The family of Norman Roger Duhamel is saddened to announce his passing at the age of eighty-six years old on January 6th, 2026; peacefully with his family at his side.
Norman leaves behind his wife Marie (nee Penney) of sixty- five years, his daughter Jacqueline, his sons Richard and Darren. His grandson’s Tyler (Tabitha McLean) and Tyson.
Norman was predeceased by his father Jean-Baptiste and mother Hortense Duhamel, his brothers Ronald Duhamel and Denis Duhamel and his sister Rita King. He is survived by his sister Therese Levesque and her husband Leopold Levesque and sister Anita Renton, sister-in-law Carolyn Duhamel, Marie’s brothers Greg Penney and Billy Penney and their spouses along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Norm was the second oldest child of five siblings. He was born at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 5th, 1939.
He met the love of his life Marie Penney at a schoolhouse in Stratton where his brother Ron was teaching. It was in 1960 that they wed and moved to Dryden where he was already residing, having worked in the Woodlands driving a logging truck.
At Dryden Paper, he worked his way up the ladder from a Truck Driver, Construction Labourer, Millwright in various areas, Maintenance Supervisor and finally to a Mechanical Superintendent. He was respected for his hands on approach to problem solving. He chose to retire on February 24th, 1995, after 36 years and 10 months of service with the company.
Shortly after his move to Dryden he joined the Dryden School of Judo. He was mentored by Sensi Rush Mitani. Judo challenged his mental and physical fortitude, gave him an avenue to test his endurance, his grit, his strength. It triggered a level of competitiveness that confirmed his incredible work ethic to be the best. His honours included winning once or on multiple occasions many tournaments including the Midwest Open in Winnipeg, placing 3rd at the Ontario Black Belt Judo Championships which qualified him for the Canadian Championships in Montreal (Expo 1967, Sask Open Judo Championships in Regina, Canadian Judo Championships in Edmonton and Manitoba Open Judo Championships. Attaining his Black Belt in 1968, by 1975 he was promoted to the rank of Sandan- Black Belt Third Degree. As the years progressed, he did less competing and more instructing of junior classes. A respected competitive Judoist and disciplined Sensi impacting the lives of many young Judoists in Dryden.
Norm had a deep love for his family and life. His curiosity and adventurous spirit ensured his family experienced life to the fullest. He was a proud man and it was important to provide for his family. In the early years with a young family, vacations were always focused on camping and visiting family. His passion for fishing evolved to acquiring a cabin at Tramp Bay on Lac Seul, where family and friends gathered for many years to create some special fishing memories. Learning to downhill ski in their 50’s, family vacations soon took a turn with in-laws, adult children and older grandchildren regularly going on ski trips. Moose and Deer hunting were part of the fabric of knowing Norm and he ensured that his son’s and grandsons learned the craft.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr.’s Moir, Hassan and Pettinger; the exceptional nursing staff and all those involved in his care during his time in the hospital.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Dryden on Friday January 30th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow in the Church Hall. Interment of Ashes to follow at a later date at the Dryden Cemetery.
In Lieu of Flowers and Cards, please consider donating to Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg, Manitoba or the Dryden Food Bank.
