Obituary of Norman Ashton
<h1>Norman Ashton</h1>
Died peacefully at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener on Tuesday, January 19, 2010, in his eighty-fourth year.
Professor Emeritus of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (1965 - 1993) and Honorary Member of the University of Waterloo, he conceptualized, advocated for and took the lead in developing the field of kinesiology with a focus on the science of human movement. The "Father of Kinesiology", his innovation and foresight have been emulated the world over. He received a Doctor of Science, honoris causa , from the University of Waterloo in 2007, in recognition of his remarkable contributions, vision, administrative skills, energy and tenacity.
From humble beginnings at a dairy bar and then a butcher's in Montreal, and camp counselor in the Laurentians and Algonquin Park, Norm worked from the age of thirteen. His love of athletics and swimming in particular, were ultimately parlayed into livelihoods, serving as Director of Athletics for the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association and lecturing and coaching both swimming and water polo at McGill University during and after completing studies there. After graduate studies at the University of Michigan, he began work as Physical Fitness Specialist to the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1958 until 1965, during which time he worked on the development of the renowned 10BX Plan for Physical Fitness for Women . His accomplishments and contributions were myriad - helping the entry of Canada into the Pan-American Games; selecting and training Canada's first Olympic Biathlon team - and are impossible to fully recount.
Athletics permeated his leisure as well, enjoying years of squash until his knees failed to cooperate, and golfing as often as possible until recent years. An acerbic wit and endless joker, no one was as amused by him as he himself.
Predeceased by his parents and son Norman J., he is survived by his children John of Vermont, Sally of Toronto, Jim of Waterloo, their mother and Norm's wife of 49 years, Jan of Kitchener, his daughter Tami Berry of Michigan, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other extended family.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at Erb & Good Funeral Home in Waterloo, Saturday at 10:00 a.m. A memorial celebration of Norm's life will follow at 11:00 a.m., reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Lung Associaton will be appreciated.
