Norman M. Spain

SPAIN Norman M. Spain, age 95, died after a brief illness on November 19, 2009. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, to Howard B. and Oco J. Spain. He attended Clinton, Crestview and North High schools prior to entering The Ohio State University where he graduated in 1936 with a BSc in Business Administration. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, serving as chapter President as well as District Archon. He played in both the Concert and Marching bands, was Secretary of Fraternity Affairs, a member of Ohio Staters, Inc., and was the recipient of numerous honors including membership in all three of the men's class honorary societies (Romophos, Bucket and Dipper and Sphinx). He met his future wife, Ruth A. Polley, while they both attended North High School. They were married in 1937. They had and are survived by two sons, David H. (Jannie) Spain and William J. (Nancy) Spain; five grandchildren, Brian Spain, Sheryl (Chris) Carlin, Andrew (Jen) Spain, Ryan (Margaret) Spain and Rachel Spain; and six great-grandchildren, Sonja, Chiara, Clara, Oliver, Feisal and Mika. Theirs was a happy and loving relationship that lasted nearly 68 years and included, after retirement, a considerable amount of very enjoyable worldwide travel, including visits to at least 35 countries, two of them for periods of several months as a volunteer consultant for International Executive Service Corps. After brief work experiences in Columbus at a bank and in an ice cream plant, Norm and Ruth moved to Canal Winchester where he managed a small vegetable processing facility. After about 15 years, Norm then joined The Heekin Can Company where he was a highly respected sales and marketing representative until his retirement in 1976. He served two terms as President of the (then) Ohio Canners Association, a term as a Director of the (then) National Canners Association and was a Professional Member of the Institute of Food Technologists for which he served as Chairman of its Ohio Valley Section. In recognition of his many years of outstanding service to the food industry, he was made an honorary member of Phi Tau Sigma, the food sciences honorary society. After retirement, Norm devoted much time and energy to various community and charitable pursuits, including serving United Way for many years in various capacities, helping to raise funds for the Columbus Symphony, and serving as President of the Old North Hi Club. For several years, he was an active member of the Columbus Clean Community Advisory Council. He was an elder and trustee of Overbrook Presbyterian Church, sang in their choir for 40 years, headed the church's stewardship committee for a decade and, in 1995, received a Living Faith award from the Metropolitan Area Church Council. A favorite community activity for both Norm and his wife Ruth was The Thurber House, the restored boyhood home of Columbus author, humorist and cartoonist James Thurber. Norm was part of a small committee that developed plans for restoring the house itself and helped to launch its many programs and activities. He was a member of the Board of Trustees from its inception until achieving Emeritus status a few years ago. Both he and Ruth were tour guides for many years and seldom missed a Thurber House event. Norm and the family express sincere appreciation to the staff and residents of The Forum at Knightsbridge for the pleasant living experience and excellent care provided during the years they spent there. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Overbrook Presbyterian Church, to Thurber House or to a charity of their choice. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 4131 N. High Street, 43214. A pre-service reception at the church is scheduled for 9:00 AM. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday December 4, 2009 at RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High Street, Worthington. Condolences to www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com