December 14, 1943 - December 4, 2018
Norman Paul Hladun was born in Vancouver, BC on December 15, 1943 to Walter and Jessie Hladun.
He came into this world a few minutes after his identical twin brother Eddy Peter. Norman survived a very difficult childhood as one of a pair of abused, unloved and unsupported twin boys, which resulted in his life's motto "DO NO EVIL".
At ten years of age he found his strength and his worth and from then on excelled at school. At his High School graduation, he received the honor of being named "top all around student". He also received a scholarship, but money was a big issue and so he began his career at The Bank of Nova Scotia in the summer of 1961. On November 5, 1966 Norm married Elizabeth Helen Giesbrecht, daughter of Peter and Aganetha Giesbrecht.
Both being bankers, they lived in many places - from Vancouver to New York City to Toronto to London, England and back to Toronto. In 1989 Norm saw his opportunity and took early retirement at the age of 45. Norm and Elizabeth along with their Doberman "Torry" arrived in the Okanagan April of 1990 and Norm began his retirement and a long awaited "childhood". Norm was in his element working on his 1.3-acre property. He loved fixing up the yard, house and especially the garden. He also helped on a committee for Coldstream Council and worked many years on two law cases which he was extremely proud of. Norm fought his cancer diagnosis for 2 1/2 years but finally there was no more fighting and he let go and quietly went to a far, far better place. Norman was pre-deceased by his parents, parents-in-law, three brothers-in-law, David, Edward and Peter and two sisters-in-law, Arlene and Anne. Norman leaves to mourn: his spouse Elizabeth, his twin brother Eddy (Svetla), four brothers-in-law Hank (Ellen) George (Diane) Martin (Judy) Bill (Marie) and three sisters-in-law Katie, Cathy (Ben) Gerry, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Norm also leaves behind his special friend (Eva) our final Doberman.
His spouse Elizabeth would like to thank Dr. Borchert for his gentle care of Norman, a wonderful Doctor for 28 years! The care of the Radiation and Chemo teams was outstanding. The kindness of Dr. Rankin meant the world to Norm. Lastly a huge thank you to the nurses at Interior Health, Palliative Care and the "end of life" nurses at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. There will be a celebration of Norman's life in the spring of 2019 at our home and property that he loved so much. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's on-line obituary @ www.MyAlternatives.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services R Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237.
