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Henry Saurage Obituary

Henry Norman Saurage III died on Saturday March 7, 2015 as the result of ALS, diagnosed on January 30, 2014. That was me, and (obviously before today's paper) I did write this obituary you are reading. I was sad to leave behind my wonderful high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 57 years, Donna Maddox Saurage. However I died at peace after hearing her say, "When you're gone, I don't want another husband . . . I want a dog!" Comforted by the notion I might be replaced by a Labrador retriever, I departed God's green Earth in good humor. My grandparents were Maude Spohn and H. Norman Saurage, Founder of Community Coffee; and Flora Holden and Gustave Beauregard Spaht, dairy farmers from King City, Missouri. My parents were Alma Lee Spaht and H. Norman Saurage, Jr., the Builder of the Business at Community Coffee Company. They were all citizens of beautiful Baton Rouge. Living descendants of Donna and Norman are Susan Saurage-Altenloh of Houston, Texas and husband Bill; Stephanie Saurage Leijon of Gothenberg, Sweden; Henry N. "Hank" Saurage IV of Baton Rouge and wife Laurie; Jennifer Saurage Moreland of Florence, Texas and husband Jim; Matthew C. Saurage of Baton Rouge and wife Catherine; 13 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. I am also survived by my brothers Cary and Roland, and sister Linda. My final farewell arrangements on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, are for a private family burial at Roselawn Memorial Park and then a reception for friends to visit my survivors from 10:00am - 12:00pm in the parlor of First Presbyterian Church, at 770 North Boulevard in Baton Rouge. If you think of funeral flowers, since I don't think I'll be able to smell them, I suggest you give flowers to someone who is special in your thoughts. Or if you wish, make a contribution to your place of worship. May God bless you and keep you forever.

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Published by The Advocate from Mar. 7 to Mar. 11, 2015.

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Alejandro Renjifo

March 1, 2022

Henry! reading your down-to-earth obituary, made me smile again. Thank you for all your good vibes

Curtis Kimball

March 1, 2022

I remember Norman for his modesty, humor, and shrewdness. Best regards - Curt

Alejandro Renjifo

March 1, 2020

Henry Norman Saurage III memory lives on through the many people he interacted with. To me he exemplifies affability, clarity of purpose, and a refreshing down to earth demeanor.

STEVEN COLTEN

March 1, 2020

Wow ! I can t believe how much time has passed
Donna, Matt and the entire family, I know what a deep hole his passing has left but we all continue to remember all the wonderful times ( and those can never be taken from us ! ) Even the exhaust fumes of the old station wagon

Frank

March 10, 2019

I cannot believe that 4 years have passed. Norman: We who really knew you still feel your absence.

March 24, 2015

Donna,
Jeanie and I were very saddened to learn of Norman's passing.
32 years ago, the two of you were so very kind in welcoming us to your family in the southern coffee community and introducing us to your network of friends at the NCA. We didn't know Norman as well as we would have liked to, but well enough to appreciate the time we spent in his presents.
May god bless his great spirit and perpetuate his life' contributions.
Fondly,
Fred & Jeanie Taylor

david dew bruner

March 21, 2015

To all the Saurage's, my deepest sympathy. My thoughts are with you. I first meet Norman in 1974\5 while at dinner with Cary and dad, I ordered apple pie and
Norman insisted on my ordering it a la mode - why so - he could have my ice cream. It was too funny.

March 15, 2015

Donna,I'm saddened to learn of Norman's passing I know he has found that ,"one particular Harbor," may God bless you all
Bill Evans Mandeville

Nancy Roberts DePoe

March 13, 2015

Thank you Mr. Saurage! While I did not know Mr. Saurage personally I certainly knew his coffee! Growing up in Baton Rouge I didn't realize there were other coffees! Still today living in PA I have it shipped to me regularly and have made a devoted convert of my "Northerner" husband! What a wonderful spirit -- you have Mr. Saurage, I'm certain that you will be remembered in the hearts of many! God's blessings and peace to all!

Keith M.

March 13, 2015

I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Norman Saurage BUT am gratified and blessed by God to "see" him every day in my work at Community Coffee and in Matt. I hope I can bring the same passion to work and life that he did along the way.

Frank Fresina

March 13, 2015

There are many people who come and go throughout our lives, but rarely one with such genuine wit and soft spirit as Norman. He was as original as the old coffee grinder that brought us together and we will miss him greatly. Our sincere condolences to everyone in the Saurage family. Frank and Linda Fresina.

March 12, 2015

Susan,
Very sorry for the loss of your dad.
If you ever get to Beaumont, call us!
Debbie Bando

Ruth Wesley

March 12, 2015

It was indeed a privilege and an honor to work for the Community Coffee Company in the Community Kitchens catalog division way back in the early 1990's. Norman was truly an inspiration and a fine example of leadership. Donna, Roland, Cary, you are all in my prayers as you endure this time of grief. May our Father in Heaven bless you with grace and peace.

Frances Spencer

March 12, 2015

Such a positive force. We are kinder, stronger and warmer to have known, or known of, Mr. Saurage.

Knox Glass

March 12, 2015

We have all lost a great friend, counsel, customer and even employer. Our thoughts are with Donna and all the family. We all miss Norman's great humor.

Vada morris

March 12, 2015

God bless the Saurage family. Did not know you,Mr. Saurage, but I wished I did!

Martha Moore Chozen

March 11, 2015

We were so sad to hear of Norman's death. We have wonderful memories of Norman making our coffee for the whole weekend of Molly's wedding. He was the best! Love to Donna and the rest of the family.

Lori bertuccii

March 11, 2015

Good bless you Mr Norman! I did not know you but do drink community coffee and ice tea and it is a wonderful thing. Your family is blessed to have had such a humorous man for a role model. I read your self written obit and just wanted to say I really wish I had known you, for happy people like yourself make this world a better place!

March 11, 2015

So sorry for the loss of your brother Roland. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Frederick & Debbi McMullan

Bob Raymond

March 11, 2015

My condolences to Donna and the Saurage family. After Norman hired me, he became an example of integrity, honesty, and conservative leadership. His example has been carried with me long after I left Community Coffee. His self written obituary is an example of his wonderful personality. My prayers are with the Saurage family. I regret that I couldn't attend the service today to express my condolences in person.

Howard Bell

March 11, 2015

Hello Donna,
I am so sorry for the loss of Norman. You both are very good sailors. I will always have fond memories of racing you both in Catalina 22's. I was crewing on the Golden Goose and you all were very competitive racing your boat, Daisy, back in the 1970's.

Leigh Bonanno

March 11, 2015

I have very fond memories of the entire Saurage family and am so very sorry for your loss. I loved all of you dearly and especially remember sailing.

Margaret Broussard

March 11, 2015

Not to worry, Mr. Norman. Your and your parents' legacy will live on for many years to come. We love Community Coffee.

Allen-Glenn Ortego

March 11, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss, Roland, Linda, and Cary.

Allen Glenn Ortego
Richard Douglas Resweber

March 11, 2015

Bless your soul. I love how you signed off. Kay Gilbert

The CAFIVER team

March 11, 2015

The coffee industry has lost a highly respected and always kind man. He will be dearly missed.
Our sincere condoleances to the Saurage family

Tony Dinos

March 10, 2015

So sorry to hear of Norman's passing. I have so many fond memories of times spent with the two of you at the Southern Coffee Roasters Conventions. May God be with you and your family at this time.

Andrew and Sean Thomas

March 10, 2015

No nicer man or family we have ever worked for

Andrew and Sean Thomas

March 10, 2015

No nicer man or family we have ever worked for.

March 10, 2015

To the Saurage family
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. Have comfort in knowing we now have an angle watching over us. It was a pleasure to have known you Mr. Saurage. God Bless

Trent McTyre and the Freeport Branch

Jack Dinos

March 10, 2015

Donna: Sincerest condolences on your loss. Norman was a good friend in another time. I lost Mary in 2012 after 58 years of marriage? Can truly say we had a great life as you and Norman shurely had, and I got a dog...little Pug.

Alejandro Renjifo

March 10, 2015

Great virtues and good example are exemplified by persons like Norm's. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times. Each time, I left, feeling good. He shared his kindness, loyalty, vision and generosity with ease, good stile and in a relax and courteous manner. A true gentleman.

March 10, 2015

our families have so many wonderful memories together. We grew up at Pelican Yacht Club. I will always remeber Mr.Saurage's infectious laugh. my deepest condolences. Calhoun Sumrall

Claire french

March 10, 2015

A southern gentleman in the true sense of the word. I know you must feel that part of you died. He will always be remembered as a fine man and a great businessman. The name Saurage seems regal to me. My husband, Jean and my self extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your entire family. Claire Bateman French

Judy Skelton

March 10, 2015

I have first hand experience with this devastating disease on a love one.I know how hard it is to see them go through this and you can do nothing to fit it..
I just want to tell you I only met Mr. norman once at Walter Brown's retirement party. He was a pleasure to speak with. I only wish I had met him before then, so I could have more than that one memory of him.
I don't know if this helps any of you, it helped me. Remember we're the selfish ones that don't want to let them go. But now he is able to use all of the abilities that he lost here.
My prayers were with you through this and are still with you now.
Sincerely,
Judy Skelton

Shirley Lichtenstein

March 10, 2015

Donna, I was so sorry to learn of the death of your husband. I would like to extend to you and your family my families deepest sympathy.

Carl and Monica Walker

March 10, 2015

Dear Matt, family and all the team at Community Coffee:
Your family owned company has always inspired us and have helped us see our vision into the future as a family owned company as well (Walker Coffee Trading). Sorry for your loss, but I'm sure that Henry Norman's writing will always bring you joy; what a nice obituary!

Melissa Anderson

March 10, 2015

To the Saurage Family, our prayers are with your family. Mr. Norman was such a wonderful person and will be truly missed by everyone.

March 10, 2015

Our condolences to the Saurage Family upon the passing of Mr. Norman Saurage. He was an extraordinary man that has not only been my mother, Judy Landry, boss for the past 40 years but was also a very dear friend to her throughout my entire life! There are many in the community who will mourn deeply his passing as his was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead. With much love and sympathy -
Tracy & Tanner Boyd

Patsy Wilkerson

March 10, 2015

Norman was an amazing leader and visionary. The Baton Rouge community will truly miss his dynamic and compassionate presence. I had the pleasure of working at Community Coffee in the late 1990's. I will treasure those memories.

Pat Downs

March 10, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. Saurage was always so pleasant and kind, always patient and understanding, and truly a blessing to know. May his memory be eternal.

Curtis Kimball

March 10, 2015

All of us at Willamette Management Associates are sad to hear that Norman has passed on. He had a great sense of humor and a sharp mind. We so much enjoyed working with him on Community Coffee matters over the years.

Wally Werner

March 10, 2015

Hank, and Stephanie and Saurage Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Fond memories so many years ago.

David and Candace Gary

March 10, 2015

You are all in our prayers. Love from our family to yours.

Blythe McDonald

March 10, 2015

He was a unique and special gentleman. I wish your family comfort at this time.

Mary

March 10, 2015

I never met him, but I have heard wonderful things about him in the past.
I LOVE his obituary. Sounds as if he had a great sense of humor.Sorry to all who knew him.

Karl Morgan

March 10, 2015

My deepest sympathies to the Saurage family. The times I met Mr. Norman at his home, he was hospitable, accepting and humorously witty our expense. It seems he still had that wit and sense of humor that I remember from a long time ago.

Stacy and Tommy Ashton

March 10, 2015

We are so sorry to hear of Mr Normans passing...he always had a smile on his face and could make anyone laugh...an amazing man with a beautiful spirit who knew how to live and enjoy life. A true blessing to all of us..The Saurage Family is in our thoughts and prayers...

Steve Colten

March 10, 2015

Norman, you continue to make us smile ! No amount of time can ever erase all the wonderful memories we have of you.

Matt, to you Catherine and the kids we would extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences and would remind all of you that Norman's wonderful soul and all the memories you have of him can never be taken away from you

Brenda Rasberry

March 10, 2015

My sympathy goes out to all the family. May God Bless You

Karen Nelson

March 10, 2015

May your wonderful memories bring you much comfort at this difficult time.

Joni & Michael Abrams

March 10, 2015

We send our sincere condolences, prayers and warm, comforting thoughts to family and friends. We are very sad with this news. We will always remember, Norman and carry his happy, loving spirit with us for ever and ever. May he rest in peace and May God Bless him and all he touched.

Gloria Chapman

March 10, 2015

May God continue to bless and keep the Saurage Family in His care

Randy and Vicki Newton

March 10, 2015

Hank & Family,
So very sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Please know you and your family are in our prayers and I pray that God will give you comfort in the coming days.

Evans Roberts

March 10, 2015

Donna, So sorry to learn of Norman's passing. Had such fond memories when he and I attended Camp Namequoit back in the early 1950's. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jonathan DeMuria

March 10, 2015

Saurage & Community Coffee Families,

Deepest sympathies and respect from the DeMuria family, and the entire Volcafe USA / Volcafe team. Community Coffee is truly an outstanding business partner, and it comes at no surprise to see that the values of integrity, honesty, loyalty, and family all stem directly from the top of Community's founding and managing family. We are here to help and assist in any way possible. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Regards,

Jonathan DeMuria, John DeMuria, and the Volcafe USA Team

P Chaney

March 10, 2015

I've never met this gentleman, but based on his obituary, I can tell he was definitely a class act. My concolences to the Saurage family.

paul leighton

March 10, 2015

I wrote such a letter this year, but the lord spared me for another day. Norman has left an enduring foot print on this earth. I am so glad to have had the privilege to meet on many occassions and associate with the family and Community Coffee.

David Rodrigue

March 10, 2015

Mr. Norman was an amazing man that we all will miss seeing but without a shadow of a doubt I know that he is in heaven and looking down on all of us. He made a difference in this world and that's what we are all called to do. I used to thank him for my job every time I seen him and he would always say its you that I want to thank. I will miss you Mr. Norman. May God Bless your family.

Roger Hampton

March 10, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sorry for your loss

Jon Ferguson

March 10, 2015

With love and sympathy from Jon Ferguson.

Cathy Kimble

March 10, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Connie Dils

March 9, 2015

I never had the privilege of meeting this wonderful man but the fact that is wrote his on obituary is so touching. Prayers to his family.

March 9, 2015

Rest in God's perfect peace.

March 9, 2015

To the entire Saurage Family: It is devastating to suddenly lose your husband,brother,father,father-in-law,grandfather,and great-grandfather,someone so loved and admired by all. He certainly leaves behind his sense of humor,his integrity,his love for life,and will remembered as a friend, teacher, and mentor to so many; a great legacy for all to live by. God bless Mr. Saurage and God bless his family.

Joseph Pate, Birmingham, Alabama

March 9, 2015

wow i was scrolling for a departed church member...and ran across this obituary...im so impressed at this mr. henrys unique good bye ...so beautiful...in GODS time... i will do the same ...im healthy but what a great idea...he obviously was a thougtful humorous person... his wife must be very proud and a very special person herself...GOD BLESS YOU... TILL WE ALL MEET IN GODS KINGDOM...

Bobby Williams

March 9, 2015

A true gentleman with passion for family, friends, fun, and business. Norman taught me more about business at one lunch than any business school could teach in four years. A great Friend and Mentor will be missed by many. A true pleasure to have worked for him.

Linda Gould Brown

March 9, 2015

Have you in my prayers, Donna. I'll always treasure having enjoyed times with Norman when my family lived just a couple of blocks from his. And have bragged that he was my "boy friend" when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I know you had an absolutely wonderful life with him and so happy for you both.

Clint & Annie Webb

March 9, 2015

Our deepest sympathies for the Saurage family...I felt as if I knew all of you through my life long buddy,(Judy Landry)..May God keep you wrapped in his arms and peace be with you..

John and Joan Camp

March 9, 2015

To Donna, and the rest of the Saurage family. We are so sad to hear of Norm's passing. We first met Norm and Donna at the Pelican Yacht Club. They owned Daisy, a Catalina 22 sailboat. They were such great and humble people it was several years before we learned of their connection with Community Coffee. Norm and Donna sold Daisy to Joan and me in 1984, and even financed her for us because they wanted us to have her and at that time in our life we were just getting by. We still own Daisy, and Norm would be pleased to know she is in wonderful condition. Joan still has the shirt with the oil painting of Daisy on the back that Donna painted. Norm was a wonderful, generous, humble, and kind person and we shall miss him greatly. We have so many fond memories because of Norm and Donna. We also knew their fine sons Hank and Matt through Boy Scout Troop 128 sponsored be the Broadmoor Presbyterian Church.

Gwen Poche

March 9, 2015

Thoughts and prayers to the Saurage family. I am so proud to say I work for Community Coffee and I hope I can leave a similar legacy to those I meet, work with and love. It is an honor to have met him.

Tommy Duhon

March 9, 2015

One of finest gentlemen I have ever known. His principles, humor and love for his fellow man is God's gift Norman shared with everyone. I'm so privileged to have worked with him and his family.

Angela deGravelles

March 9, 2015

I am away in Seattle, and have learned of Norman's death. Please accept my deepest sympathy to each of you. With great respect and admiration,

March 9, 2015

Matt Hank, Catherine and family. So sorry to hear this news. Norman was a great man. My prayers are with you. Elliott W Wolffe Peapack, NJ

charles graffeo

March 9, 2015

A man of good will, caring and giving. I had the honor to work with him for many wonderful years. I was fortunate for him to be my executive coach as we spend valuable time to get to one another on a personal level. A great person and friend. Good bye Mr Norman you gave so much to so many and we were glad you played a part in our lives.

Betty Rogers

March 9, 2015

What a tribute to a life well lived, reading the gentle words in his moving obituary. May Norman be at rest in peace. Blessings to his extended family.

Kim LeBlanc

March 9, 2015

Thank you Norman for seeing humor in every day. It was an honor to know you and learn from you. You will be missed in the hall ways of Community Coffee.

Jeff Gould

March 9, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers for the Saurage family as you prepare to lay Norman to rest. I pray for God's peace and comfort during this time of bereavement. We have lost a truly accomplished businessman, community leader, father and husband. Norman was a man of integrity and strong leadership. He had uncompromising values that helped guide Community Coffees continued success. He will be dearly missed.

Tracy Ambrose

March 9, 2015

What an beautiful obituary. Although I never met him, he sounds like he was a totally awesome, well-grounded man. My deepest sympathies to his family for the loss of this extraordinary person.

Tricia Rolston Power

March 9, 2015

I am so sorry about the loss of your father. I remember that Mom and Dad thought the world of him and your Mom Donna. His obit is an inspiration. Blessings and prayers to Hank and the rest of the family. I know he has been welcomed up in heaven by many friends just waiting to catch up.

Tim

March 9, 2015

Norm is proof positive that good guys DO finish first! Rest in peace, sir!

Elizabeth Morgan

March 9, 2015

To Norman's family, so sorry for your loss. He was an extraordinary gentleman. Our world was a better place because of him. I looked up to him because of his leadership at CABL.

Jacob Pourciau

March 9, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. For the six years I knew Mr. Norman, He was a great inspiration to myself and many others.

Kevin Colley

March 9, 2015

A good man. He will be missed.

Ensley Duke

March 9, 2015

To the Saurage Family, My heart and Prayers go out to everyone. Norman had a significant impact in my life. His smile I will always the most.

Crissie and Charles Landry

March 9, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Julie Mascarella

March 9, 2015

I am so sorry, Donna. Norman was such a kind and generous man. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joel Clement

March 9, 2015

Hank, my condolences to your and your family. Your dad was a great guy. I'm thankful to him for the time and resources he spent helping guide us when we were young. I have found memories of sailing up at Camp Yorktown Bay in the summers.

Lucy Holt

March 9, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you right now. He will be greatly missed.

Barry & Linda Weinstein

March 9, 2015

Dearest Donna and Beloved Family,

May G-d bring each of you comfort, courage and strength from your loving memories of Norman, a true Gentleman in every respect.

His beautiful smile, his sparkling eyes, and always, his heart reaching out in love to all our community to lend a hand whenever needed.

Linda and I loved Norman so very much as we love and cherish you, dear Donna. May Norman's precious memory always be a blessing for you and all your most beautiful family.

Pamela Meyners

March 9, 2015

Jennifer and family,
Our heartfelt sympathy at this most difficult time. What a special Dad. Your wonderful memories will bring smiles and eventually replace your tears. May God hold you close in the days to come.
Our love,
Pam Meyners and Mary Watters

Nancy Vickery

March 8, 2015

Susan and Stephanie, I am sorry about your loss.

Ron & Deborah Mannino

March 8, 2015

Donna, Hank, Matt, Cary and family, our prayers are with each of you. Norman's passion for his company and family is a true testiment to the man we all loved and admired! Our loss is God's gain- A special angel indeed! Feeling so blessed to have had the privilege to work for this great Man!

Pat Ryan

March 8, 2015

Condolences to the Saurage Family, Cary and I were KA's at LSU back in the day. Pat Ryan

Fran Shepard

March 8, 2015

Donna, Hank and Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear of Norman ' s death. He was a wonderful man.

March 8, 2015

Jennifer, may happy memories carry you through this difficult time. Wishing you and your family strength and peace. Al and Janice Langley

Elizabeth Grezaffi Baugh

March 8, 2015

It was a honor to have worked for Community Coffee and The Saurage Family. Norman was an inspiration to me early on in my career and I will always be grateful. Thoughts and prayers to The Saurage and Community Coffee family.

Susan Lucas

March 8, 2015

My thoughts and prayer are with the Saurage Family. Norman was such a great inspiration to me during my time at Community Coffee. Always a kind gentleman and very well respected throughout the organization.

Mrs. Donna, I would go with a dog, too. May God bless you all.

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