Obituary of NORRIS JERRY PAWLYCHKA

Sadly, we announce the passing of Norris 86 year on the morning of Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the Riverview Health Centre.

Norris will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Jennie and their three sons; 

Carey, Kevin Pawl and Carl.

(Carey & grandchildren, Chantal, Anthony & Julian).  Kevin (Debbie) and Kevin's children

(Cody/Patrick and Kelsey/Jake).   Debbie's son Rory (Cindi) great-grandchildren Lennon, Soren and Liv, Debbie's son Krisjan and her daughter Brennagh (Josh) great-grandson Casey.

Also left to mourn is his sister, Myrtle Pawlychka. 

Norris was predeceased by his parents John Pawlychka & Mary Pawlychka/Holowka

Norris was born and grew up on a country farm in Chatfield, Manitoba.  He helped his parents with farming while attending school.   He loved playing baseball (there must have been an element in the water that produced such strong dedicated baseball players at Chatfield)!   Norris was a member of the Chatfield Cardinals baseball team from 1952-1959.  The team was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.  A billboard situated at roadside just before the Town of Chatfield bears all the names of “the pride of Chatfield”!

When the family moved to Winnipeg, Norris continued his education at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. He returned to Chatfield in 1955 to teach for a year before entering Teacher's College in Winnipeg.

In 1957 Norris was introduced to Jennie, whose family had moved from Poplarfield to Gimli in 1953.   They were introduced by her cousin who insisted that Norris being from Chatfield should meet her cousin, originally from Poplarfield and that they were meant for each other!

 “Love at first sight” they were married on May 30, 1959. 

Norris continued his education and graduated with Arts Degree from U of M.

Winnipeg became home as Norris began a career with the Seven Oaks School Division in 1962 where he taught for 30 years.  Norris taught at Centennial School, Edmund Partridge and then Garden City Collegiate Institute where he became a Vice Principal. When the boys were about to continue their education at Garden City, Norris left for the Elementary schools. He was a principal at Collicut,Elwick and finally James Nesbitt where he retired  in June 1992.

Norris loved the outdoors. He loved to hunt birds and big game. There were a few years when he had very good luck deer hunting. He carved his own plaque “The Buck Stops Here” and hung it in his gun room.

He loved fishing and canoeing and would often take his boys along with him.

Norris enjoyed snowmobiling and had a 1970 Ski doo Nordic as one of his first sleds. He then had others to follow.

When there wasn't any snow, he would be out on his Yamaha enduro 90 motorcycle. He had other motor bikes but then graduated to triking and finally quadding. His adventures would ultimately take him back to the Chatfield/Narcisse area where he loved to visit and show his kids and others where he grew up. 

In retirement Norris and Jennie travelled south in the winters to

Arizona.  They also enjoyed cottage life at Lake Forest Estates, north of Gimli with a beautiful view of lake.

Norris was a member of St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church.  He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and would always be seen at the Fish Fries during Lent.  He also served as Grand Knight, a position that he cherished and respected. Norris made many friends at St. Joseph's Church.

He loved God, He loved his wife, He loved his kids, He loved his grandkids and he loved life!

The family would like to thanks the Palliative Care group and home care that came to the house while Norris was still at home. CancerCare Manitoba and finally the staff at Riverview Health Centre that looked after Norris during his final days.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday March 9^th 2024 at the St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church 250 Jefferson Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Interment will be at a later date.

For livestream please click link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-v2EPKo0l

If friends so desire, donations may be made to Prostate Cancer Research in Norris' name in care of RIDE FOR DAD www.ridefordad.ca/manitoba@ridefordadmb