Norman Richard Booth Jr.

Norman Richard Booth Jr., 93, took his last dance step on earth on May 7, 2024, at home on Eagle Lake, Edwardsburg, Michigan.

Son of Helen "Miggs" and Norman Ralph Booth Sr., Dad is survived by his sister, Norma Lu Meehan, children, Shawn Buzalski, Valerie McHugh, Jeffrey Booth (Deborah), Jodie Freeland (Ed), and stepson, Michael Grabill (Mindy). He was the proud grandfather of nine (Michael Martin, Nick, Kate and Jessica Buzalski, Tim McHugh, Mia and Kayla Freeland, Gabby and Colton Grabill) and three great-grandchildren (Reese, Piper and Maverick Buzalski).

Never one to shy away from his bootlegging ancestry, Dad was a fun-lovin' hell raiser when opportunity presented itself but grounded on good manners, loyalty, and hard work. He never asked for your love, but commanded your respect. And you always "danced with the one who brung ya."

Growing up on Eagle Lake provided a plethora of life-long friends, his first wife (Jolly Mock) and as much good-natured trouble you could get into. Dad grew up sailing and crewed often enough – and well enough – to have the Eagle Lake Yacht Club banish the annual "Best Crew" trophy simply because he always won it.

Born in South Bend, Indiana, Dad lived between Eagle Lake, Edwardsburg and South Bend. He attended Eagle Lake Elementary School and John Adams High School where he played varsity football. Upon graduation, he took his athleticism to Michigan State where he made third string quarterback, but didn't adore the academic side of things and enrolled in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a damn proud Marine, and regaled his tales of stints at Paris Island, Camp Pendelton and Okinawa. He polished his shoes to mirror-like perfection long after his enlistment. Set to reenlist, he had a change of heart-but not before hitch hiking all the way from San Diego to Indianapolis (in uniform) to visit his mother.

Not long after, he married Jolly Mock and started his career as an insurance adjuster. He ran the gamut working for smaller firms, partnering with one and ended his career with American States. Personal visits with a manilla folder and polaroid camera evolved to desktop computers and office hours much to his disliking so he called it quits, retired and took on part-time work to keep him busy. He took on anything that involved driving, at times delivering cars, dentures and "old folks" for Cass County.

His insurance career also introduced him to his second wife, Sandra Grabill, and her son, Michael. They became enthusiastic band parents with Mike's drumming for the Concord High School marching band. Dad finally became a skipper in his own right. In his MC, "Breaking Wind," he raced with the Eagle Lake Yacht Club, Diamond Lake and attended as many "Masters" regattas his time, talent and wife would allow.

Dad learned to embrace technology-on his own terms. Once retired, he got a laptop, used email and owned a cellphone. He tried to learn how to text from his granddaughter, but with a flip phone, his thumbs got the best of him.

He was strict raising his children, but owned a sense of humor that would defuse any situation and charm his way into the heart of anyone he met. He loved all things cars (had to be peeled off the Shelby Mustang at the Ford dealership), dancing (Dancing with the Stars was a Monday night essential), daffodils and Halle Berry. Your birthday and New Year's Eve were the two nights a year to be CELEBRATED – no excuses. He always dressed "up," made a gin and tonic to die for, and loved to putter in his garage.

He loved his family beyond measure. We are at peace knowing Stormin' Norman and Sandy are reunited and dancing the night away.