Norman Dean Smith

Norm was born in Victoria to Elsie and Victor Smith. He enjoyed telling tales of his youthful shenanigans, some from when he was only five years old, involving milk wagons, street cars, and old schoolhouses. Norm started working with the provincial government at a young age allowing him to retire at 54. Never idle for long, Norm drove bus for BC Transit during the Commonwealth Games in 1994, and for The Wellesley Victoria, taking residents on outings.

Norm was a ‘joiner’ and took on several volunteer activities over his lifetime. A Kiwanis member for many years, Norm also volunteered with the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society at Heritage Acres up until his illness. He served on the board of directors and worked on a variety of different projects on the site. In honour of his son, David, Norm restored a 1966 BC Hydro passenger bus that he and Heather took in countless parades over the years, as well as taking family and friends on Christmas lights tours.

A keen fisherman, Norm also loved watching baseball and hockey, and he regularly travelled to ball games in Seattle and went to see his beloved Blue Jays play twice in Toronto. He played men’s league baseball and supported his children in their chosen sports.

Norm had a large circle of family, friends and neighbours whom he stayed connected with by telephone, visits and lunches out. These friendships, nourished by Norm over many decades, were a great support to him over the past nine months and during his time in the hospital.

Norm is survived by this children Steve Smith, Karen Salmon (Steve), and daughter-in-law Debbie Smith. Norm took great joy in his grandchildren Brianna, Carly, Nicole, Courtney, Katelyn, and Nick, and his seven great-grandchildren. During his time in the hospital, Norm greatly missed his dog, Lily. Norm was predeceased by his parents, sister Marlene, son David, and wife, Heather. A celebration of life was held April 22, 2025 at 2:00pm at First Memorial located at 4725 Falaise Drive. The recorded livestream of it can be viewed at: https://funeraweb.tv/en/beloved/180135

In lieu of flowers, donations in Norm’s memory may be made to Saanich Historical Artifacts Society, Help Fill a Dream Foundation, or Heart & Stoke Foundation.