Norman Monroe Loop

LOOP, Norman Monroe
October 6, 1932 - August 8, 2009
With his family by his side, Norm entered into eternal rest at age 76 on August 8, 2009 after a courageous and prolonged battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Born October 6, 1932 in Phoenix, AZ to Amos and Maude Loop, he was the youngest of six siblings. At age 9 his family moved to Medford, OR. Norm graduated from Medford High School in 1951 and attended Southern Oregon College in Ashland before serving in the Air Force during the Korean War. He returned to Medford, worked for MedCo Lumber Company and played semi-pro baseball for the Medford Cheny Studs. In 1954 he met and married his wife, Ruby Jo An Hayes (Jo An), at Sacred Heart Church in Medford. He excelled in baseball from Jr. High through military service and at Oregon Technical Institute where he graduated in 1958. As his family grew, he moved to CA where he worked for Lockheed MSC in Sunnyvale for 33 years, retiring in 1993. During that time he donated over ten gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. Norm's love of sports brought many hours of pleasure playing golf, softball and tennis. Kicking extra points at Medford HS football games earned him the nickname "The Golden Toe." He coached a Boys Little League Championship team for many years, and coached his daughters in Bobby Sox softball. His Cupertino Tennis Team excelled, and in 1990 took 3rd place at the U.S. Tennis Association National Championships. He also played on tennis teams in Sunnyvale and Los Altos, and was a member of Kona Kai in Santa Clara for many years. During the years his 5 daughters were growing up he was passionate about water-skiing and spent weekends and vacations boating and camping with family and close friends. Norm's hobbies were many. He built a 48" remote-control boat which he raced competitively, enjoyed wood-carving and tole painting, and made many beautiful stained glass pieces. A great story-teller who actually did kiss the blarney stone, Norm was able to pen a few events into short stories but had a long list he was never able to complete. In 1997 Norm and Jo An settled in Auburn, CA. Having been an active member of Sons in Retirement in Santa Clara, he immediately joined Auburn Branch 79 where he enjoyed companionship, weekly golf, and monthly tournaments... and his first and only hole-in-one! He played tennis and occasionally golfed at Sierra View Country Club in Roseville where he was also a member. Norm loved to travel, and while his job with Lockheed took him to several foreign countries, after he retired he had fun traveling with his wife on her international speaking engagements. Over the years Norm became an excellent cook, and derived great pleasure in preparing a wide variety of meals for large gatherings. He loved to entertain and was a gifted host. His natural green-thumb and love of nature was reflected in his beautiful yards. Norm was a loving supporter of his 14 grandchildren in their numerous activities, attending games, concerts, and plays. He had a great passion for music, and could play any instrument by ear. He loved dancing, especially with his "girls." As a patron of the arts he subscribed annually to Music Circus, the Broadway Series, and B Street Theatre in Sacramento. Of all his exceptional characteristics, Norm was perhaps most famous for his generous nature, extraordinary disposition, quick wit, creative sense of humor, and impeccable timing. He could chase the clouds from the darkest corners with a comical remark that changed gloom to glee in an instant. His unwavering love and adoration of his wife, 5 daughters, 14 grandchildren and 5 (almost 6) great-grandchildren truly define the man he was. He was their rock, their lighthouse: not an anchor to hold them back, nor a sail to take them there, but always a guiding light whose love showed them the way. We take comfort in the knowledge that he is with his Lord, and that we will all be together again some day. Norm is survived by Jo An, his wife of nearly 55 years, and their 5 daughters: Barbara (Mike) Miller and Catherine (Randall) Alesci of Auburn, Karen (Tony) Palladino of Rocklin, Sandy (Dan) Pinon of Roseville and Teresa (Bob) Taylor of Eagle River, Alaska. He is survived by 14 grandchildren, 5 (almost 6) great-grandchildren, one sister, Darlene Mellberg of Downey, CA, and many, many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their ''Apple (Uncle) Norm.'' Visitation will be held on Friday evening Aug. 21st at Chapel of the Hills, 1331 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Bayside Auburn Church, 450 Nevada St., Auburn, CA at 1:00 pm, reception to follow immediately. Burial ceremony for family and close friends will be Monday, August 24, at Auburn Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Chapel of the Hills Mortuary; donations in Norm's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Aid Society, 2641 Cottage Way, Suite 4, Sacramento, CA 95826. Please visit www.mem.com to view videos and pictures of Norm's life.