Norman Carlson of Medicine Hat, AB, beloved husband of the late Lois Carlson, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on December 15th, 2024 at the age of 90.
Norman leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Tania (Willy Thompson), grandchildren Kacy & Jared Thompson and Luke & Colby Carlson. One brother Earl Carlson as well as nieces, nephews and long-time friends.
Norman is predeceased by his wife Lois in 2012, son Norman “Stacey” in 2015, brothers Almer, Mynard, Toralf, Harold and Carl, sister Dora Henningsgard and one sister at birth as well as many other extended family members.
Norman was born in Medicine Hat, AB on March 20th, 1934, to Dahl and Ingrid Carlson. He grew up on the family farm in Etzikom AB. A hard work ethic was taught to them all at an early age as part of daily life.  Not only did he work hard, but he also studied hard and exceled at his schooling at the Prospy one room school which eventually became Conquerville School when all one room schools in the area were brought together.  He graduated ahead of the class and even taught the grade six class for one year during grade 11.
As a growing young man, he had many fond adventures playing hockey with the brothers against anyone who dared to take them on! As a young boy, Norman would save money for stamps to send letters to NHL hockey players in the hopes of getting something in return. He did eventually receive a signed card one day   This love of hockey lasted through his lifetime!
In his late twenties he met his future wife Lois Montgomery when she was working as a server at the Husky in Medicine Hat. They were married on September 14, 1962, and moved to the family farm eventually building a new house. Norman and Lois loved to go dancing at all the surrounding community dances. In the late 60’s they moved to Medicine Hat and soon after Stacey and Tania became part of the family.  Norman’s hard work ethic kept him busy with numerous jobs over the years. In 1967 he became the new owner and manager at Hat Printers Ltd. He was a well operator with Oil & Gas Techno and then received his real estate license in 1973 working for Medalta Realty and Block Brothers Realtors.  A few years later, with his brothers Carl and Earl and friend Marsh Palmer, Manec Holdings Ltd. was formed. Between the four of them many investment properties were purchased. To manage the different properties Norman saw the need for a property management company therefore started Medicine Hat Property Management Ltd. Norman spent many hours between the different properties collecting rent, completing repairs, cleaning etc. He made many a friend with the tenants and often opened his own home to help those in need of a good homemade meal and friendly conversation as most had no one else. Moving onto his next venture he opened Northside Pawnshop and Second-Hand Store. He spent many hours at the store and made many friends. His passion to land the best deal he could kept him driven to ensure the store was successful. Later in his years he took on some less demanding jobs of taxi dispatcher and income Tax specialist preparing taxes. He was not afraid to learn something new and exceled each time.
As Stacey grew older and played hockey, Norman and his good friend Leroy Hammel coached Stacey and the team to the city championship. Unfortunately, due to injury Stacey’s hockey career came to and end but the love of hockey did not stop Norman from being a fan. He bought season tickets to the Medicine Hat Tigers and watched Hockey Night in Canada every Sunday for many years. Norman and Stacey both loved the Oilers. Norman would watch every Oilers game. There were only two seasons to Norman – Hockey and gardening…when one ended the other started.
Norman grew up in a musical family and although he did not play himself, he very much enjoyed listening to all kinds of genres. Knowing Tania had a passion for music he made sure Tania had the piano, violin, and clarinet to play as she continued to increase her passion for learning new instruments. He also was invested in Tania’s softball league and helped her become a skillful player. He helped her learn to pitch and how to swing a bat which resulted in Tania’s homerun streaks.
Tania’s husband Willy had a special bond with Norman. He treated Willy with the utmost respect accepting him as one of his children.  Willy was his handyman around the house assisting with many projects big and small.  Norman would place a $1 bet in favor of the Oilers for each of their games, while for each Flames game, he would bet $1 against the Flames with Willy.  Norman took Willy’s money with a snicker asking Willy when was he going to start cheering for “the good team”.
Grandpa always prioritized his grandchildren, who held a special place in his heart. He would do anything for them, ensuring they were well taken care of and set up for success in life. He spent time babysitting, playing games, and teaching them about the Bible. With a youthful spirit, he loved making the kids laugh and always enjoyed their company.
Norman was a collector. He would start a collection from scratch and when it got big enough it was time to sell it off and move on to the next collection. Over the years he collected Medalta pottery (which he sold to a museum in Saskatchewan), stamps, hockey cards, coins, tobacco tins, beer memorabilia, and in the past year started collecting stamps and coins again. Anyone that knew him, knew these collections were not just a couple of items on a shelf. They took over the basement. He was most proud of the tobacco collection where he meticulously photographed, measured, evaluated and priced all of his pieces and created and published a 333-page book.
Lois and Norman shared a passion for flowers and gardening. Every year they would be in the yard from sun-up to sun-down getting everything exactly right! He enjoyed watching all the birds the yard attracted and had many birdhouses for them. One year Stacey had a friend build a bird house replicate of the grain elevator from the farm.
Right up to his last days he regularly used his computer for email, Facebook and watching movies and videos on YouTube. Norman felt that Facebook Messager was like a park bench where you could stop and chat for a few moments and he cherished those chats every day. He was also passionate about writing articles with his interpretation of bible versus sharing with friends and family. 
The family would like to extend their thanks to the compassionate and caring staff on 4 West at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.  They helped Dad and our family through a very difficult time.
We love you Grandpa and will miss you. We know you are happy that Grandma is by your side again!
 

A celebration of Norman's life will take place at the  PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant David Townsend officiating.  The service will be live streamed.  Those who wish to attend virtually, please follow this link https://youtube.com/live/TfzM3QOIV08?feature=share or click on the "access video" button below.

Interment will follow in Prairie View Cemetery