Things Remembered

While visiting with people who attended Norm Beeson's service today, I was reminded of many things long forgotten!

Rae White and Pat (Wheaton) -her last name escapes me, were there and I remembered that "Patty" always had all the latest records. (She says she still has them!) One summer, the kids "made" a Youth Center at the empty Brunswig building just west of the old Post Office. Patty had her record player there and several teenagers were dancing in the "showroom" while others were playing ping pong or pool in the "garage part" of the building. It was a rare thing that we Gregory girls got to go to town on Saturday night, but we had talked Daddy into taking us on that particular night. Of course, since all the kids were at the "Youth Center", I went there, too. Of course, this was a "forbidden" place for me to be since I was probably all of 13 - maybe 14!!! When my dad got ready to go home, that is where he found me - dancing with one of the high school boys (name to be undivulged)... Needless to say, I was grounded for the next few weeks. My dad was a fun loving friendly guy, but VERY protective of "his girls."

I also enjoyed seeing Norm's sisters Alice and Kathy from California and Bobbi, even though I had never known them very well. Butch was there from back east and it was nice to catch up on what he is doing - (he is retired and living the life of "Riley"!!) Actually, it sounds like he keeps pretty busy helping his kids with projects around their homes. I met Bobbi's husband, who sang "On An Old Rugged Cross" beautifully at the graveside service. Marvin's daughter and children were there.

It was nice to meet C.D. Samler and chat with him for a bit. Remembering some of the people that we both remember. I remember my dad talking about his dad, Oscar Samler, but never can remember specifics. Just that they were friends.

All of Norm's kids were there: Kevin, the oldest along with his wife Clarissa and son Christopher; Kelly and her husband Dave Barger and their daughter Sara and grandson Kevin. Kelly's son Kevin is in England and was not able to attend. He will be home in May before shipping back out for Japan. He is in the Navy. Shelley was there with her husband Scott Parker and three children Sam, John and Abbey and Scott's brother. Jeri and daughter Kayla were there with Jeri's friend Steve. Ray and Floy Ruggles drove up from Haigler. Leone was there, too. She and Norm remained friends and both of them loved their kids.

I don't have access to the guestbook, but there were alot more people there who I don't know. A couple of Norm's aunts, who live near Holyoke were there. The pastor of the 1st Christian Church had a beautiful talk which was very appropriatly applied to how Norman lived his life -- Working hard, Loving his family, Always cheerful. Very loved by his children and grandchildren - and by everyone else who knew him.

Norm's last few years were spent with his family. He stayed with each one of his children for a period of time and then would move on to another. He also spent time with his sisters. They recently had a reunion in Nevada where they all were able to spend a wonderful time together.

I'm shareing this with you, because I know most of you remember Norm and would want to know that he lived a good life and had the love & respect of his friends and family.