Norman DeWitt Obituary
Norms young adult life provided him with a multitude of experiences, from military service to dancing in Hollywood musicals. In 1964 he was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One year later, he began service as a missionary in the Cumorah Mission.
Following his missionary service, Norm attended Brigham Young University, where he met Claire Austin. They were married in 1972.
Norm spent several years caring for children in his own daycare center. In 1987, he completed a degree in Elementary Education and began working at Vineyard Elementary. He was a creative, dedicated, and beloved teacher for 15 years.
Norm loved many different things in life, but all of them unquestionably revolved around his family.
He is survived by his wife Claire and four children, Jennifer (Paul) Davies, Devan, Heather (Jarom) McDonald, and Bryan (Kiffin). He was a devoted and caring grandfather to Camden, Sydney, Brighton, Daxtyn, and Tori, who will all greatly miss their Papa. Siblings include Donna Jean (Gil) Holt, Susan (Carl) Thomason, Frank (Charlee) Barton, and John (Karen) Barton.
Funeral services will begin at 11am, Friday, September 17th, at the Timpview 4th Ward Chapel, 1075 West 1100 North, Orem. Friends may call from 9:45-10:45 that morning, or on Thursday evening from 6-8pm at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem.
Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.
Condolences maybe sent to:www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ginny Heikes Harper
September 9, 2019
It is hard to believe 15 years have passed. My memories of Norm will always be with me. I have a lot of cousins but none closer to me than Norm when we were growing up. We loved our family vacation times together. He would have everything planned for us to do when we went to California, and it was always so much fun! He had the kindest heart and the best laugh. I miss him and know one day we will see each other again.
Jeff Holt
September 28, 2004
Norm was my Uncle. Nobody had his sence of humor or his sence of responsabilty to his family and friends. He was one of the few people who could make me laugh outloud even in times of grief or anger. We should all be as lucky to have left a legacy in family as Norm did as well as all the years of him teaching future doctors lawyers and the like. The world trully is a better place because he was here
Godspeed uncle Norm, I love you and I'll see you on the other side...
Amber Salsbery
September 21, 2004
I had Mr. DeWitt in 5th grade at Vineyard Elementary. He was so free-spirited and happy. He had this laugh that would just fill the classroom and it was a wonderful thing to end my day with. I always told my friends he was my favorite teacher and I still tell them that. No one can replace how he has helped and encouraged me. I remember for christmas that year (1999) i gave him a candle holder and over christmas break i got a postcard from him from when he was on vacation or something and it just said "thanks for the gift. i loved it. i love having you in my class. thanks. Mr. DeWitt." I rarely got mail and when i received this, i was so excited. And the fact that the most extraordinary educator did this over his break was nice. The fact that he cared about his students really gave a family feel in the classroom. Norm was the most amazing, gentle, kind-hearted person.
His death saddens me and I was so angry that my mom wouldn't let me miss school for the funeral. since that day, i have visted the cemetary. I feel horrible that i couldn't be there. I feel like even though the family doesnt know me, that i have let them down. Norm and his family will always be in my heart, always be with me. and i will often think about them.
Much love, amber.
Joni Holdaway
September 19, 2004
To the DeWitt Family
I was saddened and surprised to hear of Mr. DeWitt's passing since returning home from vacation. I have three children who had Mr. DeWitt at Vineyard Elementary school. I appreciate how personal and fun he made the classroom for the students. He truly was a devoted teacher. My best goes out to his wife and children who I became familiar with as I saw them in the classroom helping Mr. DeWitt. I could see the love he had for his family. Mr. DeWitt was a great man. My condolences to his family.
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Ryan Holdaway
September 19, 2004
I had Mr. DeWitt as a teacher at Vineyard Elementary. He was a very kind and devoted teacher. I'm saddened to hear of his passing. I am grateful for his influence in my life.
Debbie Orr
September 17, 2004
Clarie -
I was saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.
Love,
Debbie
Emily Jensen
September 17, 2004
Dear Claire and Jennifer,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of your wonderful husband and father. May you know of our love and support...
Love The Jensens of Lakeridge 1st
Ginny Harper
September 16, 2004
Dear Claire,
We are all saddened to hear of Norms death. We have such great memories of him coming to stay with us on the farm as a kid. Him helping calves be born, getting stuck in a load of wheat,and many more things that we all just laughed doing together, we can still hear his laughter. There was only one Norm and how we loved him.
We wish we could attend the service but that will not be possible. Please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family.
All our love, Auntie May and Ginny
Evie Forsythe
September 15, 2004
Dear Claire,
I was so sad to receive the email regarding the death of your husband. After reading the entries in the guest book, Norman must have been a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and teacher. The one thing that can never be taken from us is the fond memories...remember the good times. While your loss is HUGE, thankfully, we have the Plan of Salvation in our lives.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. You have always been so helpful to me, please know how much I care and appreciate all you do.
May Heavenly Father surround you and your family.
Love,
Evie
K R
September 15, 2004
My son had Mr. DeWitt at Vineyard Elementary years ago. It was a wonderful year for him! Mr. DeWitt did so many extra and fun things and was a "master teacher"! We have fond memories of that year. We send our heartfelt condolences to the DeWitt family. How sad to have lost him so early! God Be With You!
Laurie Sorensen
September 15, 2004
Mr. DeWitt taught 3 of my children at Vineyard Elementary, and we were all saddened at the news of his passing. He was a wonderful teacher, and was able to connect with each of my children, even though they all have very different personalities.
I have fond memories of his Christmas open house, and my oldest (who was in his class at the time), still talks about the open house and how much he enjoyed it.
I am so grateful to Mr DeWitt for enriching the lives of my precious children. I'm sure they are not the only children that were influenced by his kindness and knowledge.
Regretfully, we will not be able to make it to the funeral, but know that the family is in our prayers.
Laurie, Bill, Brent, Michael, and Rebecca Sorensen
John Thill
September 15, 2004
I have nothing but wonderful memories of my Brother. Nearly each Sunday he would come to me in the Chapel after service and say to me, "I have been watching you and your children and they are just wonderful examples of reverence...keep up the good work" He always made me feel like I was important. I will miss seeing him at church and especially in the Temple. Our time spent there gives me a slight understanding of what a reunion with him and so many others will be like. I will miss you, my beloved friend...until we meet again. I am truly a better man for knowing both Norm and Claire DeWitt
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