Norman A. McKinstry

Norman “Norm” McKinstry, 98, passed away peacefully with family at his side on October 8^th, 2022 at Riverwoods Manchester, NH. Norm was born on the island of St. Kitts to Marguerite and Sydney McKinstry. He spent an idyllic childhood in the Caribbean and Belize before attending boarding school in Dover, England. He was a student at Munro College in Jamaica before enlisting in the British Royal Navy to fight in World War II. He was sent to the United States as part of the World War II “Lend Lease Program” where he trained to be part of an elite fighter pilot group. In Maine, he met his future wife, Ruth, at a USO dance. They danced and kissed, and Norm made a promise that night to return and marry her at the end of the war.

During the war years, he flew a Corsair airplane from aircraft carriers. He did indeed return to Maine in 1946 and as promised, he married Ruth Schmidt. They were happily married for 63 years. He and Ruth had two daughters, Pamela and Sheila. The family moved to Massachusetts in the early 1950’s, eventually settling in Lunenburg, MA where they raised their girls. In 1971, Ruth and Norm moved to Cape Cod where the couple owned and operated the Sesuit Harbor Motel in East Dennis for 28 years. They retired to their home in Brewster and then moved to Amherst, NH in 2007.

Norm was a man with widely diverse interests. He was an accomplished tennis player, an inveterate fisherman, and he had a lifelong passion for building and flying model airplanes and helicopters. His passions in life included a love for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many dogs. His patience was legendary, and he never stopped sharing his knowledge. He traveled the world with his wife, children, and grandchildren, continuing to do so well into his nineties. Norm was blessed to have had a full and incredibly rich life.

With his sparkling blue eyes, quick smile and constant positivity, he showed us all how to age with grace despite the inevitable challenges that come with living a long life.

Loving family members include his wife Ruth who predeceased him, daughter Pamela Sullivan and husband Dave of Amherst, NH, and daughter Sheila Steele and husband Bill of Amherst, NH. Granddaughters Kelly Reis of Amherst, NH and Meredith “Ditty” Bannon and husband Chad Bannon of Park City, UT. He leaves behind 4 adored great grandchildren, Lila and Margot Reis and Clyde and Arlo Bannon.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in memory of Norman to the Animal Rescue League of NH, 545 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03110.