NORMAN JOSEPH FABER
1917 - 2013
Norman Joseph Faber passed away in Modesto, California on February 20, 2013.
Norman was born in Yerington, Nevada on January 4, 1917 to Joseph Faber and Theresa Richards Faber. He attended schools in Yerington prior to entering the United States Army in 1942. He served in the Army Air Corp from 1942 until 1945 and it was during that time that Norman met Carolyn Boyd. They were married in 1944 and shared 33 years together until Carolyn passed away in 1977. They had one son, Gary Faber.
After his military service Norman graduated from San Francisco State College and began his lengthy career in education. He and his family moved to Modesto in 1952 in order for him to accept a teaching position in the science department at Modesto High School. He remained at Modesto High for several years teaching science, chemistry and physics. During those years Norman was one of 50 educators, nationwide, selected to take part in studies at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge Tennessee and he co-authored Mathematics & Living Things, A Teachers Commentary, published in 1965 by the National Science Foundation.
In 1969 Norman completed his Master's in Education at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. He left teaching in 1969 to begin administrative duties for Stanislaus County Office of Education and he remained with SCOE as Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Director of Outdoor Education until his retirement in 1979. During his tenure at the Office of Education Norman was instrumental in opening Foothill Horizons Outdoor School. This facility, which was opened in 1977, still serves more than 5000 Stanislaus County sixth-graders during the school year, as well as summer campers. it allows students to experience "hands on" lessons in nature. It was a special accomplishment for Norm and remained dear to him throughout the years. Any student or former student, who attended Foothill Horizons, dined in Norman J Faber Hall.
In 1987 Norman married Winona "Pat" Decker. They just celebrated 25 years of marriage and during those years they were able to enjoy their retirement, travel, golf and the SF Giants.
Norman is survived by his wife, Pat, his son Gary, his daughter in law Joanne and granddaughter Sara Faber. Four of his 6 siblings survive him: Virginia Waymire, Ted Faber, Irene Hathaway and Don Faber. He was predeceased by two sisters, Mardel Perry -Smith and Dorothy Perry.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel. Per Normans request there will be no services.Norman can best be described as a scholar, a dedicated teacher, a loving husband, father & grandfather.
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Published in the Modesto Bee from February 23 to February 24, 2013
