Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Norman Goodwin Obituary
A native of Norfolk, he moved to New York City to further his arts education; then returned home to pursue his passion, he was a talented and well-known artist whose work is featured in both museums and private collections.
Norman was a fixture and a force in the art community. Always generous with his time and talents, he was active in the founding of the D'Art Center, served as President of the Tidewater Artists Association, he donated and auctioned art for his favorite charities, and inspired his students as an adjunct art professor at Old Dominion University.
Noted for his colorful paintings of everyday life in Hampton Roads, he too was a colorful personality. His creativity extended to his wardrobe, his home, garden, sense of humor, and his embellished storytelling, for which he is legendary. He was a true raconteur, always at his best with an audience.
He loved his family, his friends, his students, his cats and most of all, his mother to whom he was devoted.
Norman's passions and influences on the local art community were a further testament to his devotion to the arts. He will be missed by many.
Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 26th at 2 p.m. at Christ & St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Norfolk with a reception following at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial donation be made to your favorite arts organization or the education fund at the D'Art Center in Norfolk https://www.d-artcenter.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Goodwin
Sponsored by the family.
Jerry Halliday
December 3, 2019
The main thing about Norman for me was his quick wit worthy of Oscar Wilde's. He always made me laugh, ever since I met him t Captain Freedom's trendy salon on Freemason Street. I hung out with him at his extraordinary antique shop on York Street where he shared the most delicious gossip. He did not suffer fools and woe be unto complaining neighbors when he cranked up his beloved opera while madly painting a canvas in the courtyard. Norman lived life with gusto.
Jerry Halliday
December 3, 2019
What a character! The main thing for me about Norman was he had a wit to match Oscar Wilde's. He was always funny and made me laugh. First met Norman at Captain Freedom's on Freemason St.and hung out at his extraordinary antique shop on York St.where he always shared the most delicious gossip. He did not suffer fools and woe be unto his complaining neighbors when he cranked up his beloved operas while painting in his the courtyard. He lived life with gusto.
Teresa Stallings
November 27, 2019
Rest In Peace my dear friend. You will always live in my heart.
Fondly,
Teresa
Debra Burrell
November 25, 2019
Norman was the juror for the Tidewater Artists Association show at the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center in Hampton in September 2001. He was scheduled to choose the art on 9/12/01. We elected to be open for artists to bring in their art that morning. I told the two young ladies I worked with we were going "grit our teeth and get through this."
Norman came in much later than scheduled, but it didn't matter. He said he was waiting to hear the news about cousins who worked in New York. He was shaken, as were we all, but he did go through the show, picking out the pieces to be shown, choosing the winners, and doing his job.
We placed and installed the show. The opening was the following Sunday in the afternoon. Many people came. Many people said how happy they were for the opportunity to gather together and enjoy an art opening. We had lemonade and a little wine and the artists made a lovely pot luck. Thank you Norman, for creating a good art show that we could all enjoy.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Donna Palmer
November 24, 2019
It was an honor and such a pleasure to have known Norman. I so enjoyed his company. His musings of a full life were always so full of delicious intrigue and he always made me laugh. He loved his mother so much and was so generous. While it saddens me to see him go, it is comforting to know that he is reunited with his beloved mother.
Karin Arielle
November 24, 2019
To Norman in loving remembrance - you are an unforgettable friend who had a very large influence on my life many years ago. I loved you then and I love you now. Condolences to your family and friends from Karin Arielle ❤
Leslie Garrett
November 24, 2019
I had the pleasure of meeting Norman and chatting with him throughout my 30 + years working in enforcement for the City of Norfolk. He was a true artist and shared many wonderful memories. Yes he adored Mother. And he was a man to be admired. He opened the world of art and color to so many. He was also humble. I invited him to our Thanksgiving dinner several years ago. However he had already volunteered to help feed the homeless. I,really admired that choice. He also was a great ambassador for Norfolk. A city he loved. You will be missed but you are once again with mother.
Irene Roughton
November 24, 2019
Norman, my one-of-a-kind friend, I will miss you.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Norman Goodwin's name
Memorial Events
for Norman Goodwin
People and places connected with Norman
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Norman's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Norman Goodwin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
