Norman Eligh

Early on Monday, April 22, 2024, at University Hospital, London. Cherished by many, Norman was a family man and businessman, a dedicated volunteer, and a raconteur of shaggy dog stories. He was 76 years old.

Born in Winnipeg to Jean (nee Kendall) and Gordon Eligh, Norman grew up in Ottawa and Edmonton. In Edmonton, he married Linda and launched a family along with a 35-year career with Sears Canada that eventually took him to Toronto headquarters. Customer service was Norman’s North Star, leading him to store management roles in Guelph, Kitchener, St. Thomas, and London. He enthusiastically represented the company at countless high school productions for the Sears Drama Festival. Following retirement, Norman owned and operated a London UPS Store.

Norman volunteered his time and leadership, serving as Commodore of the Guelph Lake Sailing Club, and President of the Royal City Kiwanis Club, Scouts Canada Wellington District, and Probus Club of London. As an adaptive downhill ski instructor, Norman shared his love of the sport with skiers with disabilities, first with Waterloo Region Track 3 Ski School, and then as President of the London Track 3 Ski School.

Norman championed his family, supporting all of Linda’s endeavours and attending his children’s dance recitals, school concerts, and soccer games. He took every opportunity to tell his children he was proud of them. As a grandfather, he delighted in finding gadgets and magic tricks to dazzle the little ones.

He was a skilled handyman, dog lover and blues fan, and a top-tier pancake maker. He was happiest holding hands with Linda, basking in the sun poolside, or on the dock at Whiskey Island, surrounded by family.

He leaves Linda (nee Donnelly), loving wife of 56 years, daughters Blake (Jeff Phillips) and Meredith (Kevin Sexton), son Ryan (Amy), and grandchildren Tulia, Grace, Rowan, Ireland, Finnley, and Juno.

Lovingly remembered by siblings Peter (Connie), Gregg (Angele), and Jane Eligh-Feryn, brother-in-law Dave Elliott, and family and dear friends across Canada and around the globe.

Predeceased by his parents and extended family, Pat Feryn, Jean Elliott, Jim and Doreen Donnelly, Tom and Geraldine Donnelly, and Helen and Elburne Donnelly.

The Eligh family extends their deepest gratitude to the many friends, family, and neighbours who held Norman and Linda in love and support over the past year. They particularly wish to recognize the exceptional care of Dr. John Gonder and the staff at the Ivey Eye Institute, who treated Norman as if he were their only patient. Thanks also to the skilled professionals at London’s University Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Care, Victoria Hospital, and Parkwood Institute, as well as Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, for attentive and expert care. The family also offers thanks to nurse Elliott Vukovie and colleagues of Bayshore and the Personal Support Workers of ParaMed, whose compassionate and diligent care provided Norman with dignity and comfort at home.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 3, 2024, at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, at 2:00 p.m. and by livestream link for those who are unable to attend in person. Click on the link  Remembering Norman below to register.

Remembering Norman

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to organizations that meant a great deal to Norman: London Track 3 Ski School, Scouts Canada or Almost Home in Kingston, Ontario.