Norman Allan McCrae

Norman Allan McCrae passed away peacefully at his home in Altoona, Florida, on October 17, at the age of 92.

A proud Vermont native, Norman was born on July 1, 1933, and grew up in Barre before moving to Concord, where he graduated from Concord High School in 1952. He attended Lyndon State Teachers College, where he met and married the love of his life, Carolyn, in 1954. Norman graduated in 1956 and soon began a distinguished 35-year teaching career in Newport, Vermont, where he taught both junior high and high school students.

In 1961, Norman was drafted into the U.S. Army's 4th Armored Division and served honorably in Germany until 1963.

Norman is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Carolyn May McCrae, and his sons Brian McCrae of Newport, Vermont, and Scott McCrae of The Villages, Florida. He also leaves four beloved grandchildren: Madelyn McCrae of St. Petersburg, FL; Alec McCrae of South Burlington, VT; Fiona McCrae of Washington, D.C.; and Fletcher McCrae of Melbourne, FL. He is also survived by his brother, William McCrae, of Concord, Vermont and beloved nieces and nephews.

Norman's lifelong dedication to education was one of his greatest achievements. He touched the lives of generations of students in the Newport area with his humor, insight, and compassion, earning the affection and respect of all who knew him.

After retiring in 1991, Norman and Carolyn moved to Leesburg, Florida, where they lived in the Highland Lakes community. There, he enjoyed tennis, community events, and-together with Carolyn-many adventures traveling throughout Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, and across the United States.

A gifted writer, artist, and craftsman, Norman loved to "putter" around the house, building and fixing things. He also operated a 500-tree apple orchard at his summer home in Barnet Center, Vermont.

Norman will be remembered for his warmth, wit, creativity, and steadfast love for his family, students, and community.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local school or library in Norman's honor.