Obituary of Norman Delbert Shannon

Norman (Norm) Delbert Shannon passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 8, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on August 20, 1938, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Norm was deeply proud of his West Saint John roots and had a lifelong passion for aviation. He was proud to say he learned to fly a plane before he could drive a car. At 17 years old, he left home to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. From there, Norm went on to work a 35-year career as an approach air traffic controller at Halifax International Airport alongside colleagues who became his “second family.” Together with his beloved wife, Gwen, he built a life in Woodlawn, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where they raised their children, Beth, Ann and Peter.

Norm and Gwen shared 61 years of marriage filled with partnership and adventure. Their family memories were shaped by long road trips and camping adventures through Maine and New Hampshire when the kids were young, many enjoyable sailing adventures around the Nova Scotia coast, time at the cottage, and trips overseas after Norm retired. Norm and Gwen were members of the Dartmouth Curling Club, Dartmouth Yacht Club, and Woodlawn United Church for many years.

Fifty-two years ago, Norm purchased a piece of land in Cape John, Nova Scotia, and built a small cottage by hand. What began as a summer “camp” went on to become the heart of the family — a cherished summer paradise now shared and loved by his children and their families.

Norm could fix almost anything. He was an “amateur” electrician, a gifted woodworker, and continued changing the oil in his car into his 80s. He loved Gwen’s homemade lasagna and gingerbread, and approached life with practicality, patience, and quiet confidence. An avid reader with a deep appreciation for knowledge, debate, and lifelong learning, Norm encouraged his children and grandchildren to think independently, take risks, challenge assumptions, and always put others before themselves.

Norm was predeceased by his parents, Percy and Mary (Gamblin) Shannon, and by his brother, Jimmy, and sister, Janice.

Norm leaves behind his devoted wife, Gwen; his children, Beth,  Ann (John Leahy) and Peter (Tracy Purchase); his six beloved grandchildren, Thomas (Eileen Bekkers), Georgia and their father, Blair Wallace, Jack (Gwyneth Christoffel), Elizabeth, Grace, and Bradley, all of whom will miss his wisdom, dry humour, Irish wit, and generous nature.

A funeral and celebration of Norm’s life will be held on June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodlawn United Church. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.