Norman Robert Horton

Norman (Pete) Robert Horton passed away peacefully at home at the age of 91 on March 11, 2022, in Courtenay B.C.

He was born at home on August the 18th 1930 in Upper Granville, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, the son of Ralph and Rhoda (Bent) Horton

Predeceased by his wife of 53 years Beatrice (Troop) Horton in 2004.

 Also predeceased by his siblings, John Horton, Charles Horton, Edwin Horton, Owen Horton, Grant Horton, and his twin sister Norma Potter.

He is survived by his daughter Nancy Elizabeth Horton, his son Joseph Robert Horton, grandson Jesse (Jen) of Courtenay and granddaughter Jasmine of Calgary. And many nieces and nephews across Canada.

Dad spent his childhood growing up on the farm in Nova Scotia. Of course, farm life is hard work, and I am sure this is where his work ethic originated.

He set out to hitch hike across Canada at the age of 16 and ended up working in Ontario building grade for a train line. His boss at the time introduced him to Blueberry Pie and Chocolate Ice Cream which became a lifelong favorite.

He met Bea while she was working in the home on the farm. They married in 1951 and resided at the farm. In 1956 after Dad had acquired his welding certificate and a diesel motor/automotive mechanic certificate they moved to Fredericton New Brunswick. Here he worked at Horsnell Machine and Iron Works. They built a home in New Maryland just outside Fredericton where they lived happily for 13 years. In 1969 Dad got a chance to move to B. C. and on the recommendation of a friend got a job in the shop in Kokish, a logging camp on Northern Vancouver Island. There he spent his remaining working days making many good friends. This was quite an adventure for all of us. He had also built a house in Nimpkish Heights where he and Bea resided. Dad moved to Courtenay in 2013 and lived out his days with daughter Nancy and son Rob.

Dad had many special friends on West and East Coast and in between. He loved a good chin wag, playing cards, moose hunting and working. His talents at making parts for repairs and many other things are known far and wide. My cousin reminded me of all the things put aside at the farm for Uncle Pete to fix when he came to visit.

He was a very kind and gentle man. If you needed help with anything he was there. He loved to tease. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

A Celebration of Norman’s life will be at a later date and donations in remembrance can be made to The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.