In life, it is not where you go, it is who you travel with… Norman Carmichael, our legend and tireless traveler, left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew him. He passed away peacefully on April 9th, Easter Sunday, at the age of 84, with his lifelong partner, Ann, at his side.
Born in 1938 in Glace Bay, Norm was the eldest son of the late Murdock and Muriel Carmichael. He grew up on Fifth Street in New Aberdeen where he was the big brother to Robbie, his late brother Merrill, and backyard cousin to Richie's girls on Fourth Street. Stories of his life as a young boy included hitching a ride to deliver the miners’ pay envelopes with his Dad, growing radishes in the ash pile, earning money as a No. 2 paperboy, and most importantly, scoring his first date with his lifelong love, Ann MacGregor, on Friday, November 25th, 1955.
In 1956, Norm left Glace Bay for the big city of Halifax where he received his BA and BEd in 1960 from Dalhousie University and coincidentally found a shortcut to the VG. He returned to Glace Bay and joined the staff at Morrison High, where he taught mathematics for many years before moving to the role of Guidance Counsellor, retiring in 1996.
Norm was an eternal optimist, and a life of service was his calling. He quietly excelled in helping Glace Bay youth build their math skills in the classroom and at his family’s kitchen table once his children were in bed. He encouraged all youth, including his own children and grandchildren, to dream big and to believe in their ability to pursue careers to better the world. Many students Norm and his family met across the country in later years referred to him as a true game-changer.
What couldn't Norm do? In 1977, Norm started Eastern Hobbies and Crafts in Glace Bay with his dream team, Ann and Murdock. His grandchildren loved hearing about Grampie’s backshift work as a cleaner, shelf stocker, and assistant window display builder. Many students completed work placements at the shop and painted murals on the walls. This ensured Glace Bay knitters knew all the Disney characters and the members of the band KISS.
Norm was a true Canadian. His love of politics and the Liberals was evident by the great company he kept - Cuzners, Kachafanas, and Dingwall. He retired as Elections Canada’s oldest Returning Officer for Cape Breton-Canso in 2019, managing the counts for 8 elections. He was grateful for his team members, and especially the Hayes' and their evening open-door policy. His travels north, west, and overseas, and his endless joy in meeting people and hearing their local, national, and international stories nourished his natural curiosity and love for this great country.
Known in Glace Bay as a key community member, he served on many boards and supported many initiatives, including Festival on the Bay, Junior Achievement, Glace Bay Downtown Development Corporation, Bay Days, Knox Finance Committee, Association for Safer Cape Breton Communities, and many more. He believed in stepping up, and giving back. Most importantly, he ensured community members were valued, and he made it hard to find a box of Quality Street chocolates at Pharmasave at Christmas.
Norm was one of the fastest walkers in Glace Bay. His kids used to run to keep up with him on the way back to school after lunch and Norm's consistent midday power nap, a skill some of the grandkids happily inherited. Being a night owl also came in handy. As a nocturnal gardener, neighbors were always excited to wake up and see Norm's latest landscaping efforts on display.
Norm's biggest source of pride was his family. On August 5th, 1961, Ann Carmichael became his bride. Soon they were raising four children: Merrill (Betty), Beth (Stephen), David (Laureen), and Heather (Sandy) Kearney. By 2006, 11 children were lucky to call him Grampie; Jeffrey, Ryan, Adam, Emily, Lindsey, Naomi, Meaghan, Liam, Mackenzie, Ben, Nicholas. The camping trips, the exclusive access to Morrison gym, the oranges during exam season, and, most importantly, his boundless love, encouragement, wit, and wisdom will be deeply missed by all.
His legacy is a reminder of our ability to help others dream, to be grateful, to care, and to laugh. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. Rest in peace, Dad. You were a gift to this world, and you are our legend. You will live in our hearts forever.
Visitation will be held at Patten Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 12th, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A funeral service will be held at Knox United Church on Thursday, April 13th, at 2 pm, officiated by Rev. Duncan Roach. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Knox United Church or the Glace Bay Food Bank.
