Obituary of Norman Thoen

Norman Stanley Thoen April 23, 1925 - April 9, 2017 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Stanley Thoen on Sunday, April 9, 2017, at the age of 91. Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are: his wife of 65 years, Ruth Thoen; daughters Patricia Katz (David), Susan Lukiwski (George), Sandra Savage (Bob), Peg Thoen, Shelley Thoen-Chaykoski (Metro), Roberta Waldner (Bruce); ten granddaughters and spouses; nine great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Iona Thoen and Marj Thoen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Norman is the last of the Thoen siblings and was predeceased by his four brothers and four sisters. Norman was born on the farm south of Viscount (NW-17-33-26 W2) on land that his parents, Ole and Ambjorg Thoen, settled in 1917. When Norman and Ruth married in 1951 they took over the farm that he loved so much. It was there that they raised livestock, grain (some 650,000 bushels over their time on the farm), and their family of six daughters. The land was cultivated by members of the Thoen family for over 100 years; and Norman was very proud to accept the Saskatchewan Century Farm Award in June of 2009. He and Ruth lived on the farm until 2011 when they moved to Saskatoon. Norman was a man of service. Proud to have served in the RCAF during the Second World War, he also served his neighbours and community in very practical ways, lending a hand whenever and wherever it was needed. Because he was such an engaging storyteller, friends and family loved visiting with him. His memory for detail and lively accents breathed life and humour into his many stories of the early settlers and neighbours in the Viscount area. Norman will forever be known as a loving husband, caring father, and adoring grandfather. We are grateful to have had him in our lives for so many years.