Obituary of Norman (Norm) Holford

May 17, 1947 – Penticton, British Columbia
December 8, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that the family of Norman (Norm) Aubrey Holford, announce his passing after a short and intense battle with cancer. He will forever be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 58 years, Pat Holford (nee Bertoia), of Calgary, AB. He passed Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the age of 74 years, surrounded by his family. 

Norm was born in Penticton, BC on May 17, 1947 He moved frequently throughout his childhood and lived in several towns throughout BC and Alberta. He eventually would settle in Trail, BC and raise his family there. After retirement from the Cominco Fire Department in 2002, Norm and Pat moved to Calgary, AB to live close to their children and grandchildren. 

Norm married Pat Bertoia in 1964. They were deeply committed to each other and raised two children: Lori born in 1967 and Darren born in 1970.

Norm accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of his years instructing Industrial First Aid and work as a paramedic for the BC Ambulance Service.

Norm was a talented artist. He was skilled at drawing and developed an insatiable passion for wood carving while on an annual vacation in Mesa, Arizona. Norm quickly took to the craft creating hundreds of carvings over the past five years. Many of these depict active rodeo scenes and celebrate his life-long love of horses.  His times spent carving with the guys at the Sunlife Vacation Park in Mesa gave him purpose and immense joy. Norm was enthusiastically planning for their vacation in Mesa and planned to be among the first to travel south of the border when he first learned of his illness. 

Norm’s most memorable vacations were when he and Pat would cruise together with friends or family. He would delight in planning for his next cruise and had many happy memories of the time the whole family traveled together aboard the Allure of the Seas to celebrate his and Pat’s 50th wedding anniversary. Times spent cruising with Ken and Marilyn, Bill and Linda, Val and Gord were treasured memories that he reminisced about frequently.

He will be most remembered for his quick wit and dry sense of humor, his creative abilities, and his unwavering devotion to his family. He was always quick to help friends and neighbours asking nothing in return. Norm was enthusiastic about starting new projects and often needed only a suggestion of an idea to jump to work.  

In addition to the love of his life, Pat, Norm is survived by his daughter Lori Holford Reilly (Jim Reilly), and son Darren Holford (Janice Cloutier), all presently residing in Calgary. Norm is also survived by four grandchildren, Dylan Ferrier, Maddison Holford, Jocelynn Holford and Erica Ferrier; his “other kids” Sophie and Metin; as well as two brothers, extended family members and many dear friends.

Norm was predeceased by his parents, Aubrey Holford and Albina Holford, as well as his grandson Austin Ferrier. 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Graveside Service to follow at Queen`s Park Cemetery. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Norm`s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Norm’s favourite charity: the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB  T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 955.8818. www.childrenshospital.ab.ca.

In living memory of Norm Holford, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

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