Norman Alistair Milne

Norman Alistair Milne

May 7, 1950 ~ August 8, 2026

On Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 14:20 hours, Norm received tower clearance for take off to begin his final flight in his Cessna 206 named “On Eagles Wings”. With perfect weather conditions and his flight plan completed in advance – his destination was Heaven Bound with eternity on his mind.

He had opened the door when Jesus knocked and gave the thumbs up, ready to be flying home. His earthly battle with Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia and Supra Nuclear Palsy, full of turbulence and many crosswinds, was now finished. It had been a difficult journey over the past several years which he handled with quiet strength and usual humour: “If you are living on the edge, you are taking up too much space” … N.M…. “It is what it is” … N.M. “The man on the middle cross said I could come” … (Pastor A. Begg)

His passion was flying, and although afraid of heights (LOL), he was an exceptional pilot who loved to teach others his craft with his usual calm demeanor and dry wit. Norm also enjoyed hunting, fishing, quadding and just hanging out with the local lads (especially his buddy Sandy Clarke) down at the trailer.

He was afraid of cows, but did enjoy horses and loved his loyal companion and friend, “The Bear” a handsome black shepherd cross.

Norm was even known to pen a love letter or two stating how “twitter pated “he was and would leave sticky notes around the house with little messages of love and happy thoughts.

He was a son, husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Norman was the only son of Alex and Kay Milne. Husband of Hazel (nee Harris) Milne until her passing in 1999. Norm is survived by their two children: son Christopher and family, daughter Courtney and family.

Norm married his wife Dawn in 2007 and they have been together ever since (partly because of these love letters and he was such a great kisser!)

During his move to Brandon in 2020 and through the course of his illness, he maintained many close relationships. Thank you to the ground crew; Blaine Moncur, George Scott (Gerri), John Kelly (Kim), Gary Funnel, Ellen Heaman, Ed Halliday (Candace). Note to Ed “You will always be a lot older than me”…. N.M.

Also thank you to the ground crew that caught an earlier flight: Andrew Critchly, Cecil Huff and Gordon Quinn (Thelma). Your visits, phone calls and texts (with videos) was appreciated more than you know.

Thank you to Pastor Andrew for your visits and I will never forget the “two thumbs up”, it was amazing and life changing!

“He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power to the weak. 

Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall.

But those that hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will rise up on wings like eagles. 

They will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29

Thank you to the wonderful people at the First Baptist Church for all your prayers and support and to my supportive neighbours Laura Van Mulligen and Donna and John Howden.

Our deep appreciation to Valleyview’s caring staff who all went that “extra mile” for “Captain Norman” and to all the nurses especially Gary “Doc” and Juliet for your care during his last days. Thank you to all the great Care Aides – Thumbs up to Alejandro and Carl: “Your Captain no longer requires a parachute” …

Cremation has taken place and we will honour Norm’s wishes to have a small gathering in the near future.

Fly high my dear Normie and my flight plan is to “Catch you later!”

High Flight

“Oh I have slipped the

surly bonds of earth

and danced the sky on laughter

silvered wings

sunward I’ve climbed

and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sunsplit clouds

and a hundred things,

You have not dreamed of –

Wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sun – lit silence.

Hovering there, my eager craft

Through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long delirious, burning blue

I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace

Where never a lark or eagle flew

And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod,

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand and touched

the face of God”

By: John Magee, Pilot and poet.