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Norman Nicolson Obituary
Norm Nicolson was born in Glasgow, Scotland to Judy and James Nicolson on June 11, 1940. He passed away Friday, October 15th from the progression of Alzheimer's.
He leaves behind his wife, Sherry Nicolson; a daughter, Heather Hughes (Steve); granddaughter, Birdie Hughes; brothers, Derry Nicolson (Paula) of London and Alan Nicolson (Margaret) of Glasgow; sister-in-law Linda Crosswhite of Glendale, Arizona, and many nieces and nephews.
He immigrated to the US when he was 18 years old and earned a BS degree from San Jose State University in engineering, a master's degree in business from University of California Irvine, and a doctorate in technology from University of Southern California. He began his career while in college working in the semi-conductor business. After his doctorate he worked in education as an administrator of educational technology for 40 years. He was employed by Santa Ana School District, LA Community College District, and California State University.
Norm loved his work but found time to share the joys of sailing, skiing, swimming, golf, and travel with his wife Sherry. He resided in Southern California until he retired when he and his wife Sherry moved to Hawaii. There he was a hospice volunteer for over 13 years, spending morning hours swimming with turtles or perfecting his surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. On many occasions he joined his buddies John and Ben for adventurous hikes all over Oahu. He was an avid reader and a student of New Thought and Zen Buddhism-----he was a seeker of truth. Sherry and Norm moved to Marana, Arizona three years ago, where he struggled with Alzheimer's.
We will miss his endearing smile, his British humor, his kind, caring, accepting, thoughtful, and gentle ways. Friends and family agree that he was a brilliant man of few words but always words worth hearing.
Norm donated his body to the University of Arizona Medical School. A gathering for friends and family to honor his life will be held in November----location and date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Surfrider Foundation or Unity of Tucson.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Nicolson
6 Entries
Jon Fults
January 29, 2023
From Jon Fults -- Norm wanted to learn how to sail and I told him I had a Newport 27 sailing sloop which I was going to sail to San Diego and do four nights at the Coronado Yacht Club. He wanted to learn how to sail at night so I had him drive my wife's car to San Diego, he boarded the boat and we set out on a very dark night for Huntington Harbour. We sailed around Point Loma (loaded with kelp) and then sailed until about 4 A.M. when the wind died for a few hours. Porpoises were jumping beside the boat as we approached Oceanside and we had a wonderful time. Later I believe Norm sailed the Transpac. We'll all miss Norm and his adventuresome spirit.
Karen Paulson Meinert
November 9, 2021
Sherry, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mom and dad always enjoyed the opportunity to meet with you when everyone was in the same area. Continued prayers of peace and comfort.
Pat and Pat
November 6, 2021
Dear Sherry, I just heard earlier today that your precious husband died. We are so sorry to learn of this news!
Love Pat and Pat
Lydia Bruce
October 25, 2021
Dear Sherry, I loved your wonderful tribute to your husband! May his soul rest in peace now that he is free from the burden of his illness and may you and his loved ones cherish his memory and the knowledge that you were able to share his wonderful life on earth. Love, Lydia and Dick Bruce
Fred L. Smoot
October 25, 2021
Giving thanks for Norm's life. May his loving spirit continue to comfort all who knew and loved him.
Dennis & Marilyn Maloney
October 23, 2021
Our sincere sympathy to you and the entire family .
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