Obituary of Norman Richard McNish

Norman passed quietly surrounded by his loved ones at the Kinston General Hospital at the age of 60. He is survived by his wife Ellen McNish (n. Hargrave); children Michael and Jennifer; grandchildren Ruth and Benjamin; siblings Nancy Chantrine (Peter), Andrew (Karen), and John (Vera) as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father Philip McNish, mother Katherine McNish (n. Rice) and brother Edward.

Norman was steadfast and loyal to a fault. He cared deeply for people in his quiet way. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ and was a constant and dedicated figure in his church. He spent many years working on the family farm with his brother John. He found pleasure working hard with a servant’s heart in any situation placed before him.

Special thanks to the amazing Neurological and ICU team at the Kingston General Hospital who did an incredible job taking care of Norman and his family during a very difficult time. Thank you specifically to Susan Warr, Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinator, who guided the family through a difficult time with care and gentleness. Thank you to nurses Dave, Anya, Liz, Marie, Shawna, Jen and Amanda. You are a testament to this field and thank you for your steadfast dedication to your service. You were truly a blessing through a very difficult time.  

I had a tiny box, a precious box

Of human love—my perfume of great price;

I kept it close within my heart of hearts

And scarce would lift the lid lest it should waste

Its fragrance on the air. One day a strange

Deep sorrow came with crushing weight, and fell

Upon my costly treasure, sweet and rare,

And broke the box to pieces. All my heart

Rose in dismay and sorrow at this waste,

But as I mourned, behold a miracle

Of grace Divine. My human love was changed

To Heaven’s own, and poured in healing streams

On other broken hearts, while soft and clear

A voice above me whispered, “Child of Mine,

With comfort wherewith you are comforted,

From this time forth, go comfort others,

And you will know blest fellowship with Me,

Whose broken heart of love has healed the world.”

                                                            -L.B Cowman-  

He was a much beloved, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him dearly.

A memorial service will be held for Norman on Saturday October 12, 2019 11:00am at Thousand Islands Baptist Church. Following the service, the internment will take place at the Lyn Cemetery. Those who choose may return to the church for refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ministry and outreach of Thousand Islands Baptist Church.       

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8