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.

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

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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.