We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Norman Corness on 5 June 2015 in Edmonton, AB at the age of 89. Born in Edmonton, he left school in 1943 to work as a Machinist with the Canadian National Railway. Norman enlisted in the Army as an infanteer in October 1944 at Mewata Armouries in Edmonton. He was, however, soon transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers and went to Camp Chilliwack in January 1945 for training. Upon the completion of this training he was posted to Barriefield, ON in July 1945 as a Driver Operator RCE, Signals Division. He was assigned to 6th Division for action in the Pacific Theatre but the war ended before that force was required to go overseas. Norman was discharged at Mewata Armouries in April 1946.
On demobilization, Norman returned to the CNR where he completed his Machinist Apprenticeship and then worked with the CNR for 43 ½ years – retiring in 1986.
Norman kept himself very busy in his retirement. He was a longtime member and supporter of the Sappers Club who spent many hours planning and coordinating the Sappers Club annual reunions. He was a member of the Kingsway Legion for 40 years and still had his uniform that had been issued to him in 1945 and wore it every Remembrance Day and other appropriate occasions. He was also a member of the Air Museum Society and a member of the Radial Rail Society that still operates the streetcar over the High Level Bridge. Norman received the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005.
A funeral service is planned for Friday June 12, at 1:00 PM at the Anglican Parish of Christ Church at 12116 102 Ave Edmonton, AB.
