Norman Steeper, was a cherished man who was known for his kind, loving, caring, and humorous personality. Norm passed away peacefully at LHSC – University Hospital with his family by his side on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the age of 85. Devoted husband of Ada (Ward) Steeper (2022) for 57 years. Loving father of David and Tammy (Lesperance) Steeper of Britannia Beach B.C, formerly of Lucan ON. Loving and Doting grandpa to Tyson Steeper of Maple Ridge B.C, formerly of Lucan ON. Loving brother of Caren Johnston, Bruce Dykeman, and Dianna and Endel Hiiuvain and brother-in-law of Harold Ward, and Ross and Mary Ward. Pre-deceased by his parents Jean and Clayton Steeper, and sister-in-law Alice Ward. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his many nieces and nephews.
A very special thank you to the amazing staff at the LHSC – University Hospital ICU, neurology and cardiac care units. Also, to the staff at the Exeter Villa where he resided for the last two and a half months. Enough can not be said about the care he received at both places.
Norm was a dedicated teacher his entire career, who absolutely cherished his students and faculty immensely. Norm loved and served his community as councillor and Reeve of Lucan Biddulph for many years. Upon his retirement, he served as president of the Ontario Senior Games. To know Norm, was to love Norm. He loved a good game of cards and aggravation. His kind and humble heart was truly unparalleled. He will be sadly and deeply missed, and forever loved and remembered.
As Ada passed away during Covid, their son has decided to hold a Celebration of life for both Norman and Ada. It will be held at Haskett Funeral Home in LUCAN from 3pm to 5pm, on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the heart and stroke foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Fred Berdan, Brad and Vicki Pike, and famly
I have many fond memories of Canasta card night with my Dad and Mom and Norm and Ada when we were kids. I heard many stories about Lucan and Biddulph schools over many years and was so happy to visit with Norm at my Dad’s 90th birthday last year.
On behalf of my Dad (Fred Berdan) and our family, our most sincere sympathy, David to your family.
Mike & Pat Callcott
We were saddened to hear of Norms passing and wanted to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Norm was a kind and remarkable person who left a positive impression on everyone he met. Please know you’re in our thoughts during this difficult time. Wishing you comfort and peace as you remember and celebrate his life.
Sharron (Barnes) Colter
Dave and Tammy and family
I am sending my condolences for your loss.
I met your father when he was vice-principal at Biddulph Lucan school. He and Fred Berdan hired me as a classroom teacher. Several years later , I followed Norm as vice-principal at Oxbow in Ilderton. He was a dedicated teahcer and administrator in Middlesex County. He will be missed.
Lisa Carter
Our sincere condolences Dave and the family, so sorry for your loss
Suzanne Dykeman
Dear David,Tammy,Tyson and Family,
I will always have great happy memories of Norm and Ada.
❤️
Kirk Davis
My deepest condolences.
Norm and Ada always welcomed me into their home. They treated me like family. Norm and my grandmother, Pat, arranged for myself and Norm’s and Ada’s son, Dave, to meet when I first moved to Lucan; Dave and I have been friends ever since. I’ll be forever grateful for their guidance and exceptance. Two very wonderful people. Loved them both.
Dave & Linda Barr
We knew Norm and Ada as neighbours. And ofcourse enjoyed the band music from Dave playing his drums in the basement. Norm got wind of the Lucan scoutings desire to construct a building to meet in. He knocked on my door one evening and asked if I had any idea of the cost. A few days later he returned to say the federal government has approved the project for funding. Unfortunately my original guess was way too low. But what Norm did on our behalf was so amazing. We should have more individuals like Norm.
Nancy Morrison
Dave , Tammy and Family
Our sincere sympathy.
Norm was the most gentle and kind man. Everyone will truly miss him. Family, friends and Lucan.
Nancy Morrison, Todd and Jay Deeks
Don Lankin
Norms family my condolence he will be gratefully missed in the community.
Karen Hill
On behalf of the District 29 Senior games committee, we wish to extend our sincere condolences to all the Seniors for the loss of Norm and Ada. These Seniors came across Norm and Ada through the years, as part of the Seniors’ retirement journey to keep active. Both Norm and Ada did a tremendous job keeping our District dynamic. The District is still hosting 20 events, leaving the district being one of the largest Senior Games districts in Ontario. Ada and Norm were both gifted with the highest volunteer award, the Bob Secord award of Excellence, from the Ontario Senior Games, granted to participants who give of their time to the health, and wellness of Seniors through sports initiatives. Their passing has left us with big shoes to fill. We can’t say enough of their positive contributions over the 20 + years.
Nancy Bieber
Dave, Tammy and Tyson I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing I have so many memories of him and your Mom from our years of being neighbours. Because he was my VP at Biddulph I had a terrible time calling him Norm I think it was a couple of years and every time I said Mr Steeper he would shake his head and say it’s Norm.
You all have lots of awesome memories of both Norm and Ada, keep them close to your heart and it will help you get through the difficult times.
Sending my sincere condolences
Brenda, William, Charlotte Hawkins and Tom Ryan
Dave, Tammy, and Tyson;
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your father, father-in-law, and grandpa. My Uncle Tom spoke very highly of Norm and enjoyed playing euchre/cards with him and others each Thursday up at the arena. Sending big hugs to all of you, cherish those special memories you have with him.
Reg and Joan Crawford
David, Tammy and Tyson. So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. We remember Dave, the minor hockey days. Our kids were taught by Norm. He had such a wonderful sense of humor. A pillar of the Lucan community. Fly high Norm.
Christine( Cornish ) Smith )
I remember Mr Steeper in Biddulph School as Vice Principal. I was in the class called the opportunity class, were he helped me get better grades and was able to pass into grade 8 . I also remember him telling me to call him Norm , but l couldn’t not then and not now . Mr Steeper was a pillar of that community he will be missed by many . Rip 🙏 Mr . Steeper. A man with so much respect from Christine Cornish Smith , Strathmore Alberta
Shirley Lyons
To David and family
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was always so friendly with a big smile for everyone at euchre. Will miss seeing him every Thursday afternoon. May the many happy memories of your mom and dad comfort you in the years ahead.
Bill Rothwell
So sad to hear of Norm’s passing. Like everyone who knew him I had a tremendous amount of respect for him. His kindness and wisdom were lessons to many students and colleagues. He’s the only elementary teacher I know who got a standing ovation and cheers when he was introduced at a Medway High School assembly. I’ve thought of him fondly over the years since we worked together at Oxbow.
Ken Rosu-Myles
Norm was my VP at Biddulph Central from 1967 to 1972. After being trapped in the school with the entire staff and students in the storm of 71, Norm and Ada let me stay at their home in Lucan until the roads were open enough for me to head home. I appreciated their hospitality and have many fond memories of that time in my life. Norm was a good guy to work for.
My condolences to his family.
Ken Rosu Myles
DAVIVD& SHAREN NEWMAN
Sorry to hear about NORMS passing, his at . peace now
Fran Brown
Sorry for your loss.
Exeter Villa
The residents and staff of the Exeter Villa send their heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Dean and Jackie Densmore
Condolences to the family so sorry to hear about Norm. He will be missed but never forgotten
Dean Densmore
Joyce Steeper
Condolences to all of Clayton and Jean’s family. Cherish all the memories you made with family.
Joyce Sovereign
David, Tammy and Tyson
As a long time Lucanite, like your parents, I send to you all, my sincere sympathy at this huge loss. Have nice memories of your father as teacher to my children. He had a wonderful sense of humour, that served him well in all parts of his life.
Thinking of you at this sad time in all your lives.
Allan Mciver
Mr. Steeper was one of the best teachers. He’d often play chess with me and show how he’d get me in a few moves. I’m glad I was able to see him last year at his apartment and reminisce old times. I will miss him a lot, until we meet again sir, it has been an honour and a privilege to have had you involved in my life and yes I had to correct my typos cause I still get ahead of myself. ML&R..allan
Doug and Jenn Haskett
Dave , Tammy and Tyson. Our condolences on the passing of Norm. I have many fonds memories of him when we were growing up.
Judy Bond
What fun we all had playing cards with Norm. He always kept us in laughter. RIP Norm.
Please accept my deepest condolences,
Judy Bond
Brent Froats
My deepest condolences, Dave and family
Brent Froats
Township of Lucan Biddulph
On behalf of the Township of Lucan Biddulph Staff & Council, please accept our deepest sympathies. We are all thinking of you and your family during this time.
Patti Hunt
Dave, Tammy, Tyson,
Our most sincere condolences on the passing of you Father/Grandfather.
Jamie and Patti Hunt
Mary Dykeman
So sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. I have wonderful memories of time spent with him and Ada, especially our many trips to Florida.
They were true friends
Diane Young
Sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. Mr Steeper was a great teacher and our vice-principal back in the day at Biddulph Central School. He was a wonderful man.
My sincere condolences to his family. Cherish your great memories.
Dave Manders
Dave, Tammy and Tyson,
Sincere sympathy for your loss. We will be thinking of you in days ahead. Take care, 🕊️
Dave, Shannon, Blake, Jesse & Rachel
Bob and Lorette Mawson
Our condolences to all at this sad time
Marjorie,Brad & Family
Heartbreaking to say the least..
Deepest sympathies sent with love.
Not only was Norm my teacher but he & Ada were dear family friends.
Fond memories of Norm driving us into London for the newest Disney films. Several Florida trips with him,
Ada & David including Disneyworld, plus Summers in St,Joseph.
Reminiscing about stomping grapes for our parents wine.
Processing honey from my dad’s & Norms hives,both delicious lessons.
Speaking of lessons,Norm taught me many as a teacher & VP but it was the life lessons that he & Ada taught me that I’m truly grateful for.
Norm was an impressively talented Pianist,Artist & Orchid enthusiast.
A skillful cultivator of young minds. A pillar in Lucan.
His humanity,humour,gentlemanly nature can be summed up in four simple words – Salt of the Earth.
He & Ada are/will be sorely missed.
Carol Nicholson
Sending our thoughts of sympathy to Norm’s family. We cherish our memories of many years of friendship our family shared with Norm both personally and his support of our businesses.
Ryan, Jeanine and Carol
Chris mawson
My condolences to his family and friends. It was always a pleasure playing cards with norm
Tricia and Iain Smith(Hough)
RIP Uncle Norm! I think of you and Aunt Ada together again and it makes me smile I am sorry for your loss David, Tammy and Tyson. He was a very nice man.
Frank and Dianne Dietrich
Dave, Tammy and Tyson
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad and grandpa, his love for you was so obvious and Tyson his greatest joy. He was so well respected in the community and education system, always a gentleman and will truly be missed, my heart goes out to you, Tammy and Dave
Dianne and Frank Dietrich
Carmen Jones
Dear Dave & Tammy,
Our condolences on this great loss. We know you will be comforted by hearing the memories from your family and friends, of the good times they had with your parents.
Sincerely, Dave & Carmen Jones
Audrey Monk
I’ve been in disbelief for almost 24 hours now..,this man was my saviour growing up! In the toughest years and times of my elementary school days, Mr Steeper had my back and believed in me. He was my teacher, vice principal, mentor confidant and my friend. Always with that big smile and warm eyes. He was serious and stern when we were out of line but then forgave and moved on with fresh perspective. He tough us to be kind, forgiving, respectful and to always give the world your best. I always knew I could count on him. To this day I still think of him often and it puts a smile on my face and warmth in my heart.
To Mr Steepers family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine what it was like to have him as a father, grandfather, brother and friend. I want to thank you for sharing this precious man with us in all his years of teaching and community involvement.
Mr Steeper thank you for all that you did for me and all the others that you had an impact on. I will always remember you and the world has lost a wonderful man. RIP 💔
tom hearn
I am so sorry for your loss.
Perry and Nicole Caskanette
We enjoyed playing cards with you and the crew. You will be missed.
Bonnie Manders
Sincere Sympathy to Norm’s Family.
RIP Norm.
Bonnie Manders
Exeter, Villa
Linda and Dan Caron
We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Norm’s passing. I have many fond memories of him and Aunt Ada. May they rest in peace.
Our condolences to David, Tammy and Tyson.
Ron Dykeman
My heart is broken hearing about Norm, he made learning fun, he made me laugh, he was awesome, I delivered his paper as a lad and going to his house to collect was always a humorous experience that I looked forward to. God bless you Mr. Steeper, you were a good man, I’m glad I got to tell you that a few months ago.
Wanda Reynolds
Norm & Ada’s Family
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. I knew them when I was involved with the Senior Games.
Wanda Reynolds
Darlene Howald
Sorry to hear of your loss. Norm or Mr. Steeper, he was a great teacher. I had the honour of reconnecting for a brief period when he at Oxbow school. I still referred to him as Mr. Steeper and he said I could call him Norm.
Again our condolences on your loss
Dave and Darlene Howald
Brad Hutchinson
Dave,Tammy and Tyson sorry for your loss❤️
Jim and Helen Hearn
Our heartfelt sympathy to all Norm’s loved ones. I had the pleasure of teaching with him and have so many fond memories. May you find comfort knowing that he had such a lasting and profound effect on those along his way.
Jim and Helen
Steve Ward
Everyone who ever met Norm, were drawn to his friendly, kind, and patient manner. You could guess he has an educator without knowing it!
He was a wonderful man!
God bless to David, Tammy, and Tyson!
Steve and Lisa
Susan Watts
So sorry to hear of Uncle Notms passing. I have such fond memories of visiting Lucan as a child. Ada and Norm came to visit me with my parents years ago in Edmonton. We had a great time and lots of laughs. Norm was an amazing cook and I’m pretty sure my love of great wine began with him.
Condolences to David Tammy and Tyson. So sorry for your losses.
Susie and Todd Watts
Lee Anne Mills
Sending love to Dave, Tammy and Tyson. Our Condolences. So sorry for your loss.
Ethel -Lori ( Dykeman)
He was an Extraordinary Educator who Ignited a Love for Learning and Inspired his students through humor, reflection and humility. His life is a testament to The Power of One! You have forever reshaped my heart and I’ll miss you terribly, Mr. Steeper. My heartfelt condolences go out to his
Cherished Loved ones.
Connie Richardson
So sorry to hear about Norm. Sending our deepest condolences to you, Dave and Tyson for your loss. Cherish those memories you have of him and Ada, they are now together again. We are thinking of all of you big hugs 🫂♥️. Connie, Greg, Trent and Nicole Richardson
Sandy Deck
We are sad to hear of Uncle Norm’s passing. He had a wonderful sense of humour and always had great patience when his family of 6 nieces and nephews would come to visit. We will always remember him fondly as the emcee at our wedding. Condolences to Dave, Tammy, Tyson and all his family.
Sandy and Cordell Deck
Brenda ( Haskett) Moon and Gord Moon
Dear David, Tammy, and Tyler,
I send condolences with a heavy heart. Norm (Mr. Steeper) was certainly one of my favourite residents in Lucan. He and Ada were both lovely people. As one of the many students of Norm’s, I had the utmost respect for him. I served on the Lucan 125 Celebrations committee of which he was the chairman . I got to know him as an adult and that quick wit he possessed. Norm will fondly be remembered by both my husband and I .
Harold Ward
A great Sister and Brother in-law two lives lost way to soon
Always Remembered
Sheila Butchart
David,Tammy and Tyson
Your father was a true gentleman, friend and educator with community in his heart. Your parents loved watching you in all the stages of hockey then music so proud they were . Go with peace, Norm
Alex Westman
My sincere condolences to the family. I had the privilege of being taught by Norm . He was a gifted educator and a talented artist. I truly enjoyed our conversations over the years . He was a wonderful mentor to me in my public service to our community. I will miss our talks.
Kathy McFarland
So sorry to hear that the world has lost such an amazing man. Reuniting with his equally amazing Ada. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to have spent time with Norm . He will be remembered and missed.
Joanne Walzack
Dave, Tammy, Tyson
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark Storey
Sorry for your loss Dave, your dad was a great teacher and good man. He will be missed.
Brenda Mitchell
Dave , Tammy and Tyson. Sorry for your loss❤️
barb & Mike tuxford
We knew Norm over the years in Lucan but being his neighbors gave us another glimpse at his amazing love for humanity…and we had fun remembering the Duart days his first school.
Connie Lesperance
My condolences to Norm’s family and friends.
He had a great sense of humor and was always kind and smiling. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
May he rest in the sweetest of peace. 🙏