Obituary of John “Jack” Norrad
John ‘Jack’ Wayne Norrad unexpectedly passed away peacefully at his home on July 3, 2020. He was born on December 14, 1946 in Sus, New Brunswick to the late Allwyn and Sybil (Synder) Norrad.
He is survived by his partner in life of 30 years, Patricia Anne Berry; two sons: Tony (Hali Wells) of Edmonton, and John of Caroline, Alberta; and his daughter, Sabrina of Red Deer, Alberta; stepsons: Rob Fournier of Barrie, Ontario and Mark (Michelle) Fournier of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta; eight grandchildren: Christian, Nicole, Josh, Braydon, Riley, Ashdon, Cambrie, and McKinley. He is also survived by his siblings: Bert (Ruth) Norrad, Gerry (Bill) Kyte, Darlene Baxter, Ruby (Pat) MacMackin, all of Sus, and Nancy Norrad of Saint John; brother-inlaw Marty (Glenna) Cameron of Sus; and two sisters-inlaw: Shirley Norrad of Quispamsis and Cathy Norrad of Massachusetts; along with several nieces, nephews, dear cousins and extended family.
He was predeceased by his brothers: Paul, Ansel, and Dale; sister, Zona Smith; brothers-inlaw: Carl Baxter, Lloyd Smith and Elmer Proctor; nephew Randy Norrad; and nieces Ivy-Rose Smith, Faith Williams, Kimberley Frairs, Debbie Norrad, and Tracy Perkins.
Jack spend most of his life in the Sus area. After gradating from Sus High School in 1965, Jack went on to spend his working life in the construction trades in New Brunswick and Alberta. He completed an apprenticeship program in Sheet Metal for heating and air conditioning systems (SAIT, Calgary) in the late 1970s. While his work life was disrupted early on due to a workplace injury at Denison Potash Mine, he was never one who sat idle. He always had a project on the go… building, fixing or renovating.
Family was important to him. He was proud of his children and loved to share stories about them with those he encountered. He enjoyed family gatherings and never missed an opportunity to attend one. He especially enjoyed visiting Boiestown to see his Grandmother Norrad and extended family. He would sit with her and sing as she played the piano. This is probably why he could always be counted on to lead a sing-along and get people up dancing at those family events. There is no shortage of musical talent in the Norrad clan.
He had the gift of the gab and was always up for chat and he would often end with a laugh and a joke. He will be remembered for his big heart, sometimes hidden by that grumpy, tough exterior, his directness, sense of humour, his love for teasing those he adored (he could take it as he gave it), and his willingness to offer a helping hand.
He was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #20 where he contributed many volunteer hours; although, in recent years he was inactive due to his health.
Respecting his wishes, there will be no public funeral. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. For those of you who knew him personally, we invite you to remember him in a way that is meaningful to you and by raising a glass to him. We know that there are many ‘Jack Norrad’ stories out there to be told and we hope that you will share your memories with the family and others.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sus (506-433-1176).
If you are considering making a memorial donation in memory of Jack, the family requests the charity of your choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Jack
Norrad 1946 2020..
Death notice for the town of: SUSSEX, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick