United Way Speaker’s Bureau and served as president of the Winnipeg Chapter of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. He was also a chair of the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation.
Norman and Margaret travelled with trips to Ireland, France, Portugal, Vancouver, Florida, California. Norman loved his quiet time at the ‘End of the Road’ lakeside cottage and summer evenings in Winnipeg were often enjoyed in the company of many close friends.
Norman loved life and shared that vitality with all. His largess of character remained with him until the end.
His family wants to thank Dr. Goki and staff at the Grace Hospital for their kindness and attentive care.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, MB.
Flowers are gratefully declined - if friends wish, donations in Norman’s memory can be made to The Winnipeg Foundation -Kiwanis Club of Winnipeg Community Support Fund.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2024, Nov 30, 2024
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Norm was the president of the Manitoba division of the MS Society of Canada when I had the privilege of inviting him (on behalf of what was then the Taoist Tai Chi Society--Wpg branch) as an honored guest to our annual Chinese new year dinner at Kum-koon Garden restaurant. My sincere condolences to Norm's family, but many thanks for sharing him as you did--a life well lived. - Posted by: Randy Chan ((friend)) on: Dec 24, 2024
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Great admiration for Norms organizational skills and ability to help our congregtion work through some conflict in our church. He guided us through the rebuilding relationships process. always leading with a possitive approach. Thanks Norm. - Posted by: Stuart Manness (Church board member at Avonlea United Church in Domain,Mb) on: Dec 06, 2024
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Norm was a teacher of ways to do good stewardship. His presentations were thought provoking and memorable. Our condolences to his family. - Posted by: Harvey & Marilyn Simpson (friend) on: Dec 04, 2024
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I was the office secretary at Birtle United church in the early seventies and enjoyed working for Norm - he had such a warm feeling for his congregation and his sermons came from the heart - Sean used to play with our son Terry and I have pictures of birthday parties when they were little - My sincere sympathy to the family. Bernice Fraser - Posted by: Bernice Fraser (former secretary) on: Nov 30, 2024
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Norm was a great man. Social Justice, fairness and humour are just a few words I relate to him. He was a wonderful friend to me and my family. Of course it is customary to wish that our dear departed rest in peace. My question is, “Does he want to rest“. Peace for sure, but he may have too much positive energy to rest. He may wish to continue doing good things. God Bless Him. John Melnick - Posted by: John Melnick (Admirer and friend . ) on: Nov 30, 2024
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It was with profound sadness, that I heard the news of Norman's death. This morning Phyl and I reflected on the fun we had with Margaret and Norm at the End of the Road Resort. Those were good times. To Margaret, Sean, Kara, Shelley, Stephan and your family, we offer our prayers for comfort and peace in this time of grief and mourning. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Terry, Phyllis, Stephanie, Jorge and Anna. - Posted by: Terry Hidichuk (Friend) on: Nov 30, 2024
