WHITNEY, Dr. Norman

WHITNEY, Dr. Norman

It is with sadness as well as a profound gratitude for a rich life, that we announce the passing of our father, brother, and friend, Norman John Whitney on January 6, 2016. Norman was greatly comforted in his last few days in the company of his family and many friends, all the while warmed by his Montreal Canadiens blanket, at the Veteran’s Health Unit in Fredericton, NB. The family wish to acknowledge the ongoing support of his many health care providers, and most recently the exceptional care and love that he received while at the Veteran’s Health Unit.
Norman was born a prairie boy in Langdon, Alberta on July 24, 1925, where he grew to be a man who knew how to farm, how to play hockey, how to soap train rails, how to catch gophers, and most of all, how to live in a way that cultivated optimism and demonstrated great respect for the world around him. After serving in the Navy and then receiving his BSc at the University of Alberta, he proceeded to head east to gain his MSc (University of Western Ontario) and PhD (University of Toronto). Norman immediately began his plant science career at a research station in Harrow, Southern Ontario.
Norman found his lovely bride, Karen, in London, Ontario, and they soon married and began to raise a family. Getting the “tap on the shoulder” as his calling to the ministry, he continued his eastward trek to Montreal where he would work in the field of science while achieving his Master of Divinity at McGill University. Ever a curious explorer, Norm then continued further East where he established a long career at both the University of New Brunswick as well as with the United Church of Canada.
Teacher and minister to so many during his full and colorful life, Norman was loved by many. He raised his family to understand the tangible applications of love, acceptance, inclusion, and community—while never wavering in his diehard commitment to social justice. His loving heart and great wisdom helped mend and restore many a broken situation, especially in his counselling practice. Norman was a master at building connections and relationships, and specifically he excelled in bridging the worlds of science and spirituality. Respected in many circles, Norman received his most notable recognition in 2006 as recipient of the Governor General’s Order of Canada.