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Norman Westlake Obituary
Norman Donald Westlake passed away on August 2 2013 at the age of 75. He was born on September 28, 1937 to Henry and Marie Westlake in Amesbury Massachusetts. He spent his early years there growing up with brothers Richard and Henry. His family then moved to Alabama where he attended elementary school. Later the family returned to the northeast and at Amesbury High School he was a standout athlete, earning a football scholarship to the University of Idaho-then a member of the PAC-10 conference.
While there he put his education on hold to serve in the Army, serving as a paratrooper and patrolling the DMZ in Korea . On return to Idaho, he met Christine Venn at the University of Idaho. Within the year they were married and set up residence in Connecticut. There he finished his education, including a Master of Science in Physical Education at the University of Bridgeport. Norman and Christine settled in New Fairfield, CT and had two sons, Robert and Christopher.
Norman enjoyed a long teaching/coaching career at Newtown (CT) High School. He coached such diverse sports as tennis, swimming, track and field and football. He even coached Bruce Jenner, future Olympic Gold Medalist in the decathlon. His football teams won numerous league titles and two state championships, including one in an undefeated campaign in the 1970s. "Stormin' Norman" was a beloved fixture at Newtown High for over 25 years.
On his retirement, he searched the Eastern seaboard for a place to enjoy the ocean and golf. As the bridge closed over Jupiter Inlet on his drive he got out of his car, looked down into the crystal clear waters to the bottom below, and knew this was it. He settled here and enjoyed golfing and working at The Jupiter Dunes, his part-time job at Publix, fishing, and boating.
Norman is survived by his sons Robert and Christopher, daughters-in-law Susan and Linda, and grandchildren Lindsay and Cooper.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Hospice of Palm Beach County would be appreciated.
https://www.hpbcf.org/make-a-gift/#.UgeeyUvD_IU
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Westlake
BARBARA BUCHANAN
July 31, 2020
For about 15 years in Jupiter Norman was at or under my table for every Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner. One New Years Eve he was able to sit still long enough to watch the movie Happy Feet with our next door neighbor. Still can’t see a penguin without remembering him. Norman, gone but never forgotten.
Linda Pendergast
August 29, 2013
We will miss you, although we know you're in a much more glorious place. Your nurse Linda and football buddy.
Linda and Jimmy
Jack Youngs
August 28, 2013
I can still see the three of them on the sideline like it was yesterday, Pete, Ziggy, and Norman What great teams they had when I coached at Joel Barlow in the 70's Norman and I attended UB at the same time He will be missed but the memories live on in the people he taught and coached My sympathy to his entire family
August 16, 2013
RIP Mr Westlake I still have fond memories of your coaching and PE class playing Softball.
Ricky Terrill
Chris DeCaro
August 15, 2013
Norm sounds like quite the character! That must be where Chris gets it. :)
Our sincerest sympathies and regrets we never got to meet him. Chris, Linda & Cooper - prayers and warm thoughts to you all. RIP Norm. - Chris & Deb
August 14, 2013
RIP Mr. Westlake...
Andrea
August 14, 2013
Holiday dinners will never be the same without Norm and The Great Prime Rib Debate. I am sure he is playing the ultimate back nine even now. Norm, I will miss you.
August 14, 2013
I had the great pleasure of knowing Mr. Westlake at Newtown High School, 71- 75, he will always be in my thoughts.
Tony Rizzo
August 13, 2013
Chris & Linda, my deepest sympathies for the loss of Norm. I have lots of great memories of Norm growing up a neighbor in New Fairfield. I'm sure you all do as well. Keep them fresh. Love you guys...
NANCY
August 13, 2013
Chris,Linda and Cooper, I am truly sorry for your loss. When it is the loss of a parent life just isn't the same, they are your rock, but know he loved you and your memories will be with you always until you meet again, love you guys NancyXOXOXO
Patti Lake
August 13, 2013
Rest in Peace, Mr. Westlake! You will be missed!!
The Paoletti's
August 13, 2013
Someone you want your children to be coached by and be around!
One of the really good guys.He will be missed!
Marilyn Alexander
August 13, 2013
Heartfelt thoughts to the Westlake family. Memories of Norm and the whole P.E. bunch always make me smile.
Mike Trosan Class of '73
August 13, 2013
It wasn't a smile, more of a smirk from a coach with such a great passion and attitude for the game of football. I got to pester him as a freshman, then saw him come around to my way of thinking as a junior and senior. We ran many a "purification lap" at his behest. "See that tree at the top of the hill, run up there and bring it back to me." Robert and Christopher, there were many, many enjoyable memories I was able to spend with your Dad. Thanks for sharing him. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Nicole Salvesen Thomson
August 13, 2013
Mr. Westlake was a great teacher! he knew every trick in the book I could never get anything past him... he will be missed.. Nicole Salvesen class of 82 in Newtown, CT.
Bart Smith
August 13, 2013
"Stormin Norman" coached and taught me in high school. He was not always politically correct, but we could tell that he was a interesting and funny man. When he coached us, you knew that if he gave you a compliment, you had really earned it. Those of us who played under him will always remember him.
Kevin Hickey
August 13, 2013
Coach Westlake was one awesome man. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Paul Alexander
August 13, 2013
OMG! Norm was my coach at Newtown HS ('77) and I now live in Jupiter. I want to cry knowing he was here and I never knew it. And I missed his memorial service. What a GREAT man. I have never forgotten him.
Joe Lato (NHS 1993)
August 13, 2013
To the Westlake Family I'm so sorry for your loss. I truley loved Coach. He was my PE teacher and was one of my inspirations to walk on the same path. I have so many great moments from high school because of Coach Westlake.
Amy
August 13, 2013
Great gym teacher that knew every excuse in the book for not swimming at 9 am. He was fun and had a good sense of humor.
Jon Swanson
August 13, 2013
One of my favorite all-time coaches.
God Bless,
Jon
Aunt Kay & Uncle Floyd
August 13, 2013
Linda & Chris,
We were sorry to hear about Norm. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Ya
Cathy Stormer Sieling
August 13, 2013
My sincere condolances to the Westlake family. Mr. Westlake was one of my favorite teachers, I will never forget him, may he rest in peace.
Megan Granata
August 7, 2013
My sincere condolances to the Westlake family. Norman was always very good to me and I know he will be missed. I am sorry for your loss.
Margey Lumbard (form. Westlake)
August 7, 2013
Sorry for your loss,Christopher and Robert.
Barbara
August 7, 2013
When my phone rings early in the morning, it will no longer be Norm with some sort of plan that he came up with during the night and just wanting to “run it by me.” Norm, I will miss you and your “creative thinking.”
August 6, 2013
Norm was a colorful character who will be missed. Love you Stormin'. LC&C Westlake.
Joe and Michelle DeLuca
August 6, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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