Mr. John Charles Norris

Mr. John Charles Norris was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. John always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, John was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

      John was born on February 10, 1949 at home in North West Brook Trinity Bay Newfoundland. His parents were Lionel Norris and Mary Brace. John was raised in Newfoundland. Always able to express himself well, John possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, John was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, John was able to relate well with others. John was raised with 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Murdock, Cyril, Claude, Randy, Mathilda and Trudy. John had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, John showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. John enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in hockey. In his spare time he liked to read.

      When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to John. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. His favorite course was marine engineer.

      Friends and acquaintances found John an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. John was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. Later in life, he became friends with Jacob and Dorothy Huyer.

      On December 22, 1973 John exchanged wedding vows with Valerie Claudette Delorme at the St Theresa Parish of Ottawa Ontario. John was attentive to Valerie's feelings, and he charmed Valerie and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, John was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      John was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, John’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, John was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. John could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was parts manager. He was employed for 37 years by JH Ryder Machinery.

      John enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were stamp and coin collecting. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, John was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Recreational sports included bowling, tennis and golf. John was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and hockey.

      John’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included years of service at work.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that John truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Newfoundland, traveling through Eastern and Western Canada and parts of the US by car and going to Disney World.

      John was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. John’s favorites was Sunshine, a bird and Juno, a cat who passed away. They were best friends for many years. He had 3 other cats Emmy, Genie and Oscar that are alive and well at home with his loving wife Valerie.

      When John’s retirement finally came in 2010, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. In retirement, he found new pleasure in gardening and working outdoors. He enjoyed helping others too.

      John passed away on May 14, 2018 in emergency at a Ottawa Hospital. John passed away from an incurable neurological disease called PSP. He is survived by his wife Valerie and his 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Services were held at McEvoy - Shields Funeral Home & Chapel. John was laid to rest in Hope Cemetery in Ottawa Ontario.

      John was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If John had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Mr. John Charles Norris.

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Norris, John Charles

Peacefully, on Monday, May 14, 2018 at the age of 69. Beloved son of the late Lionel and Mary Norris of Newfoundland; loving husband of Valerie (nee Delorme); and dear brother of Murdock, Cyril, Claude, Randy, Matilda and Trudy. Fondly remembered by many other relatives and friends. Visitation at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa on Friday, May 18 from 10 am - 11 am followed by a memorial service in the chapel at 11 am. In John's memory, donations to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) research can be made through Parkinson Canada.