Community

Norm Tibbo remembered as friend to all

By Craig Westcott/February 24, 2022

CBS council paid tribute last week to a familiar face around the town’s hockey’s rinks.

Norman Tibbo passed away February 13 at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with cancer.

“Norm was the definition of a true gent,” said councillor-at-large Paul Connors. “To say that he was courteous, polite and respectful would be an understatement. He was all of that and much more. It would be practically impossible to find someone who did not enjoy being in Norm’s company.”

Tibbo spent most of his working life on the sea. He retired from Marine Atlantic in 1998. He also had a passion for painting, and to the sometimes amusement of his family, for plumbing.

“He had many friends in CBS and throughout the province who will miss his kindness and his big heart,” said Connors. “He was like the King of Kensington for those of us who remember that show. He put a smile on everybody’s face and he was there to lend a helping hand to all his friends.”

Tibbo spent most of his summers since retirement at Hender’s RV ground on the Salmonier Line enjoying time with family and friends. “He was the patriarch of Hender’s,” said Connors. “All the women loved his wonderful blue eyes and his smile, but his large heart definitely was his trademark.”

Tibbo was a big fan of hockey, following minor hockey, the junior circuit and senior league, and especially enjoyed watching his grandson Kyle Tibbo grow up move through the ranks.

“He made many friends at the rink and when he was there, he would walk around and talk to everybody,” Connors said.

In later years, Tibbo became a curling fan, especially of the Brad Gushue rink. 

“I’m sure I speak for everyone who knew him in saying that he will be ever missed, but he will never be forgotten,” Connors said. “And I think the world needs a lot more people like Norm Tibbo. It was an honour, a privilege and a pleasure to know him.”

Mayor Darrin Bent echoed those sentiments. “I’m not sure anybody anywhere could have said it any better than that,” said Bent. “He was certainly a true gentleman and he had an infectious smile… He was someone who made everybody feel comfortable and happy to be around him. It was always a pleasure to see him whenever I went somewhere that he was. He’s going to be truly missed and sincere condolences to Norm’s entire family. It’s a great loss to our community.”

Tibbo left to mourn his sons David and Craig and their families and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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