It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Cameron Norquay on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at the age of 80. He passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
John was born on July 26, 1943 in Winnipeg to Charles John Cameron Norquay and Mildred Louise Norquay (Riley). His late father, Charles John Cameron Norquay, served in WW2 as a bomber and gave his life in service of country and freedom before meeting his son. John was raised by his mother and her second husband, Dr. John Scott Norquay whom adopted John and continued to grow their loving family with the addition of five siblings.
John was a beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, and was so well loved by all. He had an infectious smile that could brighten anyone’s day and a kind heart that touched the lives of many. Within his family and friends, he was known for having a huge heart and being able to spread his love to all his family regardless of where they came from or where they lived.
John grew up in Winnipeg and was deeply rooted in community. He was a great speaker and debater and enjoyed serving at church. He served his church family through leadership roles as a licensed Lay Reader in the Anglican Church, Bible studies and premarital counseling. John was also proud to acknowledge his Metis heritage.
John attended the University of Manitoba, St John’s College and studied theology. In 1967 John began his very successful career in Mortgage Investment appraisals within major Insurance companies in Canada. He made meaningful contributions to the field and to the people he interacted with. John especially loved to entertain his clients and enjoy an evening of fine food, theater, music, sport or film.
Some of John’s most joyful places were the picturesque condo in Maui, Hawaii, cruises, summers at any lake, boating and water skiing without ever
getting fully immersed; there had to be a dock to leave from and a beach to safely land on! All these places brought him much joy, his family, however, brought him the most pleasure of all and really brought out the heart of John!
John was a dedicated and fiercely loving father and husband. He loved his family unconditionally and exemplified what family means by loving all members of his blended, complex family equally. John was the love of Anna Marie’s life for the past 50 years. He loved holding hands with her and did so to the end. John always had his families’ back.
John is predeceased by parents Charles, Scott and Mildred Norquay and his sister Darlene Thiessen (Abe). He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Anna Marie Norquay (Kolkman); his children Peter(Wendy), John Jr (Shirin), Sherry, Stephen, Kristina (Michael); God daughter Angelina. Lynda(Todd) “extended family”. Siblings Linda Norquay (Hugh), Donald Norquay (Glenda), Kathryn Johnston (David) and Jim (Laurielynne), as well as his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Special Brother-in-law to Bill & Dini (predeceased by Dini). Marinus & Barb, Jocelyn & Garry, Gerald (Linda); and Michael. John will be greatly missed by all who knew the kind and gentle soul he was.
A special thanks to Mill Creek Care Centre for all those who took care of John. Thank you also to the PSW’s that came to our home for almost 5 years until this past January.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 17th, 2023 from 2-4pm. A memorial service followed by a celebration of John Cameron Norquay’s life will be held on Monday September 18th, 2023 at 1:00pm at Legacy Funeral Home, 55 Cedar Pointe Drive, Barrie Ontario. Parking and entrance at the front of the building FACING the 400.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice in memory of John Cameron Norquay.
For more information and to leave condolences, please visit www.legacyfuneral.ca