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BORN

1936

DIED

2024

Norman Vaughn-Hulbert Obituary

Norman Vaughn-Hulbert

February 29, 1936 - November 12, 2024

317 West Alexander Ave, Merced, CA, 95348, California - Norman Vaughn-Hulbert-Merced, CA - Norman Vaughn-Hulbert passed away peacefully on November 12th at the age of 88 with loved ones by his side. He is now in heaven with his beloved wife Shirley.

Norman Vaughn-Hulbert was born February 29, 1936 to Arthur and Loraine Vaughn-Hulbert from Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada. Norman's younger life was spent working as a young lumberjack up in the Queen Charlotte Islands in British Columbia where he grew up fast surrounded by men twice his age. He soon joined up with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1953 at the age of 17. He was stationed in various bases throughout Europe. He met the love of his life in London (Lyceum Theater) when he was attending a wedding as a best man in Nottingham. A whirlwind romance ensued, and they married on September 14, 1957, honeymooning in Paris. Norm and Shirley moved to Belgium where Norm was stationed at the time. During this period Norm and Shirley visited many European countries; the French Riviera was one of her favorite places. He remained in the Royal Canadian Air force until 1958 where he returned to Canada with his new bride for a brief stint just before joining the USAF. The first base he was stationed at was George AFB, CA. During this period, Phillip, their first child was born. A couple years later Norman was transferred back to England, reuniting with Shirley's family, where their second child Bruce was born. In 1966 Norm was transferred back to CA to Castle AFB, where Sarah, their third child, was born. Shirley was raised in the Anglican Church in England, so it was a natural thing to find a church home immediately. That special place was St. Luke's on M Street opposite the courthouse park. Norm and Shirley were very involved with St. Lukes Church. Norm was a lay reader and church leader for years. In 1971, Chris was born, expanding the Vaughn-Hulbert family to six! By this time Norman had transitioned out of the Air Force and began a new career working as Recreation Director for the city of Atwater. Norman was heavily involved in organizing teens sports. Norman boxed as a young teen and was instrumental in starting the Atwater Boxing Club. Norman graduated from Stanislaus State with a degree in Sociology while helping to raise 4 children. After a few years working for the City of Atwater, Norman acquired his certifications to be a real estate appraiser for the county. Then he ventured out on his own where he started his own real estate appraising business in the late 1970's. Dad began substitute teaching during this time and continued that up until a few years ago.

One of Norms' loves was boating and fishing with his family and taking trips to Maui, Hawaii and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Pyramid Lake, NV. Norman bought a 23 foot camping trailer and would take the family on camping trips to Canada, Lake McClure, Don Pedro, New Brighton and Seacliff State Beach. Norman and Shirley along with their dogs, Max and Bradley, eventually fell in love with Baja,CA and were soon taking trips there and camping along the coast of the Sea of Cortez.

After retiring from substitute teaching, Norm and Shirley would travel to Reno and the Bay area for family events. They were quite involved with family and enjoyed seeing their children and grandchildren grow up through the years. He leaves a loving family: children Phillip (Jo), Bruce (Kristine), Sarah (John), and Chris (Bonnie); grandchildren Tedd (Royallah), Chris, Rachel, Hannah (fiance, Penn), Lilli, Anna (Mason), Jean, Jake, Jane, Julia, Cole, Lacee, and Meghann; great grandchildren Dominic, Yuliya Amara, Grayson, and Troy; nephews Michael and Jason; nieces; Cindy, Mashiah, Praise, and Hoshanna. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Loraine; Siblings: Jenny, Lawrence, and Lorraine.

Memorial Service will be held on February 1, 2025, 11 a.m. at Saint Joseph's Chapel at the old Mercy Hospital Mercy.

Burial Service will be held on February 1, 2025, 1 p.m. at Merced Cemetery District (Faith Gardens) 1300 B Street, Merced, CA 95341.

Reception will be held immediately following Burial Service at the Vaughn-Hulberts Residence in Merced, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Merced Sun Star from Nov. 26 to Nov. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Sarah Boyle

January 20, 2025

I was deeply saddened to hear of Norm´s passing. While I did not have the privilege of knowing him well, I vividly remember meeting him on January 25th, 2023, during one of our City of Merced town halls. That evening stands out to me because Norm and Shirley specifically sought me out as their councilmember.

In the brief time we spoke, I could see how deeply Norm cared for his community. Our conversation left a lasting impression, and I wish I had had the opportunity to know him better. After reading his obituary and reflecting on his life, it is clear that he made an extraordinary impact on those around him.

Please know that my thoughts are with the family during this time. I have attached a photo from that evening as a small reminder of the admiration and respect I felt when meeting both Norm and Shirley.

Jessica Manny

December 6, 2024

I had the pleasure of helping Norman many times with his technology at Best Buy´s Geek Squad. He was always a pleasure to work with and he was always willing to learn new things. I always enjoyed seeing him and just talking to him even if it wasn´t about his computer or cell phone. He will be truly missed.

Marc Medefind

December 5, 2024

Norm was a superlative gentleman and a Christian. He was involved in so many things - church, politics, sports, community, and especially his beloved family. I was blessed to have served with him on the executive board of the MCDCC and on behalf of many community efforts. As he was born on Leap Year Day, I joked with him this year that he had reached the "ripe old age" of 22! He sure packed a lot of living into those years! He and Shirley were truly vibrant gems that the community will certainly be lesser without.

Kathleen Crookham

November 29, 2024

I read with interest the obituary of your dad. He and Shirley were remarkable people and made a difference in the area. You have my condolences and you were fortunate to have him as a father, grandfather and part of your life. He was remarkable. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Kathleen Crookham

Mashiah Vaughn Hulbert

November 29, 2024

Norm will be missed greatly. He was a huge part of my life - after my dad passed away - Norms Brother. I will miss his guidance and love. And hundreds of phone calls yearly... He had a heart of gold.
My heart is shattered. And I will miss him every day.
Much love always. Thank you Norm for all the wonderful memories.
M

Keith Ensminger

November 27, 2024

I have great memories of Norm and Shirley working together on various social causes. I was delighted whenever he subbed for me at Tenaya. Great man and couple.

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Memorial Events
for Norman Vaughn-Hulbert

Feb

1

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Saint Joseph's Chapel at the old Mercy Hospital Mercy

CA

Feb

1

Burial

1:00 p.m.

Merced Cemetery District (Faith Gardens)

1300 B Street, Merced, CA

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