December 30, 1943 – March 12, 2025
It is with great sadness we announce that Norm, beloved husband of 43 years to Dianne, passed away peacefully at The Rockyview General Hospital after a brief illness with family by his side.
Norm is survived by his sons, Evan (Desiree) and Byron; sisters, Maureen (Mark) and Colleen (Lloyd); nieces, Jeannette, Shelley, and Melissa (Robin); nephews, Jacob and Alec; and grandnephews, Harrison, Stetson, and Fletcher. He was predeceased by his parents, Jean and John Wood.
Born in Craik, SK, Norm remained a loyal Saskatchewan Roughriders fan. He grew up in Calgary where he attended Queen Elizabeth High School. In his graduating year, he was awarded the Calgary Herald Scholarship in Classics and was named the first winner of the Kenneth Mitchell University Entrance Scholarship offered by the West Hillhurst Community Association.
Norm went on to university for six years, graduating with degrees in Education, Classics (Latin and Greek), and History. While at the University of Calgary he played hockey for the Dinosaurs (Dinnies) back in the day.
Norm married Dianne in Edmonton in 1981. Evan was born in 1985, and Byron in 1989. The family moved to St. Albert when Evan was two and resided there for 22 years. Once the boys started playing hockey and soccer, and with Norm still playing hockey and soccer, the family home got really busy.
Although hockey was his favourite sport, Norm was just as passionate about soccer, playing for The Victoria Soccer Club in Edmonton. He taught high school English at Queen Elizabeth and McNally before retiring in January 2008. After retirement, the family settled back in Calgary, where he substitute-taught for the Calgary Board of Education, enjoyed tennis weekly, and was a tireless volunteer for AARC. Norm played hockey in the 55+ league until he was 80 and looked forward to meeting with a tight-knit group of friends for lunch every week at the Calgary Farmers Market.
Norm's greatest pleasure was watching Evan and Byron play hockey and soccer. He was an outstanding father, husband, uncle, and brother.
Norm's wicked sense of humour kept us laughing through all the difficult challenges of life. We were all blessed to have Norm in our lives and know he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.
If friends so desire and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC), 303 Forge Rd. SE, Calgary, AB, T2H OS9, 403-253-5250, https://aarc.ab.ca/, or to a charity of your choice.
In living memory of John (Norm) Wood, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
