Norman MULLINS

1929 - 2017

MULLINS, Norman D. Q.C. Norman passed away peacefully on January 29th, 2017 in North Vancouver. He was 87. He was much loved by his wife of 65 years, Julia, sons Douglas (Elaine), Stephen and Christopher (Leslie) as well as granddaughters Heidi and Camille. He is also survived by his sister Ann Hill and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Orville and William. Norman attended elementary school in Vancouver. His mother was a major factor in encouraging him to attend and complete high school and university. He was proud of his attendance at Vancouver Technical School at which he was granted the Good Citizenship award when he graduated. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950 and Bachelor of Law degree in 1951 from the University of British Columbia. He married Julia Oliver on September 21, 1951. He was called to the Bar May 17, 1952 and appointed Queen's Counsel (federal) on December 19, 1969. After articling and starting a law practice, he twice ran for election to be a member of Parliament. He ran as a conservative in a riding that had a long and deep history of electing NDP candidates to Parliament. He did not win but he was in the fight. Norman's musical experience began at an early age. In grade three, he learned to play the mellophone (similar to a French horn) in the Grandview band in Vancouver. This led to one of the highlights of his life which was his 10 year membership in the Kitsilano Boys Band under the direction of Arthur Delamont. The five month band tour of the UK and Holland in 1950 was a frequent topic of conversation throughout his lifetime. In the years after the tour, he attended many reunions of this group and sometimes hosted or helped organize some of them. Norman practiced law with a passion in private practice (civil and criminal),with the Federal Government's Department of Justice and in corporate law with Canadian Pacific. At Justice, he was Regional Director of the Vancouver office. At Canadian Pacific, he was Regional Counsel for BC and Alberta, based in the Vancouver office. At age 65 when he retired from Canadian Pacific, he immediately moved into his new law office. He continued to practice private law for another 20 years. He loved court work and was a member of the BC Bar for over 60 years. His legal work took him from Vancouver to Kelowna to Ottawa and then back to Vancouver. He retired at the end of 2014. Also, during his life, he was a member of the Lions Clubs in Kelowna, Ottawa and Vancouver and a director of the Kelowna Boys Club. He was a member of the Vancouver and West Vancouver Kiwanis Clubs. During his married life at home, he personally finished basements, lawns and landscaping at three of the family's houses. He built a motor boat from drawings and completed over 100 feet of stone walls and stairways which still stand at the West Van house. Norman also stitched dozens of pieces of needlepoint and petit point usually depicting flowers, fruit or Canadian scenery. All of this was done with his own hands. Norman had a passion for history and was an avid reader on this subject and many others. He particularly enjoyed reading books on major historical figures and events of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. His command of the English language was exceptional and served him well throughout his life. He and Julia traveled extensively in Europe, the UK and across Canada and the U.S., often with their sons and their spouses and friends. Norman and Julia hosted many family Christmases at locations such as Quebec City, Ottawa, Whistler, Harrison Hot Springs and West Vancouver. They travelled to Ottawa and Montreal many times to visit sons Chris and Doug and their families including celebrations with the Lemieux family in Montreal. Through all of these activities, he developed a large circle of friends, neighbours and colleagues many of whom predeceased him. He loved dogs and backyard wildlife like Stellars Jays, raccoons, squirrels, deer, ducks and even bears. Norman was an excellent and generous husband, father and grandfather. All three of his sons chose very different paths in life but none of them chose to be lawyers. He always expressed enormous pride in whatever educational, sporting or career choices his sons made. Douglas became a mechanical engineer in the railroad industry, working in Montreal and Chicago. Stephen became a pilot in both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters also sold electronics and helicopter landing pads. Christopher worked with computer systems in the banking industry as well as for the Canadian Armed Forces, mostly in Ottawa where he has risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Norman's generous support was unconditional. All of this applied to his two granddaughters Heidi and Camille as well as his daughters-in-law, Elaine and Leslie. On two occasions, Norman planned, organized and hosted singing performances of Elaine in Vancouver. These were attended by large groups of family members, friends and colleagues. On September 21, 2016 Norman & Julia celebrated 65 years of marriage, a very exceptional accomplishment. Together, they supported and loved each other and ensured that home life for the family was secure and stimulating, no matter where they lived. The funeral will be held at Hollyburn Funeral Home, 1805 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC on Friday, February 10th at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Capilano View cemetery in West Vancouver. The Mullins family thanks the caregivers and staff at Sunrise of Lynn Valley seniors residence for their capable and devoted care of Norman during his last months and for their support of the family after he passed away. Special thanks go to Norman's Care Manager, MariaLisa. " In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that friends and colleagues donate to their favorite charity in Norman's name. If friends could visit an animal shelter and take a dog for a walk, Norman would be pleased.