Obituary of John Reginald Norman

J.R. Norman (John Reginald)

Aug 13, 1978 - Feb 13, 2023

Spryfield, NS

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of J.R. on Monday, February 13, 2023, at home at the young age of 44.  J.R. was a loving, loyal and protective partner, brother, father, and friend. His love and laughter touched so many.  His favourite place to be was in the woods, whether it be a bike run (the muddier the better), hunting with his boys or fishing with friends, always starting his day off right with his “triple D” - a double-double and a doobie.  He loved spending time at the family cottage at Lake Torment, going back to Five Bridges and to Stewiacke with his buddy Cecil.  He enjoyed tinkering around any garage, always the first to offer a helping hand. At home, he went by “Chef Boy R Bub” for his culinary skills, always the cook but never the baker.  He also loved a good washer tournament (rain or shine) or a poker game with his Camp Cavendish crew whom he considered family.  He was also a proud member of the “Keiths Brothers” never missing the chance to get together with the boys and enjoy Janet & Kenny’s cooking.  In the early 2000’s, J.R. helped resurrect the Kline Heights baseball tradition, put a team together, naming themselves the Crocs.  After hanging up the cleats, J.R. remained a part of the team as their biggest fan, and a fixture in the baseball community.  It is no coincidence he waited until after the annual Superbowl party to leave us, also making sure he got that one last trip to Lambeau field with his cousin John.  It makes our hearts happy to know he got to experience some of his dreams - Lambeau field(2X); Soldier Field (GO PACK GO); salmon fishing off the coast of B.C., exploring the coast of Newfoundland and taking in the views of the Rocky Mountains just this past summer.  J.R. previously worked for St. Mary’s University for 17 years and was just getting settled in with his new career with DND, loving both the job and his new work family. 

He is survived by his forever partner Urusula Fournier and her son Max, sons Anthony (Laura) and Brandon (Denise) and their mother Melissa Elliott, sisters Emily (Trevor), Dianne, Eileen, Tiffany, brother JayJay, nieces and nephews Chase, Callie Rose, Tristen, aunts, uncles and cousins. J.R. was predeceased by his parents Darlene & Mike McNeil, Jackie Norman, and younger brother Ryan.  The family would especially like to thank neighbours (TK & LB) and all the first responders for their efforts. 

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Friday March 3, 2023, from 4 - 7 p.m. at All Saints Cathedral, 1330 Cathedral Lane, Halifax.  A combined funeral service for J.R. and his mother, Darlene will be held Saturday March 4, 2023 at 1 p.m.at All Saints Cathedral with a reception to follow.  

Please feel free to dress casual as J.R. wouldn’t want things to be too fancy, but would appreciate Packer green, a jersey, camo or shorts of course.

In lieu of flowers, treat yourself to a Keiths, and raise a glass to Bub…” Hammer Down”