Obituary of Norm Bolitho

February 3, 1938 - November 10, 2023

Norman (Norm) Howard Bolitho, born February 3, 1938, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 85 on Friday, November 10, 2023. 

He is survived by his brother Don (Patricia); sister Penny (Armond); children, Melissa, Brad, Mike (Sheri) and Kelly (John); and his grandchildren, Phenix, Elias, Taryn, Kinley, Brooke, Ashton and Theo; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Cecil and Violet, and sister Patricia. 

Norm grew up in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario and would reminisce of a childhood spent playing sports and making life long friends. He received a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education from the University of New Brunswick and a Masters Degree in Physical Education from the University of Wisconsin (doing his thesis on head injuries in hockey). He was a natural athlete, excelling in both football and hockey throughout high school and university. Despite professional opportunities in both sports, he chose to pursue a career in teaching, coaching university hockey and football. Later, he spent many years in professional sales, mainly in commercial real estate. 

Norm was fiercely independent and was always one to do things his own way. He lived many places across Canada, but called Calgary home, moving back 12 years ago to spend time with his kids and grandkids. He was a devoted and engaged grandpa and dad, who spent his life supporting and encouraging his children to follow their dreams. In his view nothing was impossible if you put your mind to it. He celebrated every occasion, big or small, and was there to cheer at every sporting event or performance, ending every visit with a big hug and an I love you. He took pride in finding the most cherished Christmas or birthday gift, and loved to spoil his grandkids, who remember him bringing them a hot wheels car or craft every time he came over (which was often). His family always looked forward to his homemade spaghetti and meatballs, earning him the moniker ‘spaghetti grandpa’. Norm will be deeply missed for his energy, enthusiasm, kindness, generous spirit and all the love he showed his family every day. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. David’s United Church (3303 Capital Hill Crescent NW, Calgary, AB) on November 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. You may join the service livestream on St David's United Church YouTube page or by clicking the link here: https://youtube.com/live/Wm0t85FbDmI?feature=share. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Norm’s family here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Norm’s honour directly to KidSport Canada - Alberta, Box 36107, Lakeview RPO, Calgary, AB T3E 7C6 Telephone: 1-(888) 91-4kids or (403) 217-3761, www.kidsportcanada.ca.

In living memory of Norm Bolitho, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.