Regimental Number: M36180
Norman Farrell was born on August 4, 1917 in Carstairs AB, where he also grew up. Leaving school at a young age, Norman worked on a farm for $10 per month, and later at a garage. When WW II started he enlisted in the Army, serving in Canada and overseas in England, Sicily, Italy and other countries in North Western Europe. His brother, Bert, also joined the army. After his discharge in 1945, he came back to Carstairs and worked at a garage. In 1946 he married Mavis Wade who also had served in WW II in the RCAF (Women’s Division). Land became available through the Lassiter Project for Veterans, so in 1950 they took land in the Codesa area. (W-1/2-S-13). Farming was hard, since thousands of roots had to be picked, and water came from a dugout. There were also many mosquitos making life miserable! As there was only a dirt trail along their place, which was impassable in the rain due to the mud, Norman and his brother Bert and some other men decided to build a proper road. After much work and time, a 1 and ½ mile high grade road was completed. Crops were poor in the first few years, and money was tight. Norman and Mavis relied on wild meat and their own garden, and eventually they acquired cows. Norman did mechanical work, and cut pulp wood in the winters to improve their income. In 1965 they were able to purchase some more land. Norman and Mavis had 2 children: Allan and Betty. When they retired, Norman and Mavis continued to live on their farm. Norman was active in the community and held life memberships in the Ag Society and the Royal Canadian Legion. At age 78, he passed away on April 10, 1996, in Eaglesham. Mavis died in July 2008.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 206 ( family story and photo of Norman and Mavis)
See also p. 205 for Bert’s family story
AGS Obituary Index
Family and Personal Life reference files