Timothy John Norman

1945 - 2024

Timothy John Norman
April 17, 1945 - September 30, 2024
Our beloved Timothy John Norman left us September 30th. His loving family was at his side to see him on his journey to be with the loved ones he had lost, his son Kevin, his mom Eleanor, his brother Jim, and his father James. Tim led a life of advice, help, comfort, and advocacy for everyone around him. That is his legacy.
Tim was born in San Francisco to Eleanor Stretch and James Norman. After a short time in Oak Harbor, Washington he moved with his family back to San Francisco where he was raised as a 4th generation San Franciscan. He went to Epiphany Grammar School and then went on to Riordan High School where he was a star varsity football player as a sophomore, record holding shot putter, and Senior Class President. He always spoke fondly of his school days, but especially of his high school days. Early in his high school days, he was awarded the Teen of the Year award from the Boys & Girls club.
Tim studied at The University of San Francisco. He then earned his PhD from Stanford to become "Dr. Norman."
Throughout his life as a Clinical Psychologist, Tim worked in some capacity with people who needed him. He worked at the San Francisco Boys Club and had so many good stories to tell about his time there. He worked summers at CYO camp in Occidental. Tim started his private practice in San Francisco and continued with it when he moved to Sonoma in the late 80's.
His avocation and one of the favorite parts of his life was raising, showing, and judging Pygmy Goats all across the United States. He made many, many good and forever friends during that time of his life. Tim also spent many years coaching girl's softball which again gained him many lifetime friends.
As a Gold Star Father, Tim was proud to be on the Board of Directors for the Sonoma Memorial Day Ceremony in Sonoma at the Veterans Cemetery. The Gold Star Event in San Francisco arose every year bringing Tim apprehensive mixed emotions. But, he went every year to help in sharing the grief that other families experienced just like him. Every year he made new "old friends" sharing in the grief and mentoring families new to the life of a Gold Star family. His desire and passion to help parents like himself extended also to his participation in the local TAPS group.
The place Tim called his second home, and where his heart will always be, is Hanna Boys Center. He selflessly helped countless boys and fellow co-workers throughout his more than 30 years as Clinical Director. His famous words to anyone looking for a job or a career were, "I never went to work with a stomach ache," because he loved his job. He was a hero and a mentor and inspirational to all. He always missed Hanna after he was forced to leave. It's no secret that Hanna Boys Center missed Tim then and still does.
Tim's final contribution to people who would benefit greatly by his sage advice and countless stories was at Side by Side where he mentored interns sharing his understanding of and for others as well as his love for the job. He was working right into his last week because of the joy and satisfaction it brought him. Thank you to everyone at Side by Side who were there for him.
Tim is survived by his loving and devoted wife and soulmate, Barbara, with whom he had more than 20 years of love, happiness, jokes, pranks, fun, and constant faithful companionship.
Tim is survived by his grateful and loving family, Adam, Jordan, Katy, Mandy, Abra, Sam, Maxine and Mark plus his in-law kids, Bob, Shanna, Matt, and Mayher who all supported him and loved him with intense respect and admiration, keeping him on his toes for the last two decades. He is also survived by his brother, Terry, sister-in-law Cecile and their children Theresa, Emily (Rod), Brian (Marie) and Danny. He is survived also by many grandkids, Talon, Roark, Cian, Ava, Calvin, Henry, Luke, Gabe, Jonah, Greta and Silas. He loved his entire family with his whole heart.
His dog, Fiona, who brought him hours and hours of joy, misses Tim as much as his humans do.
Tim's survivors also include Colleen and her children and Sean and his children.
Tim was so well taken care of at the end of his life by his nurses, Valerie, Kush, and Kathleen. We will forever and always be so grateful for them. The family requests any donations be made to Hospice of Sonoma County.
There will be a celebration of Tim's amazing life on October 20th at 2:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 First Street East, Sonoma. Come and join us for an afternoon that Tim would love, filled with fun, laughter, joy, and storytelling.