A SMALL TOWN HERO
On Saturday the 26 of January 2013 we all lost the most humble man, Norman Bruce Hickman. Norm died peacefully in Nelson surrounded by family.
Norm was born in Winnipeg on June 20 1924. He was the youngest of 11 children and one of 3 sets of twins born to Jesse and Sarah Hickman. Norm started playing his beloved game of hockey as soon as he could stand on his “hand me down” white figure skates from his sister.
When Norm was 11 his father inherited a substantial sum from family in England that Jesse and Sarah used to re-locate and purchase a home in Victoria. There was also enough money to buy new bicycles for the younger kids.
Norm delivered telegrams on his bicycle and walked horses for work as a young man. When he was 18 he joined the Canadian Navy and arrived in Halifax for Christmas 1942. Norman served on the HMCS Dundas and LaMalbie working as convoy protection from New York to South Hampton.
After the war Norman was invited to come to Trail to play hockey and work by his childhood friend Headley Marshal. He worked at Cominco for a short time then took an electrical apprenticeship at Bennett electric in Nelson. He met his future wife Claire Grace Forsythe at a house party in Nelson. Norman and Claire had two kids Jim and Donna Jean.
Norm retired from School District #7 in Nelson after 38 years of service to the community he loved so much. Norm continued to play Sunday morning hockey for 62 years earning the nickname “Hacker” Hickman.
Norman touched so many people with his humility, his smile and a ready joke. We all looked forward to seeing him again and again.
Norman’s surviving relatives are his son Jim, daughter Donna Jean & Larry Mydansky, Grand children Jessica, Amanda, Cody and Hayen. Not to forget the loves of his life Great grand daughter Alivia and Alora. He was also survived by his twin brother Jim and many loving nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life in the late spring that will be announced at a later date.
Norm, we all feel our loss deeply and crave to be touched by your spirit just one more time. We now look to our memories and our dreams to see you again.
God bless you and rest in peace sweet man.