Captain Wayne Norman

Wayne Norman was born at the Botwood Cottage Hospital on the 1^st of February 1947. He was a very proud pre-confederation baby. Born to Jasper and Gertrude (Gertie), Wayne was one of twelve children. He was predeceased by his parents; his three brothers: David, William, and Brian; and by four brothers-in-law: Dr. Tang Lee, Cyril Greeley, Utley Wheeler, and Charles Hawkins. Wayne is survived by his sisters (and spouses): Peggy, Betty (Fred Mathews), Ruby, Margaret, Sandra (Gerry Vardy), Linda (Neil Robbins), Helen (Randy Gillespie) and brother Robert (Imelda). He is also survived by a large number of nephews and nieces, great nieces and great nephews, and lifelong friends including Neil and Zackey.

Wayne progressed through the United Church School System in Botwood. However, in high school he found himself at odds with a system demanding conformity and he withdrew early. At the ripe old age of sixteen he boarded the Newfie Bullet in Bishop’s Falls on route to St. John’s to complete his studies at the then independent Marine Institute (MI), previously known as the College of Fisheries. While successfully completing Prep I & II at the MI, his love of the sea intensified. As a young boy in Botwood, Wayne could be found swimming & diving in the frigid bay, talking to sailors from around the world, and hearing tales from the longshoremen. His experience as a young Sea Cadet help set his career path.

With a Bachelor of Vocational Education from Memorial University and accumulated sea time, it soon became obvious that Wayne’s career pathway forward would involve Navigational studies. He quickly progressed through the various requirements and was one of the youngest Newfoundlanders to become a Master Mariner. He went to sea on a Chimo Lines cargo ship, his first command was the Chesley A. Crosbie. He saw the world, learned to be a leader, and continued his studies. He completed further studies at Malmö University in Sweden, a Master’s Degree in Marine Studies. Wayne was soon offered the position of Lecturer at the MI. The MI became a Campus of Memorial University during his tenure and many times Wayne was elected to represent the MI faculty at the Senate Committee of the University. Following his retirement, he relished encounters with former students and was thrilled to hear about their many high seas tales!

Wayne was also a musician, a writer, a reader, a photographer, and importantly a walker. At a very early age, he could often be seen strumming an old birch broom and singing his heart out. Throughout his life he played guitar, sang, wrote hundreds of songs, and produced a number of CDs. A family favourite was the annual July ‘BobFest’ held at Bob and Imelda’s in Northern Arm. My how Wayne enjoyed singing with his brothers Bob & Brian!

As a writer, in addition to his hundreds of songs, Wayne wrote short plays and stories. This life for which the written word meant so much inspired a verse from his brother Bob in tribute:

In his songs and music

He felt pain and tried to stop it

He saw a truth and tried to reveal it

He experienced life and tried to explain it

This for me is what defined my brother Wayne

As a lifelong student of the humanities, humanitarian, and supporter of women’s rights, Wayne had an opinion on a variety of topics and shared his views regularly in the ‘Opinion’ section of his beloved Evening Telegram.

As a reader Wayne’s interests were unlimited. Visitors to his home would often find him with as many as six books open and being read alternatively as the time went on. And should you show a particular interest, he would definitely become animated with joy! He will be sadly missed by his friends, the Librarians at the QEII. His philosophy could be summed up by a quote from a man he admired, Socrates, True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.

As a photographer, once again Wayne’s interests were as varied as there were objects to be photographed. He had a sharp eye for the unusual and many family members and true friends were the recipients of beautifully framed photos of candy wrappers, flowers, rocks, Inukshuks, and most notably his beloved Eagles to name but a few.

As a walker, Wayne found yet another hobby and a place where he was truly happy. Covering many kilometers of hills and trails a day became a regular achievement and not even the weather kept him off the trails.

In his spare time, the occasional Thursday afternoon, there was a family game of Phase 10. Wayne showed up with his Tim’s coffee and doughnuts ready to battle. He was fiercely competitive!

To try and find a few words to express our great love for Wayne was no easy task. So, we will simply say ‘enjoy your journey home, we love you’.

Cremation has taken place and as per Wayne’s request a celebration of life will be held in Central at a date to be determined.