Norman Kennedy Kayes After a valiant and courageous uphill battle with lung cancer, and with his signature humour, Norm took his final journey on Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 surrounded by love and light from near and far. He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Christine Marie (Kosir), their son Andrew (Michelle), his oldest sons Scott and Neil and his grandson Cameron. He will be deeply missed by his in-laws Mimi & Ted Kosir, sisters-in-law Susan (Andreas), Laura, Lisa (Rusty), nieces Danielle and Dana, nephew Ryan (Ashley) and his godson Adam. Sadly missed by his extended Slovenian family and many friends, neighbours and fur-friends in the Rosebank community of Pickering and beyond.
Born Johnston Conway Burns on May 21, 1942, Norm was adopted and loved by Matthew and Margaret Kayes in Paisley, Scotland. His life as an only child changed in his 75th year, when his Burns birth family was discovered in Rothesay, Scotland. He now also leaves behind his Aunt Tillie Gracie, sisters Margaret-Ann Walker and Fiona Coll and their families whom he regrettably never had the opportunity to meet.
At Norm’s request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 7th, 2017 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning, at the McEachnie Funeral Home Chapel, 28 Old Kingston Road, Pickering Village in Ajax. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scouts Canada or please extend a random act of kindness in his name.
For my dear friend Norm, from one great Burns to another.
Epitaph On A Friend - Robert Burns
An honest man here lies at rest,
The friend of man, the friend of truth,
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd,
Few heads with knowledge so inform'd;
If there's another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.
A Celtic Blessing for you:
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Norm was the leader of our scout troop. He spent endless weekends and Wednesday evenings shaping our neighborhoods young men. We were friends but he made us more, he made us a team, he taught us about the outdoors and life. We are all better because of the time we spent with him. Thanks for everything Norm. You will be missed.