NORM BONIN

NORM BONIN 1934 – 2025
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our dear father and grandfather. Norman “Norm” Nathan Oswald Bonin passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on June 12, 2025, in Calgary. Norm leaves to mourn his two sons; Norman Stuart (Luisa) and Steven (Antoine); as well as his beloved grandsons Benjamin and Matthew. He is also survived by one sister Norma Heinz and numerous nieces and nephews. Norm was predeceased by his parents Benvenuto and Justina and siblings Ruth, Rose, Isabelle and Ernie. He was also predeceased by his long-time companion Esther Wagner and the boys’ mother Alice Fischer.
Norm was born in 1934 in Medicine Hat to his father Benvenuto who immigrated to Canada from Northern Italy and his mother Justina, of strong German heritage. Mother, father and their six children grew up in a small house on Elm Street in Medicine Hat. The stories of growing up in the Hat and during the Second World War are endless. Dad’s true passions growing up were hockey (Tigers alumnus 1950s, “original six” NHL teams), fastball and a little later, cars. Many of these passions he carried on with for most of his life.
Dad met our mom Alice in high school in the 50s and married in 1957. They lived for some time on Riverside, before leaving their respective glass factory and flour mill jobs to move to Ralston, where dad started a long career as The Queen’s Printer at Defense Research Establishment Suffield (D.R.E.S.). In 1964, they started a family welcoming first Stuart, then Steven in 1966. These years were filled with a wonderful life in Ralston / CFB Suffield that was filled with frequent camping trips, extensive hockey playing and coaching and the endless activities only available in a small, remote, tight-knit scientific and military community in the middle of the prairie. In 1977, we all moved to Medicine Hat where Dad finally retired in April 1995. After our parents divorced, he met Esther and they spent many happy years together while living separately before taking the big step to move together to Chinook Village where they kept an impeccable home and entertained their families. Over the years, Esther’s family became Dad’s family and they cared for each other deeply. The passing of Esther and Alice in 2024 had a profound impact on him.
Dad loved his boys and would do anything to make sure their lives were the best they could be. His yard and home were always kept immaculately. He loved cooking, including Grandpa Bonin’s famous spaghetti sauce and sauerkraut and knipfla, which were always made in batches “big enough to feed an army”. He was always watching hockey and loved attending the Tiger’s games whenever he could. He looked forward to coffee with, and was a proud member of, the “Suffield Old Boys Club” having maintained many life-long friendships from his time living in Ralston and working at D.R.E.S. He loved his sisters and brother deeply, despite the fact that the family was dispersed across Alberta.
We were so fortunate to have had our dad in our lives for so long, but now it is time for him to rest. Thanks to the many friends and family who stayed connected and in his life over the decades. We are especially grateful to the many health care professionals who cared for our dad in his final days in Medicine Hat and at the Foothills palliative care unit in Calgary. Rest in peace Dad. Thank you for everything. We love you.
Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so one our prior to the service. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Norm’s obituary page on our website, for the link. A private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2