Norman Clair Smith

on January 9, 2018 at the age of 89. He was born to Gladys and Alfred Smith on May 22, 1928. His

warm, inviting, friendly, and humble nature was a reflection of his Christian upbringing in the progressive

town of McMinnville, OR. He had one older brother, Gregg. Norman's father instilled a strong work ethic

in him when he started his son working at the family gas station at an early age. Norman's mother

imparted her love of music and dancing and enrolled him in tap dance lessons; Norm was performing at

an early age. He attended McMinnville High School graduating in 1946. The same year he joined the

Army and served during the Korean conflict as a Low Speed Radio Operator. Norman received an

Honorable Discharge in 1948 and was decorated with the WWII Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Japan.

Norman attended the University of Oregon where he earned a BS in Sociology and was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma

(Fraternity). Upon graduation in 1952 he began a long career in the insurance industry with Oregon Mutual Insurance

Company; during most of this time he served as branch manager. Norman met his future wife, Beverly Ann Pierson, on

a blind date; they married on October 27,1956. Later they moved to Spokane, WA, where their daughter, Jennifer Ann

Smith, was born in 1964. They moved to San Diego in 1967 where they settled down in Point Loma. Norman and his

wife joined Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in 1970 where Norman sang in the choir for more than 40

years. As a man who believed in giving back to his church and community, he also served as a deacon and contributed

toward the purchase of the church's beautiful pipe organ. He was a member of the altruistic Blue Goose organization.

Norman loved his music and loved to dance. He put those tap dance lessons to good use when he and Beverly became

members of Qui Vive Dance Club. Norman and his wife loved to travel. One highlight was a trip with the choir to Europe,

which included attending the Oberammergau Passion Play. They enjoyed season tickets to the San Diego Opera and

Old Globe Theatre. Norman retired in 1997 from Hartley Scott, United Pacific Insurance Company as a Commercial

Underwriting Manager; his career spanning 44 years. Norman and Beverly were married for 48 years. Throughout those

years, Beverly suffered from a debilitating chronic condition. Norman was a living testimony and never faltered in his

love and devotion to his wife. His compassion and unfaltering caregiving were a shining example of true love to

everyone who knew him. It was a terrible heartache when Beverly passed away in 2004. Norman still had lots of love to

give. Thankfully, he was able to share that love when he met Howard E. Kubicki. Kindred spirits, they shared many of

the same interests. They were married on May 13, 2014. God blessed Norman with a partner who provided him with the

same caring and compassionate devotion that he had given. Norman and Howard enjoyed many road trips throughout

the United States including riding then Amtrak. They relished many locations around the globe traveling on cruise ships.

Amazing travels to Hawaii were a favorite. Norman was able to live at home and passed away peacefully on January

9th, 2018. Services will be held on Saturday, March 3rd at 2:00pm in the sanctuary at Point Loma Presbyterian Church.

View tributes at beardsleymitchell.com.

Funeral Home

Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home

1818 Sunset Cliffs Blvd San Diego, CA 92107

(619) 223-8100

Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Jan. 21, 2018