Norman James Whyte

Norman James Whyte, PE 1917 - 2008 Norman James Whyte, a respected Civil Engineer from Long Beach, California, died peacefully in his sleep on his 91st birthday. His devoted wife of 65 years, Elizabeth, daughters Betty and Susan, and their families had been close to his side after a stroke in August 2007. Norman was born in Denver, Colorado on February 2, 1917, shortly after the death of his father, Paul, in World War I. H e was raised by his mother, Elizabeth, and many loving aunts and uncles in Ramah, Colorado. After excelling in school, his family sent him to Colorado Springs High School for his senior year to take advantage of the more advanced coursework. He graduated with honors in 1936 and met the love of his life, Elizabeth Schwaebe. He attended Blair Business College in Colorado Springs. The first in his family to attend college, Norman went on to earn his degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1942. After waiting patiently for him to finish his degree, Elizabeth married him on March 6, 1942. During World War II, he proudly served in the Army attending the Air University and working as an engineer. Elizabeth traveled with him to bases in Virginia, New Jersey and Alabama. After the war, Norman worked for the Bureau of Reclamation, which led him to build and design dams. He and Elizabeth enjoyed assignments in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska, where daughters Betty and Susan were born. When their older daughter Betty was ready to start school, Norman decided to accept a position as Director of Maintenance Control at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The family moved to Long Beach, California in 1959. Norman served as Director of Maintenance for the Port of Long Beach and the Long Beach Naval Station. He earned his master's degree from California State University Long Beach in 1968 and was invited to join the honor society, Phi Kappa Phi. After retiring from the federal government in 1973, Norman taught g raduate classes in engineering at his alma mater. In 1975, Norman returned to work, this time for the City of Long Beach in the Engineering Planning Division until 1981. Throughout his life, Norman and Elizabeth were involved in professional groups, their churches and square dancing. He was active in the American Society of Civil Engineers and served as president of the Long Beach chapter multiple times. During his distinguished career, he was listed in Who's Who and awarded life memberships in the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Professional Engineers. Norman and Betty were members of Lakewood Village Community Church for more than 40 years, serving as Church Deacons and board members. They danced throughout their 65-year romance, most recently in Square Dance groups. Norm is survived by his lifelong sweetheart, Elizabeth; as well as his two daughters; his four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was a role model and loving father to his daughters, Betty Jo and Sus an. He was devotedly involved with Betty's children, Cathy and Dan Nead. Cathy and her husband, Mike Ortiz of Highland, California; and grandson, Dan and wife, Karla of Brea, California, gave Norman the joy of five wonderful great grandchildren, Jeffrey, Lindsay, Sarah Elizabeth, Matthew and Jenna. Susan and her husband, Richard Simon added double blessings with twins, Andrew James and Claire Elizabeth, now 18 years old and high school seniors in Rockville, Maryland. Norman will be missed by all who knew an d loved him for his positive outlook and deep devotion to making a difference in the lives of those around him. Memorial service will be held at The Lakewood Village Community Church, 4515 Sunfield, Long Beach, CA 90808 on Saturday, February 23 at 11am. Burial will be at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lakewood Community Village Church. Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell (562) 425-6401