It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norman J. Bull on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Collingwood General & Marine Hospital.
Norm was the beloved husband of Jacquie (Breese) and devoted father to Michelle Bull and Ann-Marie (Andrew) MacKay; he was step-father to Ryan (Krista) Hammond and Erynne Hammond (Adam) Daniels. Norm doted on his grandchildren: Christopher, Brenna, Aidan, Owen, Liam, and Eve-lynn.
Norm was born in Picton, ON, on October 6, 1942, to the Rev. Earl S. and Violet M. Bull. He leaves behind his siblings Carl (Sue) Bull and Erla (Jerry) Hanson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jill (Eves); his parents; and an infant brother, David.
He also leaves behind many sisters- and brothers-in-law - Jackie (Vern) Frudd, Sarah (Doug) Pike, Peter (Lisa) Eves, Jayne (Gene) Mays, John (Kathryn) Breese, and Marla (George) Sabey – his aunt, Beverly Bull, and many nieces, nephews, cousins,
After graduating with his B.S.in math from Roberts Wesleyan College, North Chili, NY, Norm pursued a career in banking. His final years of employment were as the Director of Administrative Services with The Free Methodist Church in Canada in Mississauga, ON, from which he retired in 2007.
Norm ran track while at Roberts Wesleyan, and his love of running led to 5ks, half marathons, marathons, and jogging for fun. He had the privilege of running The Boston Marathon in 2002. In addition to running, Norm was an avid curler; most recently, he served as treasurer for the Collingwood Curling Club. He loved to golf and, since moving to Collingwood, had served as an ambassador at the Batteaux Creek Golf Course.
Norm lived a life of service. A life-long Free Methodist, he devoted himself to his local church and the denomination, giving generously of his time and gifts. He filled many roles: Sunday School teacher, board and committee member, trustee, treasurer, painting and maintenance, or whatever task needed to be done. He also served his community. During his 35 years in Cambridge, he volunteered as a driver for the Cancer Society, in patient care at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital, and as a starter at Savannah Golf Course. A local pregnancy resource centre and the Galt Curling Club benefitted from his financial skill. Anyone who served with him in any capacity knew that he was a man of integrity and sage advice.
Norm served God with quiet devotion. Blessed with a rich Christian heritage, he continued the legacy of living out his faith; he expressed his love for God through private study, through worship, and through joining others in song. Wesley Acres, a Free Methodist Church camp allowed for fervent worship and quiet rest. He relaxed there with family and friends.
Visitation for Norm will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, December 15. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, December 16, at 11 a.m. Visitation and service will be held at New Life Church, 28 Tracey Lane, Collingwood, ON. Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Home, Collingwood.
For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to Wesley Acres Retreat Centre and Campground (https://www.wesleyacres.com/) or to MRI funding at https://cgmhf.com/treeoflife/.
Friends may visit Norm’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com