George Norman

George Norman, 84, of Walter Street, Carlsbad, NM, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2009 at his home. A Gathering of Remembrance to celebrate George's life will be held Friday, December 11, 2009 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 1017 Walter Street, Carlsbad, NM. George Norman was born September 1, 1925 in Cananae, Sonora, Mexico, where he lived with his parents. He attended elementary school up until they moved to Bisbee, Arizona. There, George continued elementary school until the age of 12. He then traveled to Santa Fe, NM where he attended St. Michael's Catholic School. George lived and continued his studies at St. Michael's until the break out of WWII. On his 17th birthday in 1942 and with the consent of his parents, he joined the Navy. He served on three different ships, the USS Alden, the USS Shaw and the USS Herbert Thomas. After George's honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Saint Michael's where he graduated high school. Traveling to Albuquerque before attending the University of New Mexico, he met his future wife, Verna Joy (Teddy) Dickens. George and Teddy were married December 5, 1947 in Albuquerque. They moved to Carlsbad where George was employed at US Borax Potash until it closed. He then worked at several other mines until his retirement from International Minerals and Chemicals Corp. in 1990. George loved going to the North Y Drive-In to drink coffee, visit Ocena and all of his buddies. And in his immortal words... "Next time you're by the river, drop in!" George will be greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Pi Norman and one sister, Frances Newman. He is survived by his wife, Teddy Norman; one sister, Joyce Ryan; son, Jim Norman and wife, Chere; daughter, Jan Surette and husband, Pete and daughter, Judy Norman; grandchildren: Jason, Regina, Charlene, Amanda, Jeames, James Jr., Brian and Sam. George is also survived by several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Last but certainly not least are George's cats; Pecos, Yoyo and Yo No S. In lieu of flowers and by George's request, please make donations to Noah's Ark, 5217 Buena Vista, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.