November 12, 1931 - March 31, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
Norman Ralph Opsal passed away peacefully on Thursday March 31, 2022 at the Edson Continuing Care facility at the age of 90 years. Norm was born on November 12, 1931 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. He grew up on the family farm near Piapot, Saskatchewan.
In 1950, he met Betty Lou Noble. Norm met his soulmate and the two married in 1952. Six years after that, they moved to a ranch south of Gadsby, Alberta. This is where they had their two sons, Tyler and Shane.
In 1973 the family moved to a ranch at Tees, Alberta where they cleared the land and raised cattle. In 2000, they moved off of the farm to Lacombe and then in 2002 it was off to Red Deer.
Norm was an incredibly hard worker and a skilled tradesman even though he didn't have any education after Grade 8. It didn't matter if it was welding, wood working, electrical, or mechanical, Norm could build or fix it.
One of his greatest strengths was animal husbandry. He loved raising cattle, horses, and enjoyed his dogs. He had a special connection with Shane's dog "Jax". Norm enjoyed watching his two grandsons (Dylan and Chase) grow up and was so proud of them for their schooling and was always interested in hearing about what they did in their jobs. Most of all, he loved his wife and missed her dearly and decided to rejoin her in heaven on the day of her birthday.
Norm is lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his sons and daughters- in-law Tyler (Nicola) of Calgary and Shane (Doreen) of Whitecourt, his two grandsons Dylan of Edmonton and Chase of Whitecourt, and his brother Harry (Irene) of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan.
Norm is predeceased by his loving wife Betty Lou, his parents Gilbert and Rose and his brother Lloyd Opsal.
Private family gatherings will be done in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan and Creston, BC at a later date. Special thanks to the staff at the Whitecourt hospital, Spruceview Lodge and the Edson Continuing Care facility. You are all incredible! In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Arrangements in care of Mykenna Cabral at: Affinity Funeral Service
#1, 4105 - 41 Avenue, Whitecourt, Alberta 780.778.3330