Norman J. Jurkow

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a third member of our family this year. Norman John Jurkow (Norm1) was reunited with his beloved wife Joyce, of 58 years, at the Grace Hospital on Wednesday, August 6th 2025. Joyce passed away this spring and Norman’s brother-in-law Norman Cassie (Norm2) passed away one week before Norm1. Norman was predeceased by his brother Gordon Jurkow. Norman is survived by his sister Sylvia Cassie, daughter Gillian (Justin) Taverna, grandchildren (Gabriel and Nina Cowie) and son Michael Jurkow (Lisa Strong).

Norman was born March 9th, 1941 to Paul and Anna Jurkow, who were both immigrants from Ukraine. He was a self-described “poor Ukrainian kid” who had a colourful childhood growing up in Point Douglas on Grove Street (where he slept next to the furnace in the basement) and on McDermot Avenue, later moving to Glenwood Crescent in Elmwood. Norman delivered 180 Winnipeg Free Press newspapers on his route, and he used his money to watch movies at the theatres downtown. He was a boy of many talents-he had prize-winning penmanship; he pitched a no-hitter, and he sang in the boys choir before his voice cracked. All the girls loved him. Norman played hockey in the streets of Winnipeg with a frozen horse turd for a hockey puck. He remembers sliding down the banks of the Red River in the wintertime in the North End by Grove Street and eating open pit fire-roasted potatoes that the nice ladies at the community gardens would give him. He was a true Winnipegger.

Norman was an accountant and worked for Parrish and Heimbecker in the Grain Exchange Building, he then moved on to Smith Carter Architects where he worked until he retired. He was proud of the firm and the impact they had on the City and beyond. He made many life-long friends and played on the firm’s baseball team.

Norman was community-minded. He was the president of Roblin Park Community Club in Charleswood, where he and Joyce attended many social gatherings with friends from the neighbourhood. He coached ringette for Gillian’s team (invented the spin-o-rama), and as manager of Michael’s hockey team he notoriously forgot the team jerseys just about every other game.

Norman was a loving and gentle son and brother. He was a good-natured and kind father and grandfather. This was especially true in the later years when he cared for his wife Joyce, who suffered from MS, and became progressively more disabled. Although things were never easy, Norm took care of his wife better than anyone else could have for as long as he was able. They loved to cuddle, eat dinner in their screened-in verandah, listen to music and watch the Jets and Bombers together. Norm loved his yard and especially his compost. He never described himself as a gardener, but he did like being out in the yard. Norm and Joyce loved to drive along River Road to enjoy the sights and stop for a Half Moon hot dog and french fries. Norm will be missed by many, and remembered for his charming and light-hearted presence. Raise a toast for Norman, make it a glass of red wine if you please.

A funeral will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd. on September 12th at 2:00. In lieu of flowers a donation to the MS Society or K9 Advocacy may be made.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com