Working seven days a week and any available extra hours was the norm, the only time he allowed himself off was Saturday afternoon when he would play hockey, and as family we would often join him, he never missed a game nor did he ever have a day off work. Never sick always fit enough to play 80 mins on a Saturday, by this time he had quit smoking to save money. He was constantly working on a project at home or in his garage, though it is possible that as he was brewing beer in the garage that was why he liked being there .Car maintenance was another thing he loved doing, one time putting parts in the oven and freezer so they would fit together easier which didn’t go down well with mum. When English electric closed, Standard Triumph got the same commitment and when they closed Cross got the same always 100%. Always willing to do a bit more to help people out.
Family holidays when he had a fortnight off, he threw himself in to using every possible minute to the full, always in a caravan firstly in Benlock bay Anglesey and later at Hells mouth Abersoch, he could be found organising games or early morning swims. Often called the beach master he made sure we all had holidays to remember, and would often link up with his brother and sisters family’s for a few days.
Latterly he found running around a Hockey pitch too hard and joined the rest of the family watching Football, returning once more to Anfield road, and various other away grounds he was always jovial and friendly with the opposition fans enjoying great banter and having songs aimed at him, notably by West ham fans “ kojack never runs away” they sang, there are many other stories, but buying a ticket for a European cup final on the M6 at 20 miles per hour does stand out, good times and not so good he was committed to giving 100% support to his team and never giving up.
After his retirement he had more time to give to others always willing to do jobs for other people and the church, as long as he got a cup of tea he was happy .He also had more time to spend with his 5 grandchildren, of whom he was tremendously proud and he would support any of their activities. Loving all equally he had no favourites amongst his grandchildren but we do know he had a favourite niece … the one that photo bombed the wedding photos and he did once confide in me that I was his favourite son.
So it was that Norman contracted Parkinson disease which he fought with for a number of years with dignity and without complaining, a battle that even with heart so big and strong he ultimately lost.
But we are here today to remember the 70 plus years of good health and good times we had with Norman, every one he met he left a lasting impression on as a friend, workmate , neighbour, brother, uncle, grandpa, husband and DAD. We all have our memories of him and will treasure those always.