Norman Cecil Pike

Norman Cecil Pike, 96 passed away at Poole Hospital, Poole on Dec. 6, 2020. He was born March 14, 1924 at Broadstone, District of Canford, Dorset to the late Nelson Philip Pike and Maude Louise Watts Pike. Norman cultivated his work ethic from an early age, beginning work as a newsboy for W.H. Smith at age 12 and later advanced through the ranks of the company to serve in various managerial positions in multiple areas of N. Wales and S.W. England until his retirement on September 1, 1984 at age 61. He was deeply respected throughout the company and is remembered as a very kind and considerate boss. Norman was one of the few remaining members of "The Greatest Generation", having honourably served in His Majesty's Forces during WWII from 1943 - 1947, serving in campaigns in N. Africa and Monte Casino, Italy. On June 18, 1949 Norman married his soul mate and love of his life, Margaret Kennedy, a union of devotion which lasted almost 66 years until her passing March 25, 2015. Norman and Margaret were well travelled, visiting many countries of the world and making a point of maintaining contact with family members, both at home and abroad. Norman befriended people from all walks of life, was an avid conversationalist and a generous human being. He lived a life of dedication to his wife, extended family, friends, colleagues and country. Norman is survived by his cousin, Peter Watts and wife, Brenda of Shillingstone, Dorset, nephew, Alistair McCabe and wife, Wendy of Ontario, Canada, nieces, Sylvia McCabe Weaver and husband, Bob of N. Carolina, USA, Christine McCabe Hogg and husband, Bill of Bexhill-on-Sea, E. Sussex, Yvonne Worden and Rosalind Worden Ballard of Crook, Co. Durham, nephew Raymond Goff and niece Angela Goff of Scotland, several extended family members, and many lifelong friends and former colleagues. A private funeral service was held Thurs., Dec. 17, 2020 at Bournemouth Crematorium West Chapel conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Foster. A celebration of Norman's life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Norman for Cancer Research UK and/or Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary can be made online at: www.funeraldirector.co.uk/norman-pike or sent c/o A E Jolliffe & Son, 17 Victoria Road, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9HT Tel: 01202 872050 ©CCLI 501003