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Robert Arthur "Bob, the Golden Gringo" Normand
Robert Arthur "Bob, the Golden Gringo" Normand
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Robert Normand Obituary
Bob's passion for learning and adventure took him around the world, living in the United States, Belgium, and ultimately Costa Rica. He attended Immaculate Conception High School, followed by earning a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from UMass Lowell in 1965 and an M.S. from Villanova University in 1967.
Professionally, Bob led a distinguished career. He began as a Strategic Planning Manager at Borg Warner Chemicals, then worked at Air Products & Chemicals as a Market Manager for polymers. He later became the CEO & Owner of Datamart, Inc., followed by roles as Branch Manager at First Union Bank and Business Consultant at International Profit Associates. He concluded his career as the Principal Consultant/Owner at the Institute for Smart Business Management in Quepos, Costa Rica.
In his retirement, Bob became a prolific writer, best known for his "Golden Gringo Chronicles," a monthly publication that shared his experiences in Central America. He also authored several self-published books. His hobbies included travel and writing, both of which played a significant role in his life and works.
He is survived by his children, Jennifer Normand-Gardner (Dale Gardner), Cynthia Sharkey (Tom Sharkey), Jeffrey Normand (Bob Garvine), the mother of his children, Susan Kerwin, and his honorary son, Jessie Ponce Sosa (Angelica Ponce Sosa). He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Dora (Dumas) Normand, and his siblings, Lorraine, Phyllis, Anita, Edward, and Richard.
Bob was memorialized on August 7, 2024, in Parque Nahomi, Quepos, Costa Rica. A full version and a short version video of the memorial service are available for viewing on Bob's Facebook page. Requests for the video link can be sent to [email protected].
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12 Entries
Paul Brass
March 27, 2025
I just found out that you have passed on my friend. I am very sad to hear of this. I have many great memories of our friend ship gatherings in Sarasota. You were a great friend and I will miss hearing from you. Good bye my friend may the angels take you on into heaven be with God. R.I.P.
Helen Dunn Frame
September 25, 2024
Just so you know, I bought a Jupiter Tree and my landlord will plant it in the garden in Bob's memory. We'll call the tree Normand.
Nancy Hathaway
August 24, 2024
Bill and I were friends of Bob and Sue´s in Marietta Ohio. We often had Sunday night dinners together. Bob taught me how to eat a whole cooked artichoke dipped in butter. Didn´t care for the artichoke but loved that time in our lives with the kids all around us and the laughter we shared.
My deepest condolences to all.
Nancy Hathaway
Becky Bense
August 24, 2024
I met the GG when I travel to Quepos, but I felt like I already knew him from reading his writtings. Oh Bob you will be missed and you have kept many people connected to the place you called home for years and years. May you rest in peace- Becky from New Hampshire
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Kyle F Pero
August 23, 2024
Bob was a fellow chem engineering student and Fraternity Brother at UMass Lowell. My photo shows Bob relaxing in one of our Freshmen Dorm rooms. Bob had a unique sense of humor and was very quick witted. I don't remember ever meeting Bob after graduation but we did communicate through his Golden Gringo web site and I looked forward every month for his latest publication.
Rest in Peace Bob! You left your mark on this world to everyone's benefit.
Helen Dunn Frame
August 23, 2024
So sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed the GG issues. Helen Dunn Frame
Steve O'Hara
August 23, 2024
It had been a long time but I always enjoyed seeing Bob when I was passing through Quepos - a good messenger is missed
Steve O'Hara
Puerto Jimenez / Encinitas CA
Karen Ogden
August 23, 2024
Bob was our neighbour in Quepos. The first day, he stopped to say hi to my son who was hanging high from the fence. After that, he never failed to stop and greet the kids or the dogs. The dogs would give their regular greeting, Bob would stop and give it right back to them. Then my son would run out to say hi because he knew that it was Bob passing by the same time every morning on his way to the meetings.
At one point, we had a German Shepard who just did not like him - mind you he didn't like anyone except for us - Bob would still stop by, greet the friendly one and growl at the grumpy one.
He watched my kids grow up until they left home. When he saw me out in the yard on his way by, he never failed to stop and ask about them. He had a serious bond with my son, who was only about 2 when he moved in. He's a soccer player and man, Bob loved to hear all about it, even now that he moved.
My heart broke when I heard of his passing, especially since I was out of the country. I sure miss him walking by in the mornings now that I'm home.
Bob will always remain with us, thank you to his family for sharing him with us in our little corner of the world. He was sure loved by this family.
Karen
Mike Lynch
August 23, 2024
I met Bob in 2022 while visiting Manuel Antonio, I spent several morning at his meeting. Bob was another of those Boston area guys you meet all around the globe, Was looking forward to seeing him again but God had other plans. Great guy
Annie Clark
August 23, 2024
Through the ROMEO luncheons I made new friends. Thanks, Bob. I will continue those in your memory.
Annie Clark
Will Anderson
August 23, 2024
I met Bob once a few years ago while on vacation in Manuel Antonio. He was a sweet man, and even though we were only around each other for a few hours, I felt like I made a new friend. Godspeed Bob!
Marty from Arizona
August 23, 2024
I never met Bob, but enjoyed the GG chronicles for years. We would text back and forth occasionally, and he graciously invited me to visit him in Quepos. I will miss him, and wish the best for his family. Life is short. We all need to seek eternal salvation in our Lord while we´re here! Blessings to you all!
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