Our dear brother Norm departed this world on March 7, 2025 to trek far greater mountains while in his sleep at his trailer in Gunnison, Colorado. He was 73.
Norm was born Dec. 19, 1951, in Paso Robles, California. He is survived by two brothers, Rodney and Michael, both of whom live in the Denver and Fort Collins area; and one sister, Crystal, who lives in North Carolina. Norm also leaves three nephews, three nieces and countless friends.
Norm traveled the world as an “Army brat” and lived in Ankara, Turkey, while in grade school. Norm lived in many Colorado locations, including Denver, Aurora, Westminster, Colorado Springs, Durango, Crystal, Marble, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Crested Butte and Gunnison. He also lived in California, Washington, Kansas, New York, New Mexico, Arizona Texas and New Jersey. Norm’s most permanent residence was Gunnison where he lived since the mid-1990s. His worldly adventures helped kindle his passion for travel, wonder and zeal for getting close to nature.
Norm attended Community College of Denver, Colorado Mountain College and is a graduate of the Colorado Outward Bound School. He worked as a carpenter, roofer, bicycle mechanic, driller, ski guide, and he never left a job undone. Norm even worked for the National Parks Service and repelled the Black Canyon of the Gunnison to drill holes in the rock face for removal of rotten shale. He was a hard worker and skilled outdoorsman.
Norm was a rockhound, mountain biker, ice climber, backpacker and extreme skier. He scaled most of the Colorado fourteeners. He lived for challenge and was an accomplished gemologist, mountaineer and supreme custodian of the land. His adventures embraced the remote canyonlands and he camped anywhere he could pitch a tent without harm to the landscape. Norm always left the trails better than he found them.
Norm touched many lives and was quick to share a laugh, a story and a high time with whomever was around. His legacy will be remembered through his kindness and mastery of the backcountry. The mountains and canyonlands will be forever etched with his soul. Norm, our beloved brother, uncle and dear friend, you will be forever missed and always remembered. May peace always be with you in your little piece of heaven.
A celebration of life for Norm will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. Please join us as we share memories and stories, followed by a luncheon at the home of Michael and Nancy Hare, 5063 Rist Canyon Road, Bellvue, Colorado. RSVP to 970.819.5930.
