Gayle O. Norman

Gayle Olof Norman was born in Fort Collins, Colorado on May 31,1931 and passed quietly on October 4, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Norman and son, Don Parish. He is survived by 5 children: Steve Parish and Melody Parish, both of Aurora, CO, Nick Norman of Lakewood, CO, Nancy Ozzello and Jim Norman, both of Fort Collins, CO, and four grandchildren. Gayle was the son of Olof Olander Persson Norman and Elvera Elnora Bloom Norman. He has one brother, Kenneth Duane Norman of Portland, OR.

Gayle was raised on a farm in Weld County and moved into town just before attending Lincoln Junior High. He graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1949. Gayle and his brother were active in the Boy Scouts and enjoyed lots of camping. During college, Gayle joined the Air Force National Guard. His unit was activated and he served in Oklahoma. He was discharged in 1952 and then attended Colorado A&M (now CSU). He graduated with two bachelors degrees with High Distinction in Dairy Science and Animal Husbandry.

In 1958, Gayle married JoAnn Parish, who was a widow with three children, Steve, Melody, and Don. The couple had three more children, Nancy, Nick, and Jim. JoAnn and Gayle settled into raising their family in their house on Myrtle Street.

Gayle and JoAnn were both very active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He was the Scout Master for Troop 96 for over 20 years. He helped his sons with many winning Pinewood Derby entries in Cub Scouts and their advancement through Boy Scouts. All four boys attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

The boys enjoyed camping throughout Northern Colorado, summer camps at Chimney Park near Laramie, WY and Ben Delatour Boy Scout Ranch near Red Feather Lakes, CO. Gayle, Steve and Don attended the Boy Scout National Jamboree in 1969. Gayle and Don also attended Philmont Training Center. Gayle received The Bronze Bighorn award from Longs Peak Council and later Scouting's highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award.

Gayle enjoyed a life-long career in the dairy industry. He managed the Creamery at CSU while he taught animal science. He worked at Meadow Gold and the Weld County Health Department. He worked at the Colorado State Health Department for 28 years and was the Milk Program Manager prior to retiring.

Gayle was raised Baptist and later became a Catholic. He and JoAnn moved to Broomfield in 1987 and attended Holy Cross parish in Thornton where he served as an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout Colorado and boating at Lake Powell, UT. He and JoAnn enjoyed collecting antique furniture, milk bottles, depression glass, and Indian art. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and teaching his grandchildren how to fish.

After JoAnn's passing, Gayle spent his last years back in Fort Collins at Good Samaritan home.

Rosary and Funeral Mass will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 13, 2017. at Holy Cross Church, 9371 Wigham St in Thornton

The Rosary will start at 12:30 PM and the Mass at 1:00 PM. Luncheon follows. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice of Fort Collins or the Boy Scouts Longs Peak Council in Greeley, CO.