Obituary Overview
Norman Andrew MacDonald
Peacefully on October 30, 2018 at Grace Hospital, after complications from a short illness, Norman Andrew MacDonald passed away. Norman was born in Winnipeg on November 4, 1929. He is survived by his 4 children, Brian (Valerie), Heather (Craig), Colin (Glenda), and Ken (Anna), 7 grandchildren, Tracey (Pat), Karyn (Tom), Nicole(Matt), Staci, Scott, Cameron, and Christian, and 6 great-grandchildren, Mylo, Rylan, Maddex, Easton, Nixon, and Addilyn. He is also survived by his brothers, Donald (New York) and Robert (Edmonton) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Eileen in 2004, his father Andrew in 1982, his mother Violet in 1985, and granddaughter Danielle in 1985.
Norm went to school in Winnipeg, attending Riverview School, Lord Roberts School, and Kelvin High School. He was employed with the CNR as a Carman for 43 years, retiring in 1989.
Norm was well known in the Scottish Pipe Band Community. He joined the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada Cadets in 1941 where he learnt how to play the bagpipes. He moved to the main regiment in 1946, retiring as a Warrant Officer in 1984. In 1969, Norm joined the Khartum Shrine Pipes and Drums, where he was an active playing member for over 45 years. Norm was also one of the founders of the Manitoba Massed Pipes and Drums in 1973 which eventually became the Manitoba Pipes and Drums. He served as Pipe Major of all the above bands and was recognized as a Pipe Major Emeritus of the Shrine Pipes and Drums.
Playing the bagpipes gave him the opportunity to travel all over the world. In 1976, Norm was chosen by the Canadian Government to represent Canada as a piper at the World’s Fair in Japan. Some of the other many highlights of his piping career were playing in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California 3 different years (including being the only non-American band until that time to have ever lead the parade), and playing at The World Curling Championships in Sweden, Germany and in Canada. Norman was particularly proud to have been presented a City of Winnipeg Community Service Award in 1994 by Mayor Susan Thompson.
Norm’s favorite place was his cabin at Grand Marais where he loved to spend as much time as he could. He had many friends at the lake that he enjoyed having a beer or two with especially his “Grand Beach Boys” and eventually the “Grand Beach Girls”. He loved to reminisce about his years as a teenager at the lake and his work at the Dance Hall in Grand Beach.
In the last few years, he loved his winter getaways with family and friends to Huatulco, Mexico and Costa Rica where he went zip lining at the age of 85.
A Celebration of Norman’s life will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2018, from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. at the Shrine Temple, 1155 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, MB.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Shrine Transportation Fund at 1155 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3P 1B9 or by calling 204-925-1430.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Norman Andrew MacDonald 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
