KORITHOSKI – Norman Donald Korithoski
Norman was born in Calgary, AB on February 19, 1944 and died on March 02, 2024 at 80 years of age. His parents were Tony and Minnie Korithoski. He is survived by an older brother Lenard, a younger brother Ted, one sister Doris Bachand and his son Shayne and Shayne’s mother Fran Hudson.
Norman grew up in the small village of Tilley. As a youth he was among the “Tilley” kids that joined Brooks Air Cadets! Norman’s learning disability led to him leaving school early and entering the workforce. His first job was on the CPR working with Willie Stenger and Don James. He also worked for Celtic Construction and Eds Field Construction.
Norman married Frances (Fran) Hudson in Calgary in June of 1977. Among the things Fran loved most about Norm were his friendliness and sense of humour. He could always find a way to make her laugh. In September, the couple moved to Veteran, Alberta. The Town Foreman had recently retired so Norman arrived at just the right time to take over the job.
Norman and Fran eventually settled in Stettler. In 1981, they welcomed the arrival of their son, Shayne. A friend and former colleague of Fran’s remembers Norm showing up at her workplace to announce the happy news and offer a cigar to everyone in sight. Norman was every bit the proud, devoted father. He had been working for CN, but when Fran went back to her job, he stayed home to provide care for their son until Shayne was old enough to go to Day Care.
Norman and Fran remained good friends even after their marriage came to an end in 1984. Norman moved to Red Deer, where he began attending Living Stones Church and made a commitment to Christ. He helped out with various church-related activities, such as taping the Sunday services. Norman volunteered as bell ringer for the Salvation Army through many seasons at the Red Deer Mall.
He continued, as well, to be involved in Shayne’s life. Father and son spent many fun-filled weekends and holidays together. They especially enjoyed outdoor settings like Bower Ponds, the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, and Sylvan Lake. Norman was always very fond of cars, and had by then acquired a red Ford Mustang—complete with sunroof. He was never happier than when he was behind the wheel, his son beside him, both of them looking forward to a new adventure.
When Shayne and his mother moved to Calgary in 2001, Norman was a frequent visitor. The three of them spent several memorable Christmases together. Norman was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008 and was treated at the Foothills Cancer Centre in Calgary. Throughout the experience, he remained cheerful and optimistic. Thankfully, the treatments were successful.
After Shayne relocated to Vancouver in 2012 to further his career, he and his father were able to stay in touch by phone. Feeling the need to be near her son, Fran moved to Chilliwack, where she started her retirement in 2014.
Norman resided at Waskasoo Towers, Fleming Kiwanis Manor and Pines Lodge in Red Deer after retirement. In 2020 Norman was hospitalized in Red Deer and had to be sent to Hanna because the Red Deer hospital was bursting with Covid patients. In Hanna he became a resident of the Long Term Care Centre and was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia. His sister Doris Bachand and brother Ted Korithoski, both of Brooks visited him in Hanna each Saturday providing support and comfort during his last four years of life. Kriss and Robbin were two of Norman’s favorite caregivers in Hanna. Ted and Doris took him to Tim Horton’s for coffee and lunch whenever he felt able to go out or brought his “Tims” to his room. They also arranged FaceTime calls between Norm, Shayne, and Fran that were very much appreciated and enjoyed by all concerned. He continued to make us smile and laugh at his clever (& old) jokes!!
Shayne and Fran will be forever grateful to Ted and Doris for their faithfulness in providing encouragement and support to Norman during his stay at LTC, Hanna Health Centre. Norman was dearly loved. We take great comfort in knowing he is with Jesus.
Thoms Funeral Home is in charge of cremation. Internment at Bethany Cemetery will take place at a later date.
For further information, to light a memorial candle or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.
