Norman Chapman Tennock
November 15, 1936 - July 25, 2023
We are deeply saddened with the passing of Norman Tennock on July 25, 2023. He is together now with Gillian, his beloved wife of over 60 years, who passed away just 3 and a half months before him. He also joins Craig’s partner, Alison, who passed suddenly last September. Norman is survived by his children and their spouses, Craig, Karen and Ivar, Julie and Chris, Ross and Mig, and Kevin and Kathleen, his grandchildren, Lindsay, Kelsey, Marlee, Sara, Amanda, Sophia, Liam, Ashton, and Maya, and his first great grandchild, baby Rae.
Norman, the eldest of three boys, was born in Glasgow, Scotland where he spent his early years getting into mischief with the other tenement boys. As a young man he suffered the tragic loss of his brother, Bruce. Norman survived his parents and his other brother, Alan, by several years.
Norman was a quiet man except when he told stories about his adventures in the Highlands of Scotland. The days of his youth were spent as a member of the Arracher and Craegh Dhu Mountain clubs, camping, hiking, and braving treacherous climbs such as the Cioch Direct, and the Cradl of Doom. Hiking and camping in the mountains remained a lifelong passion.
Norman obtained a degree in civil engineering at Glasgow University. Once graduated, Norman went to London where he lived with a group of young lads at the “Foley Street” flat which became infamous for its after-parties. Out at a London ball one night, Norman took up his friend’s challenge to ask the pretty girl across the room to dance. Her name was Gillian. The rest is history.
After marrying Gillian, Norman decided Canada was a good bet. Off they went with $100, a trunk full of belongings, and 6-month-old Craig. After four more children and many moves from Saskatchewan to Nebraska, California, Colorado, B.C., Alberta, and Arizona, they finally settled in Point Roberts, where they spent the last seven years of their lives.
Norman’s life was varied and interesting as he traveled the world, raised his five children, and became an accomplished civil engineer as project manager of several significant jobs such as the Mica and Revelstoke Dams.
He will be dearly remembered as the mountain man that he was, for the way he fostered a love of adventure and an appreciation of nature in his children, and for his gentle presence and witty, wry sense of humour which he injected into the telling of a good story. Your stories live on dear Dad, in the wonderful memories we hold of you, and every time we look to the mountains, where you most loved to be. As we did many times throughout your 86 years of life, we raise a glass of scotch to you: Slainte Mhath!
Thank you to all of you in Point Roberts who showed kindness and care to Norman, especially in the time after he lost Gillian. A memorial date has yet to be set.
