1929 – 2026

It is with great sadness that the passing of Norman Everett Acker is announced on June 3, 2026, at the age of 97.

Norm passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his beloved cats, Big Frank and Baby, and by the true friends who remained by his side throughout his final days.

Born on April 12, 1929, Norm was the youngest son of Louis Acker (1897–1975) and Roe Irene Rosenfeld Acker (1900–1963). He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis Smith Acker (1928–2012), and by his four brothers: Dr. Melvin Irving Acker (1923–2003), Sydney Eugene Acker (1924–2004), Kenneth Acker (1926–2024), and Vernon Acker (1926–2023).

His working career began as a Fourth Cook with the Chicago and North Western Railway. He later spent many years travelling throughout Atlantic Canada with Elliott Shows on the carnival circuit. During the winter months, he sold Christmas trees in the Boston area. It was there that a chance meeting with a man named Ziggy introduced him to the fruit business, setting him on a path that would shape much of his future.

That opportunity eventually led to the fruit stands and businesses that made Norm a familiar face throughout St. Stephen, Calais, and beyond. He was well known as the founder of the Penny Saver and the beloved Natty Norm’s. For many, a visit to Natty Norm’s was about more than shopping. Locals and visitors alike often stopped in to see Sandy, Norm’s famously outspoken bird, whose colourful vocabulary became part of local legend.

Many who visited Natty Norm’s will remember Sandy’s larger-than-life personality. The bird became almost as well known as Norm himself and provided plenty of laughs and stories over the years.

Together with his wife Phyllis, Norm also owned and operated the historic Meca Hotel in Calais, Maine. Over the years, he owned and managed more than 45 properties and was always looking for the next opportunity.

Norm was never one to sit still. He loved a good opportunity and always had an opinion worth sharing. Whether discussing business, community matters, or the latest happenings around town, you rarely had to wonder where Norm stood. He lived life on his own terms and remained fiercely independent throughout his 97 years.

He drove until he was 94 years old and continued living on his own until the final months of his life. Every morning began the same way—up, shaved, dressed, and ready for the day. He took pride in looking after himself and remained independent for as long as possible. Even after suffering a broken hip, it took nearly a full day of convincing before he finally agreed to go to the hospital.Many will remember him sitting in his recliner at Natty Norm’s, watching the world go by. In later years, his favourite place was at the table by the window of his home, keeping an eye on the street below. He loved telling stories about St. Stephen and could recall the history of nearly every building downtown, along with the people, businesses, and memories connected to them. There wasn’t much about downtown St. Stephen that Norm didn’t know.

But those who knew Norm best will remember him most for his generosity.

Norm quietly helped countless individuals, families, and organizations over the years, often without seeking recognition. He was one of the largest donors to the IWK Foundation and made a significant contribution toward the elevator project at Lonceria.

His support for Lonicera continued right up until his final days. When the future of the residence became uncertain and longtime friends Fred Nicholson and Dot Larson faced the possibility of losing their home, Norm once again stepped forward in support. At 97 years of age, he was still willing to stand up for people he cared about and a place that meant so much to them.

His generosity extended far beyond financial contributions. He was always willing to lend a hand, provide encouragement, offer support, or help someone through difficult times. At the same time, he was fiercely proud and stubbornly independent. If someone did a job for him, he expected to pay them. He never wanted charity for himself, even while quietly giving it to others.

Norm was also a devoted animal lover. He cared deeply for dogs and cats throughout his life and generously supported animal welfare organizations, including the SPCA. His faithful companions, Big Frank and Baby, brought him comfort and companionship in his later years.

While Norm had no immediate family remaining, he was never alone. His family became the friends, neighbours, caregivers, and animals that shared his life.

Among them was his dear friend Frank Hamilton, whose friendship spanned an extraordinary 69 years. Frank faithfully travelled from Moncton every few weeks, often staying several days at a time, to visit and help his lifelong friend.

Special thanks are extended to Kerry Brisley and the Extra-Mural team, whose care and support meant so much to Norm. Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to Geraldine Edwards and Sherri Edwards, whose companionship, friendship, and kindness brought comfort during the final months of his life. Their support, along with that of Home Support staff, paramedics, and others involved in his care, helped make it possible for Norm to remain in the home he loved.

Norm often shared a saying that reflected how he viewed friendship:

“True friends are like diamonds, precious but rare. False friends are like autumn leaves, found everywhere.”

Those words carried special meaning for him. In the end, Norm was surrounded by many of those precious diamonds, friends who stood by him through the years and remained by his side until the very end.

From fruit stands and local businesses to hotels, real estate, charitable giving, and lifelong friendships, Norm’s fingerprints can still be found throughout the community he loved. His legacy lives on in the businesses he built, the causes he supported, the animals he cared for, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, humour, stubborn determination, and unwavering loyalty.

For those who knew him, Norm was truly one of a kind. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever appreciated.

A graveside service will be held June 4th, at 2pm at 276 Westmorland Rd. – Shaarei Zedek Cemetery. 

In keeping with Norm’s generous spirit, memorable donations can be made to St. Stephen Lonicera Hall, or Charlotte County SPCA.