Norman was born in Writtle, England on May 8, 1934, to Margaret (nee Kirk) and Bertie Miller. From Writtle they moved to Chelmsford where Norman spent his childhood. His parents had six children, Ruby, Brian, Norman, Sheila, Keith, and Heather. After high school, Norman worked as an apprentice electrician. At eighteen years of age, he proudly served in the British Army and spent two years in East Africa. After being discharged from the Army, Norman met and married Nicole LeMarchand on February 16, 1957. They came to the United States for a ‘visit’. That visit turned into a lifetime because Norman fell in love with his new country, became an American citizen and made it his home. Norman and Nicole made a home in Illinois where together they raised three children, Natalie, Nadia, and Reid, until Nicole’s untimely passing in 1987. As a parent, Norman experienced unfathomable heartbreak when his daughter, Natalie, lost her battle with cancer in 1998.
Norman spent his career in management working for several years at Semrow Perforating Products in Des Plaines, Illinois, eventually becoming President of the company.
During a company function at a local restaurant, Norman met Charlotte St. Marie where they struck up a conversation that eventually blossomed into love and they married on September 1, 1990. Norman and Charlotte continued to live in Illinois until they built their dream log home in Hatfield, Wisconsin where they lived for many years until they relocated to sunny North Fort Myers, Florida, first as snowbirds in 2005 but then full-time residents in 2014. They settled in the Old Bridge Village community where they met a loving group of friends and enjoyed fun times and activities such as concerts, game nights, dining, boating and more. He liked to go fishing with one very good friend Stan, but because Norman always dressed looking so polished, he got the nickname of “the dapper fisherman.” Norman was never one to sit still--always working on something in the yard or the garage, going for long walks every morning, and spending time with his beloved pet bird of 37 years, Dusty. Norman enjoyed riding his motorcycle and owned several Harley Davidson motorcycles over the span of 27 years.
Norman and Charlotte even went to the famous Sturgis Rally one year. He was a devoted family man who also enjoyed outings such as Packer/Viking football games with his son, lovely winery tours with his daughter Nadia, as well as fun times with the kids from tubing on the lake to laughs arounds the campfire. Most of all, he was a dear and loving husband whom Charlotte cherished as the love of her life.
Norman was preceded in death by his first wife Nicole, daughter Natalie, parents, brothers Brian and Keith and sister Ruby. He is survived by his sisters, Sheila and Heather; children, Nadia (husband Kevin Kull), and Reid (wife Julie) as well as two stepchildren, Sheri (husband David Grochocki) and Robert St. Marie. Norman and Charlotte have twelve grandchildren, Tyler 37, Christopher 36, David 35, Abbie 32, TJ 31, Chelsea 29, Jake 27, Danielle 25, Alexandria 23, Niki 22, Angelina 20, and Isabelle 18. One great grandchild, Cameron age 4.
At Old Bridge Village, Norman volunteered on the Architectural Committee for a few years and met many wonderful neighbors in doing so. A soft-spoken man, Norman left his mark of kindness and love on those who knew him. He carried himself with strength and dignity in life and in death and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all. A celebration of Norman’s life will be held February 2nd, 11:00 AM at Coral Ridge Cemetery at the Chapel. Pastor Wes Olds will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to Grace Church 13 SE 21st Place
Cape Coral, FL 33990.
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