Richard "Rick" Malcolm Norman, 85, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, with his wife Barbara by his side. Born on June 20, 1940, in Long Beach, California, Rick was known for his deep faith, devotion to family, and unwavering work ethic.
Rick graduated from Washington Union High School in Fremont, California, and went on to serve four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his service, he attended San Mateo Junior College, where he was named a Junior College All-American quarterback. He later earned a football scholarship to New Mexico State University, where he completed his degree in civil engineering.
Rick began his career with Shell Oil Company as a construction engineer before co-founding Armer Norman, a construction company specializing in fueling facilities, with fellow Shell engineer and friend Bill Armer. He later left Armer Norman to manage the Novato, California, office of Harding Lawson, an environmental engineering firm. Even after retiring, Rick's strong work ethic endured—he remained active in consulting for many years.
Rick and Barbara made their home in San Rafael, California, where they raised their three children. They later lived in Bodega Bay, Healdsburg, and finally Reno, Nevada. No matter where he lived, Rick was dedicated to serving his community. He served on numerous parish committees, including Blessed Sacrament/Parnow Friendship House in San Rafael, St. Teresa of Avila's Restoration Committee in Bodega, and various financial and building committees at St. John the Baptist Church in Healdsburg. His involvement in civic and church life extended to the San Rafael Planning Commission, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Italian Catholic Federation, and the Marine Corps League. Rick was always willing to step forward when asked to serve.
An avid outdoorsman, Rick enjoyed skiing, sailing on San Francisco Bay, playing tennis and golf, traveling, and sharing good wine and conversation—especially about politics—with family and friends. He loved his pipe, Notre Dame football, reading, and wearing hats.
Rick was a devoted husband and a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Barbara; their children Denise Stave, Leslie Tilling (Nelson), and Brett Norman (Dana); sisters Cathryn Poirier (David) and Diana VanDePol (Michael); six grandchildren, Danielle, Nicole, Kendall, Gregory, Richard, and Spencer; two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Ava; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Vera, father Albert, mother Phyllis, stepmother Jean, and sister Vicky.
A private memorial service was held at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery on November 12, 2025.
Those wishing to honor Rick may consider donating to:
- St. John the Baptist Healdsburg School Foundation: https://sjshbg.org/foundation
- Cynthia Lake Veterans Guest House (Hospice), Reno, NV: https://www.veteransguesthouse.org/contact
Rick graduated from Washington Union High School in Fremont, California, and went on to serve four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his service, he attended San Mateo Junior College, where he was named a Junior College All-American quarterback. He later earned a football scholarship to New Mexico State University, where he completed his degree in civil engineering.
Rick began his career with Shell Oil Company as a construction engineer before co-founding Armer Norman, a construction company specializing in fueling facilities, with fellow Shell engineer and friend Bill Armer. He later left Armer Norman to manage the Novato, California, office of Harding Lawson, an environmental engineering firm. Even after retiring, Rick's strong work ethic endured—he remained active in consulting for many years.
Rick and Barbara made their home in San Rafael, California, where they raised their three children. They later lived in Bodega Bay, Healdsburg, and finally Reno, Nevada. No matter where he lived, Rick was dedicated to serving his community. He served on numerous parish committees, including Blessed Sacrament/Parnow Friendship House in San Rafael, St. Teresa of Avila's Restoration Committee in Bodega, and various financial and building committees at St. John the Baptist Church in Healdsburg. His involvement in civic and church life extended to the San Rafael Planning Commission, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Italian Catholic Federation, and the Marine Corps League. Rick was always willing to step forward when asked to serve.
An avid outdoorsman, Rick enjoyed skiing, sailing on San Francisco Bay, playing tennis and golf, traveling, and sharing good wine and conversation—especially about politics—with family and friends. He loved his pipe, Notre Dame football, reading, and wearing hats.
Rick was a devoted husband and a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Barbara; their children Denise Stave, Leslie Tilling (Nelson), and Brett Norman (Dana); sisters Cathryn Poirier (David) and Diana VanDePol (Michael); six grandchildren, Danielle, Nicole, Kendall, Gregory, Richard, and Spencer; two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Ava; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Vera, father Albert, mother Phyllis, stepmother Jean, and sister Vicky.
A private memorial service was held at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery on November 12, 2025.
Those wishing to honor Rick may consider donating to:
- St. John the Baptist Healdsburg School Foundation: https://sjshbg.org/foundation
- Cynthia Lake Veterans Guest House (Hospice), Reno, NV: https://www.veteransguesthouse.org/contact
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard "Rick" Norman, please visit our flower store.
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