Flags will be lowered in memory of Norm Corbett, Professor of Mathematics and Statistics, who passed on Jan. 1.
Norm received his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and was proud when he could finally call himself a “doctor.” He served as a Defence Scientist for 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg, before shifting to academia and teaching as part of the Mathematics and Statistics Department at Okanagan College since 2005. From the moment he joined OC, Corbett's sole focus was on his students.
In addition to teaching, Corbett was committed to curriculum development as well. Most recently, Corbett supported the development of the department’s Post-Baccalaureate in Marketing and Data Analytics, which paved the way for the Post-Baccalaureate in Health Analytics.
“Norm has been instrumental in helping us shape the applied side of the department, especially with engineering technology courses,” says Joe Hobart, Chair of the Math and Statistics Department. “His work with the ELEN Department was a partnership that every instructor should aspire to. It went beyond simply delivering course material; Norm worked closely with summer students and those who were completing capstone projects.”
“The ELEN department as a whole was very sad to hear of Norm Corbett's passing. Norm had a special connection with our ELEN students, and he really enjoyed teaching them. Norm worked hard at making sure his ELEN math courses were relevant, and full of real-world electronic applications,” said Randy Brown, Chair of the Electrical Engineering Technology Department. “Over the years, many of our students were inspired by Norm and mentored by Norm. Students often invited Norm to their capstone project presentations because he helped them solve problems related to their projects. We are all going to miss Norm very, very much.”
Norm had several passions, including fishing and kite flying. This bridged nicely over to his interest in robotics and drone design, which he pursued with vigor until his passing.
He is survived by his children, Elizabeth and Brian; father, Brian; siblings, Jim, Fred and Mallory; as well as six nieces and nephews. Due to COVID-19, no service announcements are planned for this time. Donations in Norm’s memory can be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.