Norman James Neely

It is with great sadness that the family of Norman James Neely announce his passing on September 17, 2023, at the age of 95.

Norman was born on January 6th, 1928, to Jim and Vida Neely in Swan River. He grew up on the family farm in Pretty Valley and had to leave school at an early age to help his father clear and farm the land.

Dad spent most of his life on the farm, with short times spent away working in the bush for Carl Cober and Ralph Martin. He also worked at Spruce Products in Swan Rive.

On June 4th, 1951, he won the lottery when he married the love of his life Freda Rusk in Kenville. They enjoyed an amazing 68 years of marriage and together raised 6 children. It was a happy life, but they also worked hard on the land, grain farming and raising livestock.

They always loved to travel and visit with relatives and friends along the way. Together they enjoyed numerous trips throughout Canada. Mom and dad also travelled through many states and even enjoyed several winters driving to Arizona, spending time there away from the cold. They also enjoyed an amazing trip to Hawaii with Susan, Barry, and Peggy. A major travel highlight for them was their trip to Ireland, England and France with their son Marty and his wife Susan. Norman was particularly interested to see Dunamanagh, Northern Ireland where his father was born.

Closer to home, mom and dad loved the outdoors and spent most summer holidays camping with family and friends. All their grandchildren cherish happy childhood memories around the campsite. They also attended several music festivals with their friends.

Over the years they made many friends while hosting card games around their kitchen table. Dad was a very competitive player, and so you had to be at the top of your game to be Norm’s partner. If you made a mistake, you were sure to hear about it. There were always many good times and plenty of laughter around the card table.

He will be sadly missed by his daughter Susan (Jim) of Whitehorse, Yukon, son Bill (Susan) of Fort McMurray, Alberta, son Marty (Susan) of Milton, Ontario, daughter Robin (Tommy) and son Barry (Peggy) of Pretty Valley, granddaughter Jennifer Africa (Henry), grandson Jason Huff (Nikki), granddaughter Lauren Neely (Kevin) grandson Taylor Neely (Jadelyn), granddaughter Emily Neely (Donovan), granddaughter Leah Neely (Wyatt), grandson Colton Neely, and great grandchildren Jonah and Lyla Africa and Anderson, Lincoln, and Brandon Huff, brother Larry Neely (Gladys), sister Madeline Krumm, special family friends Sandra and Keith, his cat Angus along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife Freda, son Lonnie, parents Jim and Vida, brother Mervyn and sister Noni and numerous in laws.

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