HOLDEN, Norman HOLDEN

Beloved husband of Marilyn (deceased) for 57 years. Son of the late Ken and Edna Holden. Devoted and loving father to Scott (deceased), Loreen, Kent, Kim and father-in-law to Michelle Stein, Stephen Priamo and Naomi Batiancila. Proud grandpa of Alyx (Mike), Elliott, Isaac, Katie May (Mo), Jace (Ryan), Maggie (Jack), Cleomarie and Clairese. Great grandfather to Thompson, Clark, Cyrus and Ryan. Also missed by his brother Brent and sister-in-law Anne and several nephews and niece; Paul and Chris Berstling, Ian, Michael, and Eric Holden; and Alicia Ellis. Predeceased by his sister Joyce and brother-in-law Frank Berstling.

Norm was raised in Thorold, Ontario by strict parents who ensured he earned his keep. On school breaks, starting at the age of 12, he first worked at Shelvock’s Dairy. Norm entered the workforce permanently in 1957 after what he called “squandering” high school on non-academic passions like chess and basketball. He worked in construction until in 1959 he took a steady, secure job at the paper mill where his father worked. Encouraged by his mother, he applied to the RCMP and was accepted. He worked for the RCMP for 24 years in Ottawa. After that he worked for CSIS in Vancouver until 1993 when he retired.

He had a fascinating career in counter intelligence and counter espionage. It fit his logical, inquiring mind and analytical prowess. His expertise in the field elevated his status and reputation with the Service and allied intelligence community to that of expert in Soviet intelligence operations.

While raising a family with his high school sweetheart, Marilyn, he proudly attained a BA degree in political science and philosophy, organized major chess events, and was heavily involved in the Kanata Minor Hockey Association as a coach, referee and board member.

All of Norm’s life, an interest in birding lay just below the surface but in retirement erupted into a fanaticism, regularly taking him outdoors in all kinds of weather, in all seasons of the year. Enchanted by Norm’s avian hobby, Marilyn became an enthusiastic joiner. Together they travelled extensively by car across Ontario and the US, incorporating sightseeing into their birding priorities. They were Ontario Field Ornithologist members and loved the socializing and birding experiences.

Norm loved competition, be it chess, cards, croquet, road hockey, badminton. He was often accused of taking games too seriously. He loved watching the NFL and was a NASCAR enthusiast. He and Marilyn enjoyed ballroom dancing for many years. He was a handyman around the house and car, he was a rhymer and enjoyed puns, which he loved sharing with his brother.

At Norman’s request, cremation has taken place. Private interment at a later date.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, New Hamburg.
Personal condolences can be posted for the family at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca