NORMAN MORGAN HUMBY

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the daughters of Norm Humby announce his passing on Saturday September 28, 2024, with his family by his side. 

He was a kind and humble man, loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, friend and colleague. Norm was predeceased by his loving wife Helen of over 54 years; parents, Bert and Ann; brother Don; sisters, Doreen and Carol-Ann; and his many fur babies over the years. His amazing life lives on via his daughters, Susan, Karen (Gennaro), Leah (James), and Heather (Mike); and his grandchildren, Jack, Emerson, and Ashton. 

Norm was born and educated in Winnipeg, growing up on Chestnut Street in the Wolseley neighbourhood where he attended Laura Secord School and Gordon Bell High School. In 1952, Norm met Helen, the love of his life, with whom he enjoyed a long courtship. They married in 1959, and Helen supported Norm until he graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1961 from the faculty of Accountancy. A chartered accountant by profession, Norm articled with and worked at Glendinning Jarrett in Winnipeg, then Toronto and back to Winnipeg quickly ascending to partner in 1963. In 1970, he joined Soo Line Mills Ltd., a flour milling company and subsidiary of Weston Foods, as the Treasurer and then President and CEO from 1974-1991. When Westin sold the mill to ADM in 1992, Norm became the General Manager and eventually retired in May of 1996. Norm was highly respected and admired in the industry. His peers had the highest admiration for Norm who they said had the good sense to retire from his day job at an early stage in life to pursue the things he really enjoyed. Well done on your outstanding business career, Dad.

After retiring Norm then went onto Kanee Investments becoming a shareholder in charge of operations and investments. In 2008, Kanee Investments bought out shareholders Brihar and RP Transport. And lastly, Norm became active in investing in real estate and publicly traded companies. 

In our dad’s own words, 

“Where did Retirement Go?”

Norm had long been active in community service with involvement in the Manitoba Heart Foundation and the United Way but with many more causes near to his heart. In 1974, he became a member of the Board and Finance Committee for the Museum of Man and Nature progressing to Treasurer and Chairperson of the Finance Committee from 1978 to 1981. In recognition of Norm’s valued service to the museum, he was awarded an honorary life membership in the Museum of Man and Nature. Norm also held a Board of Director role on the Canadian National Millers Association as part of the Executive Committee and was commended on his contributions and influence as a key player in the industry. Norm was a Distinguished Patron of the Health Science Foundation and sat on the Board of Directors as Treasurer from 1997 to 2008. Norm was also a member of the Bannatyne Legacy Circle and was celebrated for his commitment and thoughtfulness to improving health care in Manitoba. 

Norm left a remarkable impression with family, friends, colleagues, the community and anyone that ever met him. Outside of his incredibly sharp business mind, remarkable generosity and inspirational volunteerism, Dad also had great passion and talent for building things with his hands. This ranged from boats and canoes, to his beloved cottages in Lac Du Bonnet. It was there he spent his honeymoon with Helen and created countless beautiful memories for our family and for generations to come. This was our Dad’s happy place, often referred to as a Labour-of-Love! Not only did he leave us a beautiful cottage but a place where our Mom and Dad’s presence will be felt every moment we are at the lake. Thank you, Dad for leaving us such beautiful memories. Words cannot express how much we will miss you both.

Dad was a voracious reader, he was never without something to read, enough books to fill a small library. Dad cherished his home in St. Andrews one he designed and built so beautifully, where many family and friends gathered over the years. He enjoyed his time in his yard gardening and hosting many celebrations and anniversaries including a wedding or two. Most of all, his greatest joy in life was being with his family; - celebrating birthdays, holidays and always looking forward to amazing meals that were prepared for him with love. 

There will be no formal service.  Dad’s ashes will be interred at his favourite spot at Lac Du Bonnet along side Helen, where he spent his honeymoon and countless summers with Family and Friends the official family gathering place aka the “Humby Hilton”

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 – 4:00pm on October 24th, 2024 at Prairie’s Edge Restaurant located in Kildonan Park (2015 Main St, Winnipeg).  All friends and family are invited and welcome to come. We ask for the guests to reflect on some of their favourite moments or memories of Norm and share them during the celebration. 

If you wish to honour Norm’s memory and incredible life, please consider making a donation to a hospital of one’s choice. 

We will all miss him immeasurably.

Rest Peacefully Dad, 

You have earned your Wings.

We Love You

Norm’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​