Norman Hein, was born August 27, 1932 at Yellow Grass to Adolph and Amelia Hein and passed away peacefully Friday, October 14, 2016 at the age of 84 years. Norman is predeceased by his parents, Adolph and Amelia Hein; sisters, Elsie (Ernie) Kennedy and June (George) Hyland; sisters-in-law, Marjorie (Gordon) Lane and Audrey (Harold) Kennedy; brothers-in-law, Arnold (Roberta) Halladay, Fred McClinton, Lloyd Ritchie, Will Zotzman, Carl Kelln, William Day, Glen Day, Alvin Day, James Day and nephew, Brian Kelln. Norman was the only son of seven children, the second youngest. Born and raised on the farm five miles north of Yellow Grass, he attended Sunnydale School, located right across the road from their farm. Many times during severe blizzards his father would bring the entire school to stay overnight at their farm. Norman and his father were responsible for making sure the school was heated in the morning for the kids. Due to the fact that he only knew German when he started school, Norman had to repeat grade 1 so he could learn English. He completed his grade 8 at Sunnydale School and completed his grade 12 later. On April 15, 1955, he married Phyllis Day in Francis. They made their home in Yellow Grass and raised three sons, David, Wayne and Neil. Norman farmed at Yellow Grass with his dad until his dad’s passing in 1967. In 1979, they moved to Weyburn. Norman worked at the Saskatchewan Hospital and after 35 years of service he retired as Director of Housekeeping. Upon his retirement, he purchased more land at Colfax, where he continued to farm. He loved being a farmer and it was clear, that’s where his heart was. He found it so peaceful. He also prided himself in keeping a neat farmyard…and people were quick to compliment him on his yard and buildings. In 2005 after 54 years of farming, he rented the land out. Due to health reasons, he sold the farm in 2009. Norman was active in the church through the years. He served on the church board at the Peace Lutheran Church in Yellow Grass. He was also an associate member at the Royal Canadian legion for 25 years. In April of 2015, Norman and Phyllis were proud to celebrate 60 years of marriage together. Over the years they enjoyed trips to California, BC and the Maritimes but Norman was most comfortable staying home and being out at the farm. His hobbies in later life included gardening, driving his scooter and spending time with his dog. This past summer, he grew tomatoes and cucumbers. He was having a really hard time getting around due to health problems and we told him he should probably not bother with the garden. He looked at us and said “none of you think I should be gardening but you sure like eating my tomatoes and cucumbers”. While he was in the hospital in Regina, he firmly instructed Wayne that his garden should not be pulled out until August 31 and not a day sooner. He also was quite proud of the fact that we were eating toasted tomato sandwiches for lunch from his garden. Norman had a tremendous love for animals especially his dog Benji who we’ve always jokingly referred to as the fourth son. He always talked about the dogs he had when he was a kid, as well as his Shetland pony. In later years, his dog became a great companion. He truly loved all animals. Norman enjoyed his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren and had many memorable times with them. We were very fortunate to grow up having the parents that we have. They had a strong work ethic and always taught us about honesty and perseverance. The most important things in life that we learned they didn’t have to tell us. We just watched how they lived their lives. They both had a very strong faith which guided them every day of their lives and would often talk openly about it. Although we will miss dad dearly, we know because of his faith that he is in a better place and in good hands. When dad took his last breath and took Christ’s hand to join him, we know the first words said to him were “Well done good and faithful servant”. Norman will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis Hein of Weyburn; sons, David (Cherise) Hein of Weyburn, Wayne (Denise) Hein of Kenosee Lake, and Neil (Holly) Hein of Regina; grandchildren, Jared (Sarah) Hein, Kristen (Jordan) Calibaba, Owen Hein, Angel Hein, Brayden Wrubleski and Shelby Hein; great grandchildren, Jayda, Gracen, Silas, Noa and Hailey; sisters, Olive Ritchie, Luella McClinton, Berna Zotzman and Sadie Kelln; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine Kohne, Eileen (Archie) Trowsdale, Marilyn (Robert) Muhr, Lloyd (Sylvia) Day, Margaret Day; his dog, Benji as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visitation was held Monday, October 17, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, and the Funeral Service was held Tuesday, October 18, from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, with Pastor Martin Olson officiating. Interment was at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. Pallbearers were Bruce McCLinton, Roland Kelln, Lorne Kennedy, Todd Muhr, Blaine Muhr and Neil Richter. Donations in memory of Norman may be made to Zion Lutheran Church. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcher funeralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
