Tribute

After a lengthy illness, Norman Richard Gonske went to be with his Lord on January 7, 2018. He was born in northern Ontario on July 30, 1959. He was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Mary Gonske (nee Toews). He leaves to mourn his nine siblings (Gord, Bert, Linda, Erv, Ray, Karen, Verna, Elly and Ed) their spouses, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

When Norm was 2 years old, the family moved from the homestead in northwestern Ontario to a small farm in Tolstoi, Manitoba. Norm started school there, and then at the age of 7, the family made the big move across the prairies, over the mountains and across the Georgia Strait to Nanaimo, BC. The following year the family moved and settled in Port Alberni where they lived for several years. Then, when Norm completed grade 9, they moved back to rural Manitoba. Then later, in his mid 20’s, he assisted his parents in making yet another huge move back to Vancouver Island in 1984.

As a child and teen, Norm was always fun to be around. After all the required chores were done he’d enjoy “playtime” with siblings and friends. Some of these activities included playing games – indoors or out, completing arts and crafts projects and driving around the field on a minibike.

As a young man Norm worked at various jobs within the construction industry and eventually chose drywalling as his trade. If however, he was presented with a situation outside his area of expertise, he was always really resourceful in coming up with a solution to the problem.

One of the most notable things about Norm’s life was his congenial nature. He always faced life with a happy-go lucky attitude and loved socializing with friends and family. He was extroverted by nature and was very quick witted and able to turn just about anything into a joke.

Some of the things he enjoyed in later years included board games (especially scrabble), as well as reading and watching news and church programs on TV. His taste in food tended toward the salty and spicy and even included such “delicacies” as PICKLED HERRING! There is one thing that he did not care for though, and that was celery. Norm actually made a fantastic chili; the only thing missing was celery.

Throughout his life, Norm faced many personal struggles. Over the years, as he had occasion to reflect on life, he began, more and more, to consider the message of hope and new life in Christ. Norm’s relationship with his mother proved to be a big help in enabling him to see beyond his personal limitations to accept the offer of a totally new life in Christ.

He very much enjoyed reading the Bible as well as nurturing a vital relationship with God in prayer. He took great comfort in knowing that his sins had been forgiven and that by receiving Christ, he was saved by grace and not by his own efforts. After some time, Norm publicly testified to his faith in Christ by being baptized.

For the last number of years, Norm struggled with severe emphysema. Although this was extremely difficult and increasingly debilitating, Norm sensed the presence of a loving God in his life, a God who was able to make sense of suffering, and was able to continually bring peace and hope in the face of a life-threatening disease.

The family wishes to thank all the medical professionals who have lovingly cared for him during his illness, especially those who helped him in his last days. A funeral service will be held for Norm at H.W. Wallace, 5285 Polkey Road, Duncan, BC on January 13 at 11:00 a.m.