Norman John Palmer resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away peacefully with family at his bedside on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, at the age of 78 years.

Norm was born on February 18, 1944, in Grande Prairie, and was a proud lifelong resident. He was the second oldest of six children, born to Ken and Hannah Palmer. Norm married the love of his life, Valerie Boyd, on March 11, 1967. They had two children, Kevin and Lori, who were Norm’s pride and joy.

As a devoted father, his greatest enjoyment was following Kevin and Lori near and far for their various sporting endeavours. Although he never played organized sports, he coached them both in multiple sports. Summers were spent camping every weekend and the entire family looked forward to the annual vacation to Osoyoos, B.C. An RV trip to Disneyland in 1980, is a wonderful memory.

Norm was also a very proud Grandpa. When Tyler was born, Norm doted on him endlessly. Kevin and Colleen moved to Edmonton, AB, when Tyler was 4 years old. This meant many trips to Edmonton to ensure Grandpa didn’t miss a thing. When Tyler started playing hockey, there was an even greater incentive to make the 4.5-hour road trip to watch him play.

After the kids were grown, Norm and Val took many trips. A few of the highlights include an Alaskan Cruise (2002), an RV trip to Alaska (2005), RVing to Saint John’s, Newfoundland (2007), RVing to Yellowstone National Park (2013), bus tour to Nashville, Branson, and Memphis (2014), RVing to Dawson City, Yukon (2019), a road trip to Scottsdale for Barret Jackson Auction (2019), and a trip to see the wild horses in southern Alberta (2019).

Throughout his life, Norm always loved cars and speed. He frequented the Hythe Motor Speedway and attended the Castrol Raceway in Edmonton whenever he could. He was able to make a trip to the Indianapolis 500 in 2003 and two Nascar races in Las Vegas and Phoenix.

After retirement, Norm spent many hours moving vehicles around Alberta and northern B.C. for National Car Rental and Visa Truck Rentals. He was happiest behind the wheel, heading anywhere. Norm and Val also loved spending the weekend at “the cabin” with Tom and Jean and their family.

Norm will be sadly missed by his wife Val; children Kevin (Colleen) and Lori (Jordon) Bombier; grandchild Tyler; Ellen (Bruce) Coleman, Jean (Tom) Durrant, Sharon (Wally) Snow, Marlene (Doug) Campbell, sister in-law Lillian Palmer, Cheryl (Frank) Gorrie, Donna (Gerald) Campbell, Vivian (Kerry) Sandboe, Marilyn (Kurt) Pederson, Susan (Rick) Pattersen, sister in-law Fay Boyd; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Norman was predeceased by his parents Ken and Hannah Palmer; brother Mike Palmer; mother and father in-law; Roy and Beryl Boyd; as well as brother in-law, Dave Boyd.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the health care workers in emergency, and ward 23 for their compassionate care extended to Norm. The family would also like to give a special thank you to Elise (charge nurse), Matt (nurse), Angie (nurse), Tiffany (nurse), Lorelle (nurse), Kyle (nurse), Peter (recreation therapist), Mark (speech therapist), and all the respiratory therapists who went above and beyond to keep Norm comfortable.

The family would like to invite everyone to a Celebration of Norm’s life, that will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022, at 2:00pm, at the Golden Age Center (10222 101 Ave.).

The family asks that you please dress casual for the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate Memorial Donations may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (47 Squire Baker’s Lane, Markham, ON, L3P 3G8), or to Alberta Cancer Foundation (710 10123 99 St. NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3H1).