Norman Russell Pridham (Stormin’ Norman) was born October 20, 1941, in Creemore Ontario and was the sixth of eleven children born to the late James and Hazel Pridham (nee Foster).
Norman passed away peacefully at South Centennial Manor in Iroquois Falls Ontario with family by his side on Saturday January 14, 2017
Stormin’ Norman is fondly remembered by his four children, Russell Pridham of Fort McMurray Alberta, Heather Pridham (Tchad Lavoie) of Monteith Ontario, Jenna List (Matt List) of Barrie Ontario, and Ivan Pridham of Morinville Alberta. His memory will live on with his three young grandchildren, Emerson and Isla List (Jenna and Matt List), and Taylor Pridham (Russell Pridham).
Norman is thought of by his surviving brothers and sisters: Eric Pridham (Owen Sound, ON), Frank Pridham (Temagami, ON), Earl Pridham (Brampton, ON), Linda Moretto (British Columbia) and Elva Pridham (Burlington, ON).
He now joins those that went before him, Alex Pridham (Lyle, ON), George Pridham (Okotoks, AB), Jean Kowlaski (Terrace, BC), Hazel Pridham (Alliston, ON) and Allen Pridham (passed in infancy).
He is also thought of by his numerous nieces and nephews.
Stormin’ Norman spent years working on family farms, at General Electric in Barrie and then finally retired from Kubota in Orillia as a welder in 2006. His life was rifled with challenges and hardships with few rewards. He spent his whole life working to support those around him as best he could. Always a giving man, he never expected anything in return and took pleasure in the simple things, like cold beer, a good dog and a chat with friends.
His greatest accomplishments in life were his kids. He taught his four children right from wrong, to work hard, to be thankful for what you have and to never turn down “overtime” no matter what the job. He pushed all four kids to achieve a post-secondary education, something that meant a lot to him. Dad had us make the hard decisions in life and he did not cushion our falls. He did not have the patience or tolerance for the trials and tribulations of “young people”, he drew a hardline and it truly was his way or the highway. For these difficult life lessons we are forever thankful and it has made us all stronger.
Stormin’ Norman was a passionate all-year-round outdoorsman. He loved to trap and like most outdoorsmen he had his secret hunting and fishing hotspots. Stormin’ Norman declared more than once that “The best sound in the world is a black and tan hound hot on a raccoon’s ass”. Not always a law abiding man, he turned a new leaf when his children started to tag along on his hunting and fishing trips. As kids, dad would pull us out of school for a few weeks every fall to go moose and deer hunting and we missed almost every Friday during the winter to join dad at the fish huts. In the summer time, if you had a day off from work, dad had first dibs on you to accompany him in the boat; he always needed a good netter and driver. This was time well spent; learning lessons in life that could not be taught in the classroom. It was during these times that we saw a different side of him.
When he wasn’t in the bush or on the farm or working overtime, he could be found drinking tea, cutting firewood, welding random farm equipment that showed up in the laneway and spending countless hours in his huge flower and vegetable gardens perfecting his art. Not a groundhog, raccoon, deer, turkey nor other varmint dare step foot in his gardens without consequences. He was well known for his 6 foot high lilies, double-French lilacs, +100lb pumpkins and thousands of tomatoes, squash, zucchini, and cucumbers. But most of all, it was his potatoes; the Irishmen in him, kept a seemingly never ending supply of potatoes.
After a few moose hunting trips to Terrace Bay, Ontario, he moved there in 2008 and started a new life for himself as a retiree. His retirement was filled with new home renovations and gardening with his trusty hound dog, Holly, by his side. During his retirement he made numerous trips to visit his children that were now scattered across Canada. With Holly riding shotgun and some bluegrass music on the radio, dad would drive anywhere at any time.
In 2010, after a severe accident at his home in Terrace Bay and being diagnosed with Dementia, he relocated to Dryden, where Heather was working, and settled in at Princess Court Long-term Care Home.
It was in Dryden and at Princess Court where dad was finally able to relax and enjoy himself. He had no chores to do and seemingly no worries. He soon won the hearts of the staff at Princess Court and began to live carefree, flirting with girls and dancing up a storm at Pub Nights.
Stormin’ Norman also adored Friday Night Meat Draws at the Dryden Legion Branch 63 and soon became a regular. He enjoyed hearing all the old stories, sharing time with new friends and having a few drinks. He truly looked forward to meat draw every week and the camaraderie he felt there was comforting.
The Pridham Family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Wilson of the Dingwall Medical Clinic for her patience and dedication, and to the staff at Princess Court for their sense of humor and respect. Dad’s time spent in Dryden was the best years of later part of his life.
It was just before Christmas in 2014, when Norman was transferred to South Centennial Manor in Iroquois Falls as Heather had recently moved to the area for work. It was in Iroquois Falls where he spent his last days.
Cremation has taken place and the Pridham children invite all those able to celebrate their father’s life at W. John Thomas Funeral Home, 244 Victoria Street East, Alliston, ON on Friday May 19, 2017 at 2 pm. Following the service, his children will lay his ashes to rest alongside past Pridham’s and Foster’s at the Glencairn Cemetery and a reception will follow at the Lilse Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 559, 8439 Main Lisle St, Lisle, ON L0M 1M0
In his honor, donations can be made by cheque to the Dryden Royal Canadian Legion Branch #63, 34 Queen St, Dryden, ON P8N 1A1.
If you wish to send online condolences to his family, or to share your memories or photos of Norman please visit www.irvineandirvinefuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Irvine & Irvine funeral home. For information: 705-232-4006.