I am Don Rose.  George was my closest friend from 7th grade to when I left Canada to study in Germany just before my 21st birthday.
I live in Australia and visited my family in Winnipeg in July 2017.  After locating and regaining contact with George I made the trek from Winnipeg to Nova Scotia to spend most of a week with a dear friend of my youth.
What staggered me was the depth of his intelligence and knowledge.  Oddly our politics were in almost complete alignment.
I remained a largely city mouse whereas George had transitioned to a country mouse with his "girls", his bees and chickens.
With issues in my life, I had not corresponded with George since about May 2021.  Just before Christmas I tried to restore contact and only just learned of George's passing.
Our English language is poor at expressing feelings.  As two straight males, I hope I can express my deep love for this kind, accepting and special person.  Vale George.  I will always miss you.

A few years ago I received a phone call from George Norman.  He and Sandy  had moved to Deep Brook, and George was interested in becoming a beekeeper.  He had found my name on the Nova Scotia Beekeepers website, and called to see if he might pay me a visit and observe what a beekeeper does.  I am so glad that he called, because that phone call marked the beginning of a good friendship that Judy and I have had with George and Sandy.
 
It was interesting to discover that both George and I had grown up on the prairies and that we now found ourselves among new friends and neighbors in Nova Scotia.  As we walked through the bee yard together, I quickly became aware that George was already quite knowledgeable about this new venture. I offered what suggestions I could, but it was obvious that George had already been reading about the many challenges and the rewards of beekeeping.  Over the next few years, I'm sure that I learned as much from George as he did from me.
 
George was a precision builder.  His bees lived in "homes" (hives) that were built with the precision of an advanced cabinet maker.  I will cherish the pieces of equipment that George made for me. While they are practical, they are also pieces of art.   As George so bravely fought to live, I know  that he was proud of the way Sandy kept tabs on his bees.
 
Judy and I feel privileged to have known George.  He and Sandy were a great "team", helping each other fulfill their retirement dreams.  Today, we share the loss felt so keenly by Sandy and the family.  George’s influence our lives, will be lived out in many ways as we face the days ahead.  We are better people for having known him.


Sandy (and family), so sorry for your loss ... may the many years of wonderful memories sustain you during these difficult days.  

OBITUARY

George Esplin Norman

May 4, 1944 – July 31, 2021

Jayne's Funeral Home

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