Gilbert Charles (Norman) La Belle
February 19, 1933 – March 28, 2022
Gilbert Charles (Norman) La Belle, born 19 February 1933 in Tawatinaw, Alberta, to Albert and Merle (nee Saunders) (both deceased). Norm lived mainly with his mother in northern Alberta, but he left home at a young age, taking jobs as widely varied as farming and limo driving. When his father remarried (Gaitanne), he moved in with them. Norm has a very large family including many “1/2″relatives, “steps”, and members adopted in. His siblings include: Sarah Fay, Theresa (deceased), Yvonne (deceased), Marcel, Claudett (deceased), Elaine (deceased), Gloria (deceased) and two adopted children, Leslie and David. Eventually, Norm found his way to the military where he served with the Air Force as a fireman. He was stationed in Alberta before being sent to England where he met his future wife, and mother of his children, Julia Ann (Holden). In England they started raising their boys, Martin (1957) and Mark (1959) before Norm was called back to Canada and stationed at Fort Churchill where their 1st daughter, Kim (1961), was born (but it was the polar bear baby that peed on Norm!) From Churchill, the military again called Norm to serve in Europe, this time, Lars, Germany. When Norm brought his family back to Canada, they settled in Maple Ridge, BC, where their youngest daughter, Korall Claire, was born in 1966. Norm left the military while in Maple Ridge and started work as a prison guard in the federal system. In 1968, Norm left employment with Federal Corrections and moved his family one last time to, Clearwater, BC. Norm worked for many years, locally, as a guard with Provincial Gaol Services, (Camp 2, Bear Creek) until his retirement at age 55. Norm has always been active in the community, especially with the local Royal Canadian Legion, holding several offices, and working tirelessly on the Poppy Campaign, annually for years.
Late in life, Norm was blessed again with a new love, Nella, and they enjoyed a happy marriage since 2007 until Norm succumbed to his overwhelming health issues on 28 March 2022.
A Celebration of Norm’s Life will take place on Sunday May 29, 2022 at the Clearwater Legion at 1pm. Pastor Wayne Richardson to officiate. Online condolences may be sent to the family via DrakeCremation.com
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