Norman Virgil Swenson Jr.

Norman Swenson, 64, of Charlotte, NC passed away on May 21, 2011 while doing what he loved, traveling and competing in South Korea at the World Club Championship. He was representing the United States and the prestigious Pine Valley Golf Club (NJ) with his friend and teammate Kevin Hammer. Norman traveled the world and competed on the highest level of senior amateur golf.

While attending Wake Forest University, he was a member of the golf team, winning four ACC championships from 1966-69. Following graduation, Swenson’s passion for business led him to Photo Corporation of America (PCA) in 1970. In 1982, Norman co-founded American Studios. He retired to pursue his love of competitive golf along with a few other business ventures where he saw success.

During the 80’s and 90’s, Norman and his loving wife Shelley resided in South Charlotte and raised their 3 children at Carmel Country Club. After the children graduated high school, Norman and Shelley chose to split their time between Linville, NC and Boynton Beach, FL.

Over many years, Norman accumulated one of the finest private golf memorabilia collections in the world. He is also a distinguished member of the Royal and Ancient in Scotland and the Royal Devon in Britain.

Norman couldn’t wait to turn 55 so that he could play senior amateur golf. Over the last ten years, Norman played in over 300 tournaments including, two U.S. Senior Amateurs, a U.S. Mid-Amateur, six British Senior Amateurs, and two British Senior Opens. Norman’s golf resume cannot be quantified with all he has accomplished, but a few highlights and championships include:

2001 British Open, US Amateur 1968, 2-time Mexican Senior Amateur Champion, 2007 European Senior Amateur Champion, New Zealand Senior Amateur Champion, Asian Senior Amateur Runner-Up, Bermuda Senior Invitational Champion, 3-time representative for Pine Valley (NJ) World Club Championship in South Korea. Lastly, he has recorded 8 Hole-In-Ones. He has been member of Pine Valley since 1982 and the Royal and Ancient since 1994.

Norman had a passion for helping others obtain success and was a devoted husband, father and friend to everyone he came in contact with all over the world. He left an imprint that is unmatched and his legacy will live on through so many lives he touched. He has many nicknames to those closest to him, but the one that’s most fitting is “Golf’s Ultimate Gentlemen.”

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Shelley Swenson, his daughters Ashley Hackshaw of Palm Desert, CA and Perry Livonius of Charlotte, NC, his son, Norman Swenson III of Charlotte, NC; his granddaughter Sienna Hackshaw, his grandson Cameron Swenson; his son-in-laws Brett Hackshaw and Justin Livonius, and daughter-in-law Karen Swenson. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Standifer and her husband Steve Standifer, brother-in-law Kurt Perry and his wife Cathy Perry; nephews David Standifer, Thomas Perry, nieces Katie Perry and Shana Burchell.

To celebrate Norman's life, please join the family for visitation on Friday, May 27th from 7-9 pm at Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road Charlotte, NC 28226. Funeral services will also be held at Calvary Church on Saturday, May 28th at 2pm.

Contributions in Norman's memory may be made to The Crossnore School, P.O. Box 249, Crossnore, NC 28616. Crossnore is a 100 year old school for neglected and abused children in the NC mountains. Please visit www.normanswenson.com to leave your thoughts and memories.

Harry & Bryant Company is serving the family.