A Life Well Lived
Norman David Isherwood was born May 20, 1942, to Elizabeth and Norman Isherwood at the James Bay Inn here in Victoria, BC. Early Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, Norman made his last deal on earth. He appeared to be resting comfortably in his bed – but no doubt was already on to making deals elsewhere, hopefully up above in the endless blue sky.
Family & Friends
Norman leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Michelle, his daughter Stephanie, son Christopher, and five beautiful grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sisters, Eleanor and Grace, but became an inseparable part of his wife’s large extended family, embracing them as his own. He shared many trips, good food and lots of laughs and love with this large family through the years.
A Builder at Heart
Norman began his career in real estate and construction in Victoria, building his first apartment complex – the Norwood Arms on Burdett Street – when he was just 21 years old. Over the years, he went on to build hundreds of apartment units in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River. His work included commercial buildings, hotels, subdivisions, and lumberyards. Throughout his career, he gave generously and quietly, always sharing what he could with those around him.
After a few years working outside the Seattle area, Norman moved on to develop projects in Phoenix, Arizona. He and Michelle spent more than 30 years, enjoying the desert sun in winter and making many new friends.
The Man Beyond the Work
Norman loved to dance, travel, and talk—often for hours—on the phone, no matter where he was. He had an uncanny ability to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly learn all about their lives in just minutes.
He faced his final challenge—cancer, for the second time in his life—over the past two years with courage and grace. His only complaint: that he couldn’t go to work. Norman was a devoted father (though a famously loud cheerleader at his kids’ sporting events), a wonderful dance partner, a great help in the kitchen after dinner, and a man who could say “I love you” almost every day. His last words were of love for his family.
Gratitude
His final days were eased by Dr. Maria Dibb, Dr. Sena Turkgordon, and the many nurses and doctors at the Cancer Clinic and Jubilee Hospital. The family extends special thanks to Brandy, Joy, Theadora, and Marie for their warmth and kindness.
Endless gratitude to Rose for leaving her home in Windsor and staying the last few months cooking countless blueberry pancakes for Norm. She also entertained him with music and laughter…always good medicine.
On his last day, Father Dean Henderson provided the Sacraments of Confirmation and of the Sick, bringing Norman great peace.
Honouring His Memory
In lieu of flowers, please honour Norman by performing an unexpected act of kindness for someone less fortunate, in his name.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 12:00pm, followed by a private burial.
A celebration of Norman’s life will be held at Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria, BC on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at 2:00-5:00pm. Please RSVP to: toremembernorm@gmail.com, if you wish to attend.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Isherwood” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
29 Responses
Will always remember you for countless conversations in my salon; your big presence putting on a wedding for Tim and I . Many dinners and moments that are truly unforgettable; will always hold you close in my heart and grateful to have had you in my life
Michelle, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Leslie Duncan
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Norm. Norm and Michelle’s visit to me in Windsor, England remains a cherished memory, and our friendship over the many years has been a true blessing. Norman’s kindness, warmth, and good humour will be greatly missed, and my thoughts are with Michelle and all who loved him during this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to Michelle and the family.
Norm can now work directly with the architect of the universe and start a few new projects. For a man with great ideas there is no shortage of work on the other side.
Angelika and Jurgen
Kelowna
I was a plumbing apprentice back in the 60s working on an apartment on the corner of Rockland and Oak Bay Ave. This is where l first met Norman. He always had time to talk to you making you feel like you had been friends for a long time. I enjoyed working on his projects. I’m sorry to hear of his passing.
Sending our love and regards. Happiness and hope for your families bright future ahead.
I have had the great pleasure and profound joy to spend the last months of this man’s life with him and my beloved sister Michelle. The laughter, the music, even the few concerts on the Baby Grand on Hollywood Crescent were fun!!
Many meals we enjoyed while you smiled and never complained of your diminishing health. Our short trips in the car for outings, meals, and some shopping with Miss Pippa on your lap make me truly grateful I was a part of your final journey. Your profound generosity to Mom and Dad while they were with us and all of my family which became yours instantly upon marriage to Michelle made us all richer in joy and memories for knowing you! I’m glad I had the opportunities to give fist pumps every night as I went to bed saying “who’s your buddy, who’s your pall?” and you always smiled brightly and showed me your love as a brother only can. Becoming your sponsor as a Catholic was my last official job for you and into God’s loving arms you walked leaving Michelle this early August 3rd morning. I will forever cherish my time at Willows beach sharing meals and laughter with you and personally always be grateful for having a wonderful Chosen brother in my life. Stan and I will watch over and always be available in an instant for Michelle what ever she needs as I made that promise and I intend to keep it. Rest easy Big Normy ❤️️
Your little sis, Rose Marie
Stormy Normy… Where do you start to summarize a legend in such brevity the english language has to offer? you can’t.
I am proud to say Normy was my Godfather, the one I chose in 7th grade when I was attending St. patrick’s elementary school. It only seemed fitting when I was baptized at the same time as being confirmed to ask Norm and Michelle to take on the role of “God Parents”.
Normy was always my biggest fan and had no trouble sharing that with me. I can think of endless coffee sessions at Starbucks on every corner of the earth where he ordered his Latte (extra hot) and the famous muffin (inside joke). Want a muffin? have a muffin, you need a muffin, let me get you a muffin… Those who know, know. The Muffin was just a symbol of time spent together. If he shared a muffin with you, you mattered to him and he mattered to you. I am happy to say Normy gave me more than just a bakers dozen over the years.
Wisdom beyond belief. Love for his family, Love for his friends, love for Real estate, and love for Beau his dog who I remember most. In came Normy in the SUV of the moment, in the latter years Lexus was the choice with Beau on his lap.
I can’t count how many breakfasts,coffees,lunch and dinners we shared, the hours and hours of conversations which generally had the statement “I know I’m repeating myself” or “just between ourselves” inserted somewhere during the story he was telling. All of those were stories better heard the 2nd or 11th time, the confirmation that your secrecy was earned, even if you knew that it was just a part of the sentence, not actually a confidentiality agreement you shared 😉
I could go on and on about Norm and how much he meant to me. I know he did more for me than I will ever know. I know he helped in silence in ways I can assume he played a part, he is looking down now and knows his silent Sainthood didn’t go unnoticed.
I know one thing, Normy loved his wife to the moon and back, even if he cut her off mid sentence saying “Shelly, can I finish? Can I finish shelly”… Oh the Normism we have all seen, He was a special Character that I was lucky to know.
Normy had a grand stature with a sweater over his shoulders that took on the weight of the world with a smile. He earned the name “Grumpy” which my father couldn’t call him anything else. I had the pleasure of seeing more smiles than frowns, If there is one thing he taught me it was to give back. If there is a lesson in life you can learn from someone, this is it, the holy grail of life. Give because it makes you feel good, give because someone needs it, give because you can. For this lesson above all, I am grateful to be his disciple.
Shelly, Blackie, Michelle, My wiiiiife… He said to take care of you. I know I speak for many others, We will. You have given more than you got for so many years, Now its your time to receive.
With Love and Admiration- TQ
Hello Michelle; I am so sorry for your loss. Norm has been an intricate part of our family for many years. He was a special friend and I can especially recall how he always wanted to know how I was doing, where was i working. Was I well… almost like a caring brother. He will be missed and I wish his family God’s Grace
Good bye Big Brother Norm you may be gone physically but you will always be in my heart …Love Terry Hogue