CHILES, Norman ‘Norm’ Elwood

1938 – 2026

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mr. Norman ‘Norm’ Elwood Chiles on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the age of 87 years. Norman was born Saturday, October 29, 1938, in Bentley and raised on a farm outside of Rimbey, Alberta.

After graduating from Rimbey High School, he started working in Calgary where he met the love of his life and his lifelong secretary, Margaret (nee Brunelle). They married on November 25, 1961. Norm was known for his booming voice, crackling laugh and big, strong hugs, but he will be just as fondly remembered for his tireless work ethic. While supporting his young family, he returned to night school to earn his Certified Management Accounting credentials. His energy remained remarkable well into his early 80’s. After a full day of work at the office, he could still be found tending to his cattle, fixing fences, working around the farm and serving on the church board. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Norm was truly a jack of all trades when it came to fixing things. The same drive and determination made Norm a visionary. While working at a mobile home manufacturing company in Claresholm, he recognized the value of mobile homes as practical, cost-efficient housing.

In 1971, Margaret and Norm purchased a pre-existing business and moved their family to Red Deer, establishing Chiles Homes Ltd. In 1976, they acquired land on the north end of Red Deer to set up a farm, expand the mobile home sales lot and to develop a mobile home park to increase the access of affordable housing. When rezoning challenges redirected those plans, Norm channeled his energy to creating Chiles Industrial Park, completing most of the work himself – from digging ditches, to paving and coordinating building projects. With a sharp business mind and generous spirit, Norm was eager to offer guidance and encouragement to those starting new businesses or ventures. Norm often said he would retire only when he was taken away in a pine box. In keeping with his practicality, this announcement also serves as his official retirement notice.

Norm will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Margaret (after 64 years of marriage); his children, Brian (Georgina) Chiles, Denise Chiles and Sheryl Chiles; his grandchildren, Natalia (Josh) Chiles and Andrew Chiles; his step-grandchildren, Renee (Steve) Gore and Jessica (Brad) Shattock and their families; and his sisters, Joyce (Malcolm) Grant and Belva Westerby; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Norman was predeceased by his parents, Ellen (nee Cummings) and William Elwood Chiles; his brothers William Chiles and Gordon Chiles; and his sisters, Melba Odenbach, Evva MacKay and Marion Scott.

A heartfelt thank you to Norm’s personal care team, who helped him remain at home with comfort, dignity, and compassion as his quality of life diminished. Norm’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. A Memorial Service in Norm’s honour was held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Deer Park Alliance Church, 2960 – 39 Street, Red Deer, with a reception that followed. The livestreamed ceremony may be viewed at www.youtube.com/@DeerParkChurch/streams/ . All were welcomed to attend. A private interment will take place in the Spring at the Vig Lutheran Church Cemetery, Bentley, Alberta. Memorial donations may be made in Norman’s honour to The Lending Cupboard, Red Deer at https://www.lendingcupboard.ca/donate. Tributes, condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2026-01-14
• Location : (Red Deer) Locally Family Owned (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com