PALMER, Norman Hamilton - Berwick, Kings Co., passed away in his sleep at the age of 96, on Friday, October 13, 2017, in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Welsford, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Frank and Matilda (Evans) Palmer. Norman was a farmer all his life, owning Springvale Farms where he produced milk, pork, apples and eggs. He was proud to operate one of the first U-Picks in the valley and operated that for many years. Along with operating the farm, he had a Purina Dealership and a Case Tractor Dealership for a period of time. He was an active participant in many agricultural organizations and he loved participating in farm tours which took him to various places in North America and England. Even after moving to Berwick, he took pride in his hidden farm in the town. Norm lived by the philosophy that a stranger was simply a friend you hadn't met yet, and would often meet travelers on the roads and invite them home for tea or a meal. He was a friend to many and he often referred to people as "my friend". He loved to help others, thus his 55 year active membership in the Berwick & District Lions Club where he received Life Membership and was named a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest honor in Lionism. Norman was a founding member of the Annapolis Valley Antique Engine Club now known as Nova Scotia Antique Engine & Tractor Association. He was a great supporter of the 4-H program, often encouraging the young people in the area to join. Norman was a member of the Berwick Baptist Church, where he was a former deacon. Norman and Ina loved to travel and he would often talk about the places they had travelled. They spent several winters at Carefree Country Club in Winter Haven, Florida. His summers were often spent at the cottage on the Bay at Sweeney's Point. Norm meant the world to his loving wife of 60 years, Ina (Milne) and was so grateful to have been able to live at home with Ina, even as they were both in their 90s. He is also survived by his son, and daughter-in-law, Paul and Nancy Grimm, Welsford; daughter and partner, Lorraine Palmer and Aubrey Young, Welsford; daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Anne and John Greenough, Newport, son-in-law, Bill Butler (Catherine), Windsor; and daughter by choice, Betty-Jean Flieger. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Foley, Centreville, and 10 grandchildren, Sally (Mick) O'Neill, New Glasgow, Andy (Christianne) Bezanson, Yellowknife, Jaime (Gabriel) Sanchez, North Carolina, Cathy (Daniel) Oulton, Falmouth, Jessica (Ty) Curran, Ottawa, Alexandra (Elijah) Soares, Toronto, Lindsay (Emily) Greenough, Talia (Alex) Pay, Jacob Greenough and Simon Greenough all of Newport. Norman is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren, Norah and Lauren Bezanson, Ben and Joe O'Neill, Ella and Ethan Sanchez, Wesley, Laura and Timothy Oulton, Mason and Liliana Soares, Nadia and Tessa Pay and many nieces and nephews. Norman loved his family and often made the comment, "There isn't a dud in the bunch!" Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Mary Grimm Butler, his first wife, Hazel (Sanderson), and his sister, Verna Ward. Many thanks to the VON for their great support over the past few years and to Dr. Howard Wightman and Dr. Ken Langille (retired) for their care and attention. Reception for family and friends will take place from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., Monday, October 16, in Berwick & District Lions Hall (Kings Mutual Century Centre), 250 Veterans Drive, Berwick. Interment will take place in Berwick Cemetery, with Rev. Evan Colford officiating. Donations in memory can be made to Victorian Order of Nurses, Annapolis Valley Branch, or the Valley Cardiac Rehab. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com