Obituary of Norman NEFF

Norman Morgan Neff of Assiniboia, SK passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2014, at the age of 91 years. Norman was born in the Verwood District on February 24, 1923, to Lorne Curtis and Louisa (nee Morgan) Neff. Norman grew up with an older brother, John, and a younger brother, Clifford. Norman and his brothers received their education at Landscape School, which was a one room schoolhouse one and a half miles north of the hamlet of Landscape. At the age of 19, Norman enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and worked as an air frame mechanic. He was stationed in Sydney, NS, Gander, NL and Sydney, BC. In September 1945, he was discharged from the service and returned home to help his dad on the farm. He married Helen Alm on November 26, 1947, and they were blessed with two children. Norman loved all aspects of farming - seeding, harvesting, haying, and raising cattle. He persevered through hardships while farming, and was successful. Norman enjoyed wood working and carpentry. He did renovations in his home and built something from either oak or pine for everyone in his family. Norman also loved horseback riding, and his horse Smokey, and they had many adventures together. Norman contributed to his community and was a member of many committees and boards. In Verwood he volunteered his time with the Wheat Pool, United Church, school, 4-H Club and the community pasture, where he enjoyed checking the cattle. For many years he served as councillor and reeve for the municipality of Excel, he worked to establish the Pioneer Lodge in Assiniboia, served on the Saskatchewan Agriculture Committee, and enjoyed being a member of the Readlyn Legion. Norman was proud of his community and home, to be Canadian, and to be a Saskatchewan farmer. Most of all, Norman was proud of his family. He treasured the time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who all gave him so much joy. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends, and memories of Norman will be cherished always. Norman is survived by his wife of 65 years Helen Neff (nee Alm); daughter Barbara Neff (Alan Lizee); son Greg (Nichole) Neff; grandson Warren Neff, great grandchildren Lucas, Logan, Kyler; granddaughter Sherilynn (Brett) BeBeau, great grandchildren Shayna, Brayden, Ayana; grandson Curtis Neff, great grandchildren Bryce, Kali; brother-in-law Walter (Joyce) Alm; sisters-in-law Muriel Neff, Margaret Neff, Myrtle Alm; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Lorne Curtis (1974) and Louisa (nee Morgan) (1953) Neff; step mother Lillian Neff (1994); brothers, infant Milo (1920), John (2014), Clifford (2004); brother-in-law Gordon Alm (2011); father and mother-in-law Ole (1959) and Marie (1988) Alm. Funeral Service was held on Monday, October 6, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., at Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapel, Assiniboia, SK. Officiant was Reverend Marilyn Leuty. The eulogy was shared by Barbara Neff. A special tribute was given by Warren Neff, Sherilynn BeBeau and Curtis Neff. Pallbearers were Lucas Neff, Logan Neff, Kyler Neff, Shayna BeBeau, Brayden BeBeau, Ayana BeBeau, Bryce Neff and Kali Neff. An honour guard was formed by the Royal Canadian Legion. Interment took place at the Verwood Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Norman to Ross-Payant Nursing Home Auxiliary, Box 1120, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0, and the Saskatchewan Parkinson Foundation, Box 102, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, were greatly appreciated.