Tuesday, March 5, 2024
I was deeply saddened to hear of Norris’ passing. I have been a friend of the family for over 50 years, having attended school with his son Kevin. As a young boy playing at the family home after school, when Mr. Pawlychka arrived, he was an impressive towering figure to a young schoolboy. He was a big man up close and even as he aged and he slowly stooped over a bit, as all of us do, you could still sense his impressive size when standing next to him. I once told him that I shook Gordie Howe’s hand at a chance meeting in Toronto (massive) and Norris’ hand wasn’t that much different.
An outdoorsman, who taught his sons well…. he believed in good quality tools and equipment, and he made sure he had lots of them. Having had many long conversations with him over the years growing up, he was always calm, cool, logical, and he was a very good listener…most people aren’t …and if you made a good opposing argument, he had no trouble acknowledging it. He was always a gentlemen and treated others with kindness and respect. I noticed on many family occasions that Norris also had a way with older people “old timers” as they are called, and he could be seen talking to them and listening and showing his thoughtfulness by giving them his full attention. His passing is a huge loss for the family and my thoughts are with you all. He was the patriarch of the Pawlychka family, a strong presence, and he will be greatly missed but forever remembered. Chris Moreau – Family Friend
