BUSHELL, Norris Leonard

February 23, 1928 - November 19, 2020. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norris Leonard Bushell, 92, of River John, on November 19, 2020 in Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, Northumberland Veteran’s Unit, Pictou. Norris was born February 23, 1928 in Hazel Hill. He was the ninth child of the late Sidney Bushell and Letitia Narraway Mary Hart. Besides his parents, Norris was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Jane S. H. Moseley (2019); and daughter, Jane "Jan" Narraway Hart Perks (1989). As well, he was predeceased by sisters, Pauline Macphee, Nancy Peters, Alice Burrows, Diana Geil, Dorothy Hutchinson, Valerie "Chick" Rogers; brothers, Arnold, Lee, Martin and Norman "Bim"; two nieces and seven nephews. After high school, Norris joined The Canadian Army Reserves from 1944- 45 and became a Bren gun instructor. After the War, Norris attended Nova Scotia Land Survey Institute in Lawrencetown and became a Licensed Land Surveyor. One of many notable projects took him to Labrador where, for some months, he worked on the Distant Early Warning Line (now known as the North Warning System) surveying for radar installations in the mid 1950’s. On March 3, 1956, Norris married the love of his life, Jane, and together they lovingly raised five children. Growing up in Hazel Hill, Norris developed a love of the outdoors, a passion he enjoyed with all his 11 siblings, especially hunting and fishing. Those pursuits brought him much joy throughout his life. Owing to his love of the outdoors, Norris had a natural talent for creating things solely from what nature could provide him. This led to his own unique style of DIY. He was wellknown for his large collection of hand made walking canes and other objets d’art crafted from trees and roots. Norris also designed and built toys and entertainment for his five children from things he found in nature, from stilts to diving towers. He was an expert woodsman and hunter and often his children would accompany him on hunting excursions for deer and rabbits on the family property. We are grateful to Dad for having instilled in us a love and appreciation of the land. He is survived by children, Sally Tilton Jackson (Mike), Norris Frederick Bushell (Emanuele), Valerie Hart Jollimore and Lesley Ellen Pretty (David); and his youngest sibling, June Jarvis. He is also survived by grandchildren, Emily, Sarah, Benjamin, David, Christopher, Hayley, Aaron, Maria, Jane, Lindsey, Devin, John, Ellen and Olivia; great-grandchildren, Harper, Sawyer, Emerson, Paisley, Kyle, Elena, and Daxton; son-in-law, Ron Perks ( Alice); and many nieces and nephews. As per Norris’ request, there will be no visitation or service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Norris’ memory may be made to Diabetes Canada, the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA), Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital, Tatamagouche, or a charity of one’s choice. Special thanks to Dr. Robert Bush, Dr. Robert Cooper and the nurses and staff of Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital Veteran’s Unit in Pictou for their compassion and excellent care of Norris. Online condolences can be made at Coulter’s Funeral Home, Tatamagouche, through their website at: www.mmcfunerals.com