Obituary of Norman McKeeman

McKEEMAN - Mr. Norman McKeeman, beloved husband of Pearl McKeeman of Yorkton passed away on Friday, February 19th 2016 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 93 years of age. Norman King McKeeman was born on February 9, 1923 in Cairns, North Queensland, Australia, son of William and Alice (nee Scott) McKeeman. He completed his high school in Cairns and then attended Thornburgh College in Charters Towers, North Queensland. In May of 1938 he was appointed to the Queensland Department of Forestry, serving in the head office in Brisbane and other forest districts in the state. When war arrived, he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force and was called up for flight training in April of 1942. He was posted to Yorkton under the British Commonwealth Air Training program where he obtained his Pilots Wings on April 1, 1943. He took further training as a flying instructor and served as an instructor in various Service Flying Schools in western Canada. In 1945 he returned to Australia resuming his flying duties until the end of the war in 1945 when he was discharged from the service. While stationed in Yorkton, Norman was united in marriage to Pearl Ward, twin daughter of Charlie and Winnie Ward. After Norm's discharge, Pearl and their baby daughter, Merle joined them in Brisbane, where Norm had returned to his job with the Forestry Department. In 1948 the McKeeman's returned to Yorkton, where Norm joined his father in law in operating Yorkton Nurseries. It was decided to open a retail flower shop in downtown Yorkton so Norm, after an apprentice period in the greenhouse, took a course in floriculture by correspondence from the University of Guelph. 1949 they established the flower shop on First Avenue, with Norm taking over the management of the business. Norman soon became part of the community, involving himself in the affairs of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine. He served on the Collegiate board from 1965 to 1978, and was Chairperson in 1969 and 1970. He served on the Regional High School Board from 1966 to 1978 and was Chairperson from 1971 to 1978. He was a member of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, and it's President in 1964. His business Yorkton Florists, was a member of the Florists Telegraph Delivery Association, and Norm served as district representative with that trade association. His interest in flying did not cease after his discharge from the Australian Air Force. When he returned to Yorkton he maintained his flying license until heart surgery in 1997 required him to give it up. Norm served as President of the 603 Wing of the RCAF Association and the Royal Canadian Legion, serving as President in 1981/1982 and later as Zone Commander. He was also a committee member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, serving as Committee Chairman from 1963 to 1969 and also as its area director. Norm was a member of various committees working to bring commercial air service to Yorkton. He was a member of the committee that hosted the 50th anniversary of the closing of the British Commonwealth Air Training program in Yorkton. This successful and emotional event brought former personnel from all over the United States and Canada as well as from Australia and England. In 1958, Norm's parent's came to visit for two months and ended up remaining in Canada. In 1967 on the retirement of Mr. Ward, Norm took over as sole owner of Yorkton Florists and in 1997 after 50 years in business he turned over the management of the business to his son Norman Charles. Norm and Pearl retired to their home on Tupper Ave. and then to Fairview Arms. They are blessed with five children, fifteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. In November 2015 Norm and Pearl celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. Norm was predeceased by his parents and his one brother, Keith. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life his beloved wife, Pearl; five children, Merle (Tom) Hemphill of Fox Island WA, USA, Susan (Rick) Aikman of Kamsack, SK, Norman (Shannah) McKeeman of Edmonton, AB, Kathryn McKeeman (Rick Hamilton) of Saskatoon, SK and Keith (Kelly) McKeeman of Dawson Creek, YT; fifteen grandchildren, Michael (Nicole) Hemphill, John (Jenna) Hemphill, Trevor (Monica), Tom (Shannon), Kerri Aikman (Jiahao Xu), Craig Aikman (Chelsea Sproule), Garrett (Alison) McKeeman, Meghan (Eldon) Doupe, Katie McKeeman, Alissa (Brent) Anthony, Jenny Evanik (Shawn Riess), Adam Evanik, Emily McKeeman, Ian McKeeman and Elizabeth McKeeman; twelve great grandchildren, Brookes, Rawly, Hattie, Macklin, Evan, Ryan, Anna, Winifred, Sophia, Hayden, Carter and Samantha. The funeral service was held on Thursday, February 25th 2016 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey, B.Th. officiating. Norman's grandchildren gave a tribute on behalf of the family. Musical selections were 'Danny Boy', Waltzing Matilda' and 'Swing the Mood'. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, General Alexander Ross branch #77, Yorkton attended the service and gave the Legion Tribute Service. The interment took place in the Garden of St. Matthew with grandson Trevor Aikman serving as the urnbearer. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to Kinsmen Telemiracle, or to the Royal Canadian Legion. Service Information Thursday, February 25th, 2016 2:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens