Norman Louis Grandmaison

Prominent hotelier, 79, of Hampton, NH and Fort Lauderdale, FL, passed away peacefully, with his loving wife Joyce by his side, at Hyder Hospice House in Dover, New Hampshire early Saturday morning, August 30, 2008. Norman was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on July 10, 1929 the son of the late Fred J. and Agnes M. (Duchesneau) Grandmaison. Growing up on Hampton Beach, he worked alongside his father and uncle who owned the "Diamond C Market" a favorite local grocery store and bakery. He was a graduate of Mount Assumption Preparatory School in Plattsburgh, New York Class of 1947 and later advanced his studies at the University of New Hampshire. In 1951, Norman enlisted in the United States Army serving his country in the Korean Conflict, and was the proud recipient of three bronze stars.Upon returning to the New Hampshire Seacoast, Norman soon found his business-niche on his familiar Hampton Beach. Together with his late brother Paul, Norman purchased the Ashworth by the Sea Hotel building a prominent facility that still thrives today. A half century saw the Ashworth welcome heads of state, members of the clergy, numerous national politicians, and state wide officials. The Ashworth served as a pied-a-terre for the Hampton Beach summer lineup; a who's who of celebrities, entertainers and musicians. Perhaps the guests that Norman enjoyed most of all were the yearly regulars. These were the people that breathed life into the hotel and gave it both charm and history. Norman's kind, gentle demeanor and understated presence made his hotel a home. A family affair, Paul's son John joined the partnership in 1975. The three worked in tandem until Paul's death in 1986. Together with their wives, Norman and John managed the Seacoast landmark until its sale in May of 2006, book-ending some fifty years of family ownership and happy memories of hospitality and friendship. In 1976, Norman and Paul were instrumental in purchasing the Hampton Beach Casino. Norman and John, together with their business partners, continue ownership of the complex that is Hampton Beach's main attraction a venue for such excitement as: the Casino Ballroom, numerous food concessions, gift shops amusements and a penny arcade.A communicant of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Hampton, Norman was a former director of the Hampton National Bank and the Hampton Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, and active with countless civic groups and philanthropic organizations about the New Hampshire Seacoast. An avid golfer, Norman was a longtime member of the Abenaqui Country Club, Rye Beach; a haven for his favorite pastime. Norman and Joyce shared a life of love and laughter, complimenting one another beautifully. Ever the consummate gentleman, Norman was an unassuming and kind presence while Joyce was forever devoted, infusing a dynamic vitality and energy. Protective of one another, they treasured their privacy yet nonetheless reveled in the company of their many friends, family members and hotel staff & patrons. It was not uncommon to see Joyce and Norman sitting in the Ashworth lounge after a long day, enjoying one another's company and watching the world go by. Cheers, dear Norman: To a life well lived. He is survived by his devoted wife Joyce (Wesson) of Hampton, New Hampshire, his beloved daughter Linda G. (Mrs. T. Scott) Vivona and their son Alexander S. of Davis California. Norman is further survived by his nephews John P. and his wife Patricia B. "Pat" Grandmaison of Hampton, New Hampshire and Bart Crowe of Santa Rosa, California. He leaves further nieces, nephews, grandnieces and numerous dear friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Theresa of Lisieux Church, 820 Central Road, Rye Beach, New Hampshire on Thursday morning, September 4, 2008 at 10:00AM. Family and friends are invited to call to the Robert K. Gray, Jr. Funeral Home, 24 Winnacunnet Road, Hampton, New Hampshire on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9PM. Interment in the family lot High Street Cemetery, Hampton, New Hampshire will immediately follow his Funeral Mass. In his memory contributions may be directed to Rockingham VNA and Hospice 137 Epping Road Exeter, New Hampshire 03833. Arrangements under the direction of the Robert K. Gray, Jr. Funeral Home, 24 Winnacunnet Rd, Hampton, NH 03842. www. robertkgrayjrfuneralhome.com