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Norman Richards

Image by Nick Andréka

NORMAN LLOYD RICHARDS

June 15, 1944 - December 3, 2022

Following a lengthy illness with Parkinsons disease, it is with great sadness that we announce that Norman Richards passed away peacefully at Grace Hospital on December 3, 2022, at the age of 78.

 

He will be missed by his loving wife Pat and son Andrew. He will be fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law Susan (Brian) and Kath (John) and their families, his cousins Christopher, Suzanne, Linda, Helen, Margaret, Ralph, and Christine and their families in Wales.

 

Norman was born the only son of Kenneth and Eluned Richards of Neath, South Wales. After he married Pat, they began their life together with a move to Birmingham, England, where their son Andrew was born and where he did his PhD in Metallurgy at Aston University. He started his career at the laboratories at British Steel in Scotland and then moved with British Steel to England to continue his research. They emigrated to Winnipeg and he worked at Bristol Aerospace. This was an opportunity for him to work with different materials and furthered his research in manufacturing processes. There he found the true meaning of “Friendly Manitoba” because of the wonderful people there. A few years later he became an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba. He enjoyed his interaction with the students and worked on many projects with them. Several years later he accepted a position as Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering and there he found his life’s calling. He enjoyed teaching students and encouraged them to achieve their best. With his contacts in Industry, he helped many of them to get jobs. His work and research at the university led him to establish the Manufacturing Processes Laboratory which lets engineers make, repair, and test gas turbine components. He retired with the honour of Professor Emeritus.

 

Norman made lots of friends across the globe and will be remembered for his dry British humor, the way he connected to people of all walks of life, and the ability to make anyone feel at ease. On retirement we visited many cities in Europe, went on European and Caribbean cruises, traveled to many places in Canada and the US, and made many wonderful memories.

 

The family would like to thank Dr. William Caley (Bill) for keeping in touch with Norman by telephone and visits during the 3 years he was in hospital and nursing homes, keeping him connected to the University family.

 

The family would also like to thank everyone in the condo complex for their help, kindness, and support during these last 3 years. Norman was grateful to everyone for looking out for Pat. Thanks also to the staff at Beacon Hill Lodge and Golden Links Lodge for their care of Norman.

According to his wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no formal funeral.

Norman’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.

 

Forever In Our Hearts.

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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Gord Richardson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Norm and I worked at the same time in the T & D Lab at Bristol. He referred to me as the "Chemy Bod" because I was supervisor of the ChemistrySection! He was an absolute genius yet so down to earth. His sense of humour kept smiles on the faces of the Lab staff. Bristol's loss was the University's gain and as he had at Bristol, he made an important difference at the U of M. I admired and respected him immensely. I know he will be be missed by all who knew and loved him. I extend my sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Pat and Andrew. He spoke so highly of both of you. How sad there will be no memorial for this amazing man.

Peter Sklepowich

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I am saddened to learn of Norm’s passing and will have only fond memories of his wit and easy teaching manner as we shared many years together at Bristol and later as we each moved on to others tasks. I am proud we were able to support Norm’s efforts at the university. Rest well, Norm.

Gwyn Williams

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I was very sad to read that Norman had died. Having interacted with him on many occasions at the U of M, I can attest to his integrity, intelligence, warmth and humour. “Gorffwys mewn heddwch Norman bach”

Doug Lyons

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I had the pleasure of working with Norm at Bristol Aerospace. He was always ready to help those of us that needed to pick his brain. He was the "go to guy" in the lab, he was missed when he left. Condolences to family on your loss.

Xiao

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Remembering Norman Norman was my PhD supervisor at University of Manitoba. During my studies, he taught me how to think large and approach research problems with practical solutions; all these skills have enabled me to be a good researcher today. However, it is his kindness to others and wisdom in daily life that I remember the most. Once he said to me: treat everyone with respect and the way you wish to be treated. Many would say the same. But his action taught me. At Bristol Aerospace where I worked for many years, when he walked through the workshops, almost daily, he would stop to say hi to everyone. Very often, we see the “important” people in a gathering walking pass many without an acknowledgement and seeking only to speak to those who they consider important.  I remember Norman every time I see these people. At the end of day, when Norman wrapped a day’s work, he said goodbye to all the janitorial staff cleaning the lab before heading to the parking lot. He said to me, “their work is as important as the rest”. My research may have deviated from what I did under his supervision, but I followed his advice on treating people the same way as I would want to be treated. Norman and Bristol M&P remain to be my very fond memory. All those dinner parties at Shoreline Drive. M&P lab was never the same without Norman. I thank you Norman also for providing accommodations to my maternity leaves in the days when they could not be easily accommodated. My children thank you as well.   To Norman, Au Revoir, wherever you are! 

Duncan Yates

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I have know Norman since we met at British Steel Research Centre in Scotland in 1974. We both transferred to Middlesborough with BSC and lived close together for a couple of years. I moved to America in 1977 with my family, and Norman moved to Canada with his family shortly afterwards. Christine and I have always kept in touch with Norman and Pat, and he visited us in Chicago and we have visited them in Winnipeg. More recently, we all met in Dallas to see Andrew and then the four of us we went on holiday together across Texas. His dry sense of humor is what I mostly remember, and a willingness to help when requested. I have fond memories of laughing endlessly at each others minor mishaps. he will be sorely missed, but has given us many happy memories. Duncan and Christine

Ed Brosowsky

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

RIP Norman.

Kath Griffiths

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

We've known Norman for a long time. We, as most people who knew Norman were aware of his dry sense of humour, which kept us amused. He was a good husband, father and brother-in - law. When he came to Wales he would look forward to visiting a fish and chip shop for his favourite meal. washed down with a pint of bitter. When he lived in Britain he moved around the country with work and we would always be welcome at their different homes. When living in Canada he would try to come home to Wales every other year and it would be great to catch up with Norman, Pat and Andrew. God Bless you Norman.     Kath & John

Roger Trefzger, P. Eng.

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Norman was my first supervisor and mentor when I started my career as a metallurgical engineer at Bristol Aerospace in 1981. I learned a great deal from Norm and he was very committed to my career  development, teaching me all the things that can't be learned at university. I worked under him at Bristol for six years before I moved on. I will always be grateful for the time I had with Norm in the crucial first years of my professional life. I was very saddened to learn of his passing.

Naresh & Sandeepa Goel

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I had met Norman in 1987 at CEM conference in Kingston Ontario, while I was a Research Associate at the University of Manitoba. We instantly became friends and he later invited me to join his team at Bristol Aerospace. At Bristol, together we worked on many competing aerospace technologies that helped win many important contracts at Bristol. We have been family friends since. Sandeepa and I are deeply saddened by Norm’s passing and have prayed for his recovery ever since knowing about his Parkinson’s. We remain sorry that we could not visit him during his sickness due to Covid restrictions despite our visit to Winnipeg. Norm will always have a very special place in our hearts. Pat, Pls accept our heartfelt condolences for this terrible personal loss and we sincerely wish peace for the departed soul and strength for you and Andrew to bear this loss. Pls know that you can always call on us for any assistance we may possibly provide. Naresh and Sandeepa

Sue

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

We always enjoyed meeting up with cousin Norman on his and Pats visits back to Swansea, and particularly his wonderfully dry sense of humour. He was very close to my late parents and as a child I was so happy to have been a flower girl at their wedding. We will always remember  Norman with great fondness Sue and Jeff

Susan and Brian

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Norman came into our family as our brother-in-law 55 years ago and will be sadly missed. When Norman first started going out with Pat he was very kind to my friend and myself and used to take us to British Steel Velindre club when they had live groups on. We have had lots of laughs over the years when we have met up with Pat, Norman and Andrew either in England, Scotland and Wales.  Either staying with them or them visiting us. Norman enjoyed taking us out seeing the sights wherever they lived. Brian remembers him and Norman going on a British Steel bus trip to watch a test match at Headingly. An enjoyable day was had by them both. A few years ago Norman helped my sister and I to organise a surprise  meeting in Paris  for Pat for one of their Anniversaries whilst he was lecturing there. R.I.P Norman 
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