Welcome to the memorial page for
Norman Perfect
December 30, 2017 Light a Candle
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Message from MacKay Family Dental
January 10, 2018 3:30 PM
So sorry to hear about Norman's passing. We always enjoyed his visits here at the office. He will be missed.
Message from Diana Birrell
January 5, 2018 8:01 PM
Norm was the best instructor, member, friend, worker, and pilot any glider club could ask for. He made everything about the place better, and everyone he flew with a better pilot. He led by example and people couldn't help but notice. He was a first class human being and a real gent. They don't make many men like Norm and we were lucky to have had him in our lives.. My sincere condolences to his family for such a great loss.
Message from Rainer ZImm
January 5, 2018 4:42 PM
My son and I met Norm after returning from Saudi Arabia and starting to soar again at York Soaring Association in 1999. Norm was YSA's own version of the ENERGIZER BUNNY and a fine instructor and soaring buddy. Rest well Norm... until we meet again..don't no where ~ don't know when... but hopefully in a darn decent thermal. Meanwhile show 'em how it's done...wherever you are ~ Norm 🌠 Sincere condolences to his family.
Message from Judy Tone
January 5, 2018 3:36 PM
I am writing on behalf of my mother and myself, sending condolences to Norman's family. My parents, Len and Doreen Douglas, were good friends of Norm's for many years. They enjoyed wonderful times together with the Borden Soaring club, and afterward. I am smiling as I write, knowing that Dad and Norm are now together "up there", drinking beer and swapping stories. These two were among the best when it came to gliding instructors so there are lots of stories!
Message from Andrew Perfect
January 4, 2018 2:38 PM
My only hope is that he will be proud of my military career. I cherish every moment I spent with him.
I love you and I miss you Grandpa.
I love you and I miss you Grandpa.
Message from Megan Perfect
January 4, 2018 12:55 PM
My grandfather was a wonderful man - thoughtful, caring, energetic. He loved life, and his passion for his children, grandchildren, and family was like no other. Alrhough he is gone now, I know that he will forever be cherished and remembered. I love you, Grandpa ❤️
Message from Dave Cochrane
January 3, 2018 8:19 PM
Richard and family
My sincere condolences on your significant loss. You are in our thoughts.
My sincere condolences on your significant loss. You are in our thoughts.
Message from Alan Mills - Base Borden Soaring / Great Lakes Gliding
January 3, 2018 1:25 PM
My first introduction to soaring came July 19, 1992 .... in a 2-33 with Norm as my intro pilot off the Base Borden winch.
I confessed that I was a lapsed power pilot and coming back into flying after 20 years.
He replied "use more rudder!"
Over the following 20 flights ( mostly with Norm and a few with his good friend George Huxtable ) I climbed back to solo status.
He gave my air tow checkout using Erin's Citabria the following summer and the next summer, my passenger carry sign off.
He only hit me once with his hat on a harrowing short final with strong headwinds and too much altitude. He pushed the stick to the forward stop, hung out the spoilers and showed the skill that I needed to learn.
Then, after landing, tying down the glider, we went for a beverage.
Ahhhhhhhh, the memories ....... of learning, watching the master and trying to soak up a wee bit of his experience. He pushed me to an Instructor class at York the summer of '95.
I said I didn't think I was ready and perhaps next year? He said " nonsense, you're ready and anyway, we've already paid for the course" ...... followed with his infectious laugh and a smile.
There are so many things to remember .... the smiles, the trifles, the welcoming membership into The Old Farts Club on Shanty Bay, the summer parties at Mary's and my house in Hockley.
I am truly sorry that you've flown, Norm. I have a picture in my mind of you teaching Angels how to soar properly. Good bye old friend.
Alan Mills
I confessed that I was a lapsed power pilot and coming back into flying after 20 years.
He replied "use more rudder!"
Over the following 20 flights ( mostly with Norm and a few with his good friend George Huxtable ) I climbed back to solo status.
He gave my air tow checkout using Erin's Citabria the following summer and the next summer, my passenger carry sign off.
He only hit me once with his hat on a harrowing short final with strong headwinds and too much altitude. He pushed the stick to the forward stop, hung out the spoilers and showed the skill that I needed to learn.
Then, after landing, tying down the glider, we went for a beverage.
Ahhhhhhhh, the memories ....... of learning, watching the master and trying to soak up a wee bit of his experience. He pushed me to an Instructor class at York the summer of '95.
I said I didn't think I was ready and perhaps next year? He said " nonsense, you're ready and anyway, we've already paid for the course" ...... followed with his infectious laugh and a smile.
There are so many things to remember .... the smiles, the trifles, the welcoming membership into The Old Farts Club on Shanty Bay, the summer parties at Mary's and my house in Hockley.
I am truly sorry that you've flown, Norm. I have a picture in my mind of you teaching Angels how to soar properly. Good bye old friend.
Alan Mills
Message from Ivor David
January 2, 2018 10:50 AM
My sincerest condolences to Norm's family on his passing.
As a long time member of York Soaring we could always rely on Norm to do more than his fair share - particularly instructing. When most instructors would do about 100 flights in a year Norm would do 300+ There was no one who would sit in the back seat of a 2-33 for as long as Norm did. He just loved instructing and it showed in the faces of his students who appreciated the time, effort and skill that he put into it. I think it is fair to say that he had more flights in his log boo,k, over 9000, mostly instructing, than any other member of the club.
While I felt that the older members should do less of the heavy work on the field Norm certainly didn't. I often saw him pulling the gliders while the youngsters just held the wings level.
He was a very special character at the club - cool, calm,,and dependable. I always knew that I could expect a warm greeting whenever we met.. He was a re-assuring presence at the club, Over the last few year,s, although he was not active in flying, he dropped in to see us once in a while. I looked forward to that. Fortunately I was there the last time he did and we had a little chat. I shall treasure that. At the rime I did not know it would be his final visit and hoped there would be more - but sadly. it was the last..
York Soaring and the soaring community in Canada has lost a fine member , Norm was a real gentleman and I shall miss him.
Ivor
and we had a little chat.
As a long time member of York Soaring we could always rely on Norm to do more than his fair share - particularly instructing. When most instructors would do about 100 flights in a year Norm would do 300+ There was no one who would sit in the back seat of a 2-33 for as long as Norm did. He just loved instructing and it showed in the faces of his students who appreciated the time, effort and skill that he put into it. I think it is fair to say that he had more flights in his log boo,k, over 9000, mostly instructing, than any other member of the club.
While I felt that the older members should do less of the heavy work on the field Norm certainly didn't. I often saw him pulling the gliders while the youngsters just held the wings level.
He was a very special character at the club - cool, calm,,and dependable. I always knew that I could expect a warm greeting whenever we met.. He was a re-assuring presence at the club, Over the last few year,s, although he was not active in flying, he dropped in to see us once in a while. I looked forward to that. Fortunately I was there the last time he did and we had a little chat. I shall treasure that. At the rime I did not know it would be his final visit and hoped there would be more - but sadly. it was the last..
York Soaring and the soaring community in Canada has lost a fine member , Norm was a real gentleman and I shall miss him.
Ivor
and we had a little chat.
A SENTIMENTAL THOUGHTS was sent on January 2, 2018
From all your friends at York Soaring Association. God speed on your final flight.
Message from Doug Carman
January 2, 2018 9:09 AM
Since about 1989, when I joined York Soaring, Norm was always there. Friendy, knowledgeable, always ready to help, and ready with good advice. He seemed to instruct students effortlessly, and did it with a sense of humour that often left us in stitches. He brought a little of his military background, making sure everything ran like clockwork, from raising the flag to ensuring that flights were recorded properly. Wherever he is now, I'm certain that he is doing fine - he would be welcome anywhere.
Message from Gino Cavicchioli
January 2, 2018 7:52 AM
A special friend, wonderful teacher, amazing pilot. Could instruct with calmness & grace from sun-rise to sun-set.
Now the Angels will finally learn to soar ❤️
Now the Angels will finally learn to soar ❤️
Message from St Catharines
January 1, 2018 9:45 PM
Norman was the first person I met at York Soaring. I came out late in the season, no one was there and the Blanik was on it's way out the door.
Norm welcomed me in, fed me and my mother and brother some of his famous trifle and with the few other members there we sat and talked flying most of the day. Norm and his hospitality were my first encounters at York Soaring and are why I came back the next spring, and the springs after that.
Godspeed Norm, and thank you.
Norm welcomed me in, fed me and my mother and brother some of his famous trifle and with the few other members there we sat and talked flying most of the day. Norm and his hospitality were my first encounters at York Soaring and are why I came back the next spring, and the springs after that.
Godspeed Norm, and thank you.
Message from Barbara and David Smith
January 1, 2018 7:04 PM
Sorry to hear your Father has left us, Jan and Richard. I enjoyed talking with him the few times we me.t and I know we have him to thank for Richard's wonderful sense of humour, and the volunteer time Richard has given to the Air Cadets.
Our condolences to Mrs Perfect..
Our condolences to Mrs Perfect..
A MONET'S GARDEN BASKET was sent on January 1, 2018
Say not in grief he is no more but live in thankfulness that he was. With all of our love, Richard and Janet
A MOUNTAIN MEADOW PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent on January 1, 2018
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight ... do not go gentle into that good night" Dylan Thomas - With all our love - give them heck up there. Love from Jan and Delynne
A candle was lit by Delynne Patterson
on January 1, 2018 4:15 PM
Message from Rob Harling
January 1, 2018 10:24 AM
I first met Norm in 1991 at York Soaring. His memory will forever live on in my mind. The mentoring he provided to not only myself but to all of the pilots he helped Learn the sport of soaring, will always be remembered.
He will be dearly missed.
My condolences to his family.
He will be dearly missed.
My condolences to his family.
Message from Brenda Misch
January 1, 2018 8:19 AM
Sincerest sympathies to your family
Message from Rosemary and Rob McCallum
January 1, 2018 8:11 AM
We know Norm from York Soaring. He has been one of the great people in our learning of the sport. People come and go but Norman was always gracious and talented in instructing. Give him a kiss on the cheek from Rosemary and a thanks for so much from Rob. Take care of yourselves. The McCallums
Message from Peter and Leili Foster
December 31, 2017 8:23 PM
Leili and I knew Norm for many, many years at the York Soaring Association, where Norm was a very strong contributor as a pilot, instructor, senior member, mentor to our youth membership and, most importantly, friend to all.
He will be missed.
He will be missed.
Message from Eva Dillon
December 31, 2017 8:05 PM
I first met Norm at cfb Borden when I was a cadet pilot. There was a civilian gliding club with a single seat 126 named rosebud that amazed me and the other junior pilots. Their leader was Norm, and when I met him 15 year's later at York Soaring he hadn't aged a bit.
Norm called me the engineer and we had great conversations about metallurgy. He also made what soon became my favorite dessert, his ledgendary trifle. My husband started getting jealous hearing about this Norm fellow, a former rugby player and fantastic Pilot, so he came out to York to meet him. His jealously was quickly put to rest and I was allowed to fly with Norm as much as I liked. I only wish I had more chances to do so.
Farewell to a man who has danced the skies on laughter's silvered wings.
Norm called me the engineer and we had great conversations about metallurgy. He also made what soon became my favorite dessert, his ledgendary trifle. My husband started getting jealous hearing about this Norm fellow, a former rugby player and fantastic Pilot, so he came out to York to meet him. His jealously was quickly put to rest and I was allowed to fly with Norm as much as I liked. I only wish I had more chances to do so.
Farewell to a man who has danced the skies on laughter's silvered wings.
Message from Kathy Underhill
December 31, 2017 5:01 PM
Jan,
I am truly saddened at this news. I have fond memories of you and your dad visiting us when he came up north to see you many years ago. I hope your many memories provide some comfort. The three of us are thinking of you. Love, Kathy, Dylan and Courtney
I am truly saddened at this news. I have fond memories of you and your dad visiting us when he came up north to see you many years ago. I hope your many memories provide some comfort. The three of us are thinking of you. Love, Kathy, Dylan and Courtney
A candle was lit by Kevin & Lucy
on December 31, 2017 12:49 PM
Message from Kevin & Lucy
December 31, 2017 12:49 PM
It is with a heavy heart to know Richard that your dad has passed on. Our deepest condolences to you Richard and your entire family.
He lead a whole wonderful life and was a great person to around.
With all our love and peace to you whole family Richard.
Love Kevin & Lucy
He lead a whole wonderful life and was a great person to around.
With all our love and peace to you whole family Richard.
Love Kevin & Lucy
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