Norman Leigh Negaard

1934 - 2023

NEGAARD, Norman Leigh, 89, of Bon Air, Va., joined the heavenly chorus Tuesday, February 28, 2023, most likely singing "Here I am Lord," after battling Alzheimer's. Music was a major part of Norm's life. He sang in over 50 weddings, acted in many Richmond musical theater productions, and sang in his church choirs, including Bon Air Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. He is survived by Gail Leonard Negaard, his Glen Allen/Hermitage High School sweetheart and wife of 65 years. Norm and Gail added three musically talented sons to the family: Kris (Suzette), Kurt (Julie), and Kraig (Kim) Negaard. Norm's grandchildren, Grayson (Maggie), Alden (fiancée Hayden), Sawyer, Dallas (Alli) and Maddie Negaard, Brett (Catherine) and Blair Nicol have carried on his love of music.

A lifelong Richmonder, Norm grew up in Church Hill and Lakeside and as a youth he recorded many songs in the 1940s at WRVA, prior to being the tenor soloist at Historic St. John's Church on Church Hill as a young adult. Following Norm's college years at Virginia Tech, William & Mary, and University of Richmond, Norm served in the U.S. Army in Bamberg, Germany for two years. He and Gail have wonderful memories of living with the Hass family in Bamberg. Norm was an active member of Bon Air Presbyterian Church since 1963, serving as elder and session member. He also enjoyed the men's lunch group "Romeo," men's golf group, and Chef's Club. Norm enjoyed taking his family camping to Maine, Key West, California, Texas, Montana, and multiple other locations and annually vacationing with his children and grandchildren at Atlantic Beach, N.C. for over 30 years. Norm worked at Miller & Rhoads as its warehouse manager for 20 years, then Crawford Manufacturing for 15 years before ending the last five years of his career at Signet Bank/Capital One.

Norm is the son of the late F.T. and Malene Leigh Negaard. Norm's only sibling, Nelson Negaard (Mary), passed away in 1999. Additional surviving family members include nephew, David Negaard (Sandy); niece, Darlene Napier (Jeff); cousin, Sally Wilson Crews; brother-in-law, John Leonard; niece, Ashley Steininger (Greg); sister-in-law, Claudia Leonard; nephew, Berkeley Leonard (Betsy); and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Norm is also survived by his very special friends: Birgit Haas Stipich, Bill Nelson, Dave Jorgensen, Pat and Judy Clayton, Joan Collins, Bert Brady, Steve Henley and David Frazier. A memorial service will be held at Bon Air Presbyterian Church at 9201 W. Huguenot Road on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 11 a.m., which will be followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Bon Air Presbyterian Church Messiah Concert.