Event Date : Sunday, December 31, 1972
Event Type : Death
Description : A man who dedicated more years of his life to the position of Nelson's Chief Magistrate than any other person, died Sunday in Kootenay Lake District Hospital. Norman C. Stibbs, 88 year-old long-time resident of Nelson, had a record of 11 years as mayor and two years as alderman. He served as alderman for the 1936 to 37 terms and as mayor from 1938-47 and again from 1950 to 52. Four times during his years as mayor, he was returned by acclamation. Mr. Stibbs was born in Bradford, Ontario in 1884. In 1903 he joined the Canadian Pacific Railway at Havelock, Ontario as a car checker in the training department. He was later transferred to West Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Schrieber, Lethbridge, Alberta and finally to Nelson in 1917. He retired from the CPR in 1938 to become Mayor of the City. During his tenure as Mayor Mr. Stibbs welcomed many celebrities to the city, including Lord Halifax, John Ridland, past British Vice-Counsul, The Duke of Athlone, Princess Alice and R. O. Alexander, past Governor-General of Canada. Mr. Stibbs was made a life member of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, the Nelson Chamber of Commerce, was on the executive of the Canadian Federation of Mayors. He was also the founder and honourary president of Nelson Sea Cadets, and instigated the Nelson Midsummer Bonspiel. Mr. Stibbs was instrumental in the drive to have an airstrip built at Nelson. In 1947, Mr. Stibbs was named Freeman of Nelson and in 1948-50 he was president of the Senior Hockey Club. He was also a member of the Masonic Order, Scottish Rite, Shrine and Oddfellows. Starting in 1941, he was a member of the Red Cross and its president for five years. The former mayor was also a member of Kootenay Lake General Hospital Board, the Municipal Library Board, and charter member of Nelson Stamp Club and was on the Chamber of Commerce executive. His wife predeceased him in 1970. Surviving is one son, Dr. Gerald Stibbs of Seattle and three grandchildren.
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