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Norm Gessell

Image by Nick Andréka

NORMAN GESSELL

November 4, 1949 – June 1, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norm Gessell at age 74 on June 1, 2024 at St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care after a very long and courageous battle with cancer. Norm was a loving husband, proud father, doting grandfather and friend. All who knew Norm will remember his quick wit and one-liners. 


Norm leaves behind his wife of 46 years Marilyn; sons, Michael (Ariane), Steven; and Grandson Benjamin; as well as many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.


Norm grew up in the west end of Winnipeg and loved to reminisce about the times he spent playing hockey at the community centre. In his teen years golf became his passion which he continued to play until his late 60’s.  Norm spoke of his trips to California as a child and the amazing times he had with his cousins the stories were many and always made us laugh. 


When Norm was 18, he decided it was time to see the world and spent seven years in the Navy.  He returned back to Winnipeg to work with his mom in the family drapery business where he did all the installations, manufactured their verticals and roller blinds.  When they closed the business Norm moved on to work at the Crystal Casino as a dealer, later transferred to McPhillips Street Station where he worked his way up to Table Games Manager.


Norm enjoyed our many cruises, trips to Vancouver Island, Sacramento and our last trips to Palm Springs while he was still able to travel.


We would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Czaykowski, and to everyone at Cancer Care. All the Doctors, Nurses, Healthcare Aids and Housekeeping at St. Boniface Hospital 8A. Staff at Riverview Health Centre. Community Palliative Care Nurses and staff as well as our Home Care workers.  Your care and compassion will never be forgotten.


Cremation has taken place, and a private family celebration will be held at a later date.


In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to a charity of your choice. 



Wonder 


I wonder what you’re thinking as I wander the hall

Waiting for you to move or wake but nothing at all

The days and nights ever so long

Your mind is going but your will to live seems strong


Sometimes you raise your arms up into the air

Looking for something that isn’t there

Your eyes are still closed but you’re trying to talk

Now your legs are so sore and too weak to walk


If you hear the angels calling from up above

Take their hands and go with them my love

When you look down upon us don’t be sad

We will cherish all the memories of what we had


We will carry you in our hearts each and everyday

They’re calling you to the first hole it’s your turn to play

Walk through heavens gates with courage and grace

We will all be okay knowing you’ve gone to a better place


You’ve fought long and hard it’s your time to be free.


MG



Norm’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Steven Gessell

November 4, 2024 at 3:13 PM

Happy heavenly birthday, today you would have been 75 yrs old, wish you were here to celebrate it. I love you and think about you lots, it still doesnt seem real to me that your gone. I remeber you telling me always you wanted a electrician in the family, well i started the school portion of my apprenticeship today on your birthday and i know your watching over me and would be proud.

John Fletcher

August 12, 2024 at 5:18 PM

Was very sad to read of nornmspassing...Norm and I were best friends in the Navy and sailed together on HMCS Columbia and served at CFS Aldergrove. I do believe I introduced him to his wife. Fair winds and following seas Norm!

 

Derrene and Al

July 10, 2024 at 9:51 PM

Marilyn,

We are so sorry to learn that Norm has passed. We have very fond memories of our time we spent as neighbours, becoming good friends. We shared many good times. May all your good memories help you through the next chapter. Norm will be watching over you.

Glenda

July 4, 2024 at 6:55 PM

Marilyn, Michael & Steven,

My condolences to you all on the passing of Norm. Remember the good times to guide you thru the challenging times. The photo biography is great and it is very special that Norm was able to hold his grandson, a very touching memory.

I knew Norm back from high school days when the "group" hung out and he provided lots of laughs and entertainment! We all were impressed when he found the love of his life and married Marilyn and their love for each other produced two sons and a grandson!

Rest in peace Norm. 🙏

Trudine and Wil Wilson

June 18, 2024 at 10:02 PM

Dear Marilyn and Family

We are so sorry to hear about Norm.'s passing. We send our love and hope we were closer so we could give you all a hug .May all your memories of him and your times together help you through this very sad time.. Love You

Ben Casper

June 18, 2024 at 9:47 AM

So sorry to about Norm's passing. i worked with Norm while in Table Games at MSC. My deepest condolences.

Roy and Sharon Millard

June 17, 2024 at 5:56 PM

Sorry to hear about Norm's passing. I met Norm while serving in the navy with him. We had some great times together. I always remember him as a kind and generous person. Rest in peace Norm

Simone 130

June 16, 2024 at 12:47 PM

Normy's laughter is what helped me make it through nights at work. Those fun times will be remembered. You live on Silver Fox. 🙏🏻

Nelda

June 16, 2024 at 10:08 AM

Ed and I were just recalling some of the fun times we had at hockey games and outings together. Our deepest condolences, Marilyn, Michael, Stephen and family.

Roger Marini

June 15, 2024 at 4:20 PM

Rest easy Norm. I will fondly remember our late night after work discussions about life and our occasional golf outings. God bless you and condolences to your family.

Kathy Bastiaanssen

June 15, 2024 at 2:04 PM

So very sorry for your loss. He was a great boss and always had a kind word and a strappy comment. We will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. May you Rest in Peace.

Brenda

June 15, 2024 at 11:24 AM

I worked with Norm (aka the Silver Fox) at chrystal and Mcphillips casinos - could not find a nicer guy to call coworker and I would like to think friend. one in a million.

Patti & Dan Herzog

June 13, 2024 at 7:28 AM

To Marilyn & family please accept our condolences on the loss of Norm. His memories will be forever & his love is everlasting. We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

Michael Gessell

June 12, 2024 at 7:21 PM

I miss you dad, but I know you're in a better place and no longer in pain. I remember being just 4 years old and you teaching me how to skate. When I got a little bit older you taught me how to swing a golf club, interlock grip just like Jack Nicklaus. I thought you were the best golfer in the world and I wanted to be able to hit the ball just like you. You taught me a lot over the years and we had many good times together.

 

I remember first hearing your diagnosis and how little time they thought you had. They certainly underestimated the fight in you. Getting to see you at my wedding and more recently holding Benjamin are some of the best memories I have. I promise to tell Benjamin so many stories about you and he will know how much you loved him. You always made the best with what life gave you and that's something I'll always remember and will try to do.

 

I wish we had more time together dad but I know I'll see you again in the next life, whatever that may be. Check in on us from time to time If you can. Until then, may the drives be straight and all the putts fall. I love you dad.

DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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