Obituary of NORM KERR

It is with profound sadness that the family of James Norman (Norm) McLeod Kerr announce his passing on February 11, 2025 at the age of 86 years.  He will be remembered by his dearly loved wife of 60 years, Lori and his children: Tania (John), Ruth, Andrea (Ashley) and Ryan.  He was a doting grandfather to four wonderful grandchildren: Mason, Bronwyn, Oarisa, and Acton and a devoted brother to Carolyn Strecker.  Norm will also be missed by his family-in-law; Richard (Geraldine), Virginia (Mike), Dennis (Lynne).  And of course, never forgotten by his numerous nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his brother Grant, his brother-in-law Bill Strecker, and his parents Jack and Winnifred Kerr. 

Born at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Norm grew up at 1066 Manning Avenue in Verdun and spent his summers in Sand Bay, QC.  Cottage life was deeply ingrained in his DNA - boating, fishing and goofing around on the banks of the Ottawa River were his life-long pleasures. This family tradition continued well into adulthood where happy family memories were made.

Ever the athlete, anyone who knew Norm will agree that he rarely sat still for very long  - unless he was watching a sports game (although he was known to be quite an entertaining hands-on spectator as well).  A natural-born coach, his list of coaching accomplishments is long.  As a high school Phys Ed teacher, no student went unnoticed.  It is no surprise that his former colleagues and students at Port Dover Composite School nicknamed him Stormin’ Norman which captured the essence of his teaching and coaching style.  He was an avid promoter of equal opportunities and modelled a never-give-up attitude.  He often said, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going”.

Norm could always be counted on to lend a hand  - usually accompanied by a joke or warm smile.  A long standing member of First Baptist Church right to the end, he sat on many church committees, boards and volunteered his time in a multitude of ways – including a very popular Elvis impersonation at the FBC talent show in the 70s.  His contributions will most certainly be fondly remembered by his church community.  He also spent countless weekends working on the Kunica family farm in Beamsville, all the while speaking his own unique version of Ukrainian and Russian to keep everyone entertained.

After retirement, Norm took great pride in obtaining his Class A driving licence and had a good time sharing his truck driving tales of adventure … to anyone who would listen. 

Norm would want to be remembered as a man of faith, family and fun.  You are invited to join us in a celebration of his life at 4 o’clock on Sunday March 9, 2025 at First Baptist Church, Simcoe.  Memorial donations can be made to Camp Oneida or to First Baptist Church, Simcoe.  The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. Thorogood and the amazing staff at Delhi Long Term Care  for their excellence and compassion.