NORMAN LEROY CASMAN
Norman Leroy Casman, 64 of Helena, peacefully passed away on July 28, 2014, at his home after an extended illness. During his illness, his loving daughter Nicole and son-in-law Jay Foster cared for him. He constantly made them laugh and smile and he will be forever missed.
Norman was born on September 21, 1949 in Havre, MT to Doris and Wayne Casman. He attended school in Helena graduating from Helena Senior High in 1968. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the Air Force and served until 1972. After his release from the military, he began working at the VA Hospital at Fort Harrison, MT and remained there until he retired in 2008.
He purchased his “HOT ROD” and enjoyed his time cruising. He had a fond love of camping, traveling, and spending time with his family.
“My dear Dad, your sense of humor and compassion will be dearly missed by all.”
He was preceded in death by his wife Kathy Henkel Casman, mother Doris, father Wayne, and daughter Crystal Lee. He is survived by his Aunt Violet, brother Gerald Casman; daughters Nicole (Jay) Foster, Helena; Jenny Casman, Judith Gap; Erin Casman, Helena; Kris Casman, Helena and grandchildren: Kayden, Myha and Jeremiah Foster; Dallas Casman; Tyler Wheatly; Zoe Meier; niece Stacey Casman and nephew Brian Casman, and numerous cousins and many many many very special friends.
A graveside service will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 1st at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7100 N. Montana Avenue, Helena, MT 59602. There will be a reception following the service at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall. Those wishing to make contributions in Norman’s name may do so at Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Doris says
Nicole… I’m so sorry for your loss. Hold the good memories close. Doris
Bill & Sherri says
Nicole, Jay, Kayden & Myha, our thoughts & prayers are with you all during this terrible time.
We just want to share a few special memories with you. Bill & I first met Norm when his was dating my very good friend, Kat Amundson. That was a lifetime ago. At that time, little did we know he would become a very amazing lifetime friend and companion.
We will never forget all the unforgettable camping trips, some which included all our children (Nicole, Kris, Buzz & Carolina, Michelle & Jim and Dave & Kelly & then later the grandchildren from both families). Kat & I created many mega meals and Norm & Bill would lovely teased us about selling our wares along the interstate where we were camp, because they claimed we made enough food to feed an army. Even with all the families out visiting, there still seemed to be enough food to feed everybody.
We will always remember the first time your Dad & Kat came out to visit while we were camping. They stayed for dinner & the next day they both came back out again and brought out the newspaper. Your Dad jumped out of the car (didn’t have the red truck yet) & said “Your delivery boy is here with your Sunday paper”. It was August 1997. That is when they REALLY got bit by the camping bug. Shortly thereafter, they got their 1st camper.
The first memorable camping trip as camping companions, was on a Memorial Day weekend at Bernice the follow year. Warm and sunny, a few minutes later, snowing, than it quit, wind came up, then sleet & then it got warm again. This was followed by a cattle drive going right through the middle of camp. About drove all the dogs crazy. This was the first of many years of camping trips. We only encountered a few more cattle drives though. By the way, where is that umbrella hat that you wore Norm. Bill & I know that was your personal trademark. And loved them black mud boots you wore. Oh & how you pranced around, telling us how warm & dry your feet were, while we all about froze our toes off. Next weekend, we were able to “sport” our purchases around the dry, warm campground… We still have ours & I am sure if you look around Nicole, you will find your Dad’s too.
Then there’s camping trip when Bill & I had to go to town & your Dad & Kat babysat Barney (our big black 80# rottie cross). He was the bravest dog of all, the carrier of “3” tennis balls in his mouth & the only thing to scare him was thunder. Kat told us how he sat between the two of them, shivering and terrified in that tiny breakfast nook in their camper. He just couldn’t get close enough to both of them. When we came back all 3 of them were sitting together on the breakfast bench. Would loved to have had a picture of that trio. Oh & the many mornings your Dad woke up in bed with him Barney, up on the bed & standing in the middle, looking down at Norm with that big droopy muzzle of his (thank God he didn’t drool or Norm would have had a bed bath right there). Norm said it was the funniest thing he ever saw, & all you could hear from the 5th wheel was gales of laughter from Kat & Norm.
After we lost Barney, your Dad tried so hard to have Mickey pack “3” balls in his mouth like Barney, but no matter how hard your Dad tried, he could only get Mick to master 2 at a time. Mick just loved your Dad. And oh how Mickey cried when the big black truck pulled up, whether at our home or at camp with a camper behind it, he wanted out to see Norm, & NOW was not fast enough.
Kat & I always had ceramic pieces we were painting. Norm & Bill always attended (???) our meadow painting parties. The guys always amused us with their hysterical laughing & inventive critiquing of our “masterpieces”. They were the “art critics” & we use that term very, very loosely. This was camping at it’s best, fighting bugs, trying to keep the paint from drying up & listening to our greatest critics and all the time, having the time of our lives & enjoying every minute of each others lives.
Then Christmas Day happened & we lost Kat. The world changed so drastically for all of us. I remember getting the call from you Nicole. And all I could think of to say was “please give your Dad hugs for us”. That was the start of so many, many daily calls to each other, sometimes Bill & your Dad, sometimes me & your Dad & sometimes all three of us chatting at once. Don’t think we missed a day not talking to each other for so many months.
Then he got his black pride & joy, special ordered to his specs. But when he got it, I told him he could drive “my car”. He asked, “What do you mean?” I said if you didn’t get it for me, you should not have gotten a car that had my initials on the side of it “SRT” (Sherri Roberts’ Transportation). He laughed & from then on always told me he was taking my car for a drive or taking it in to wash it. And then he laugh that contagious laugh of his. He had special plates put on it – can’t remember if they read “Norms” or “Norms Kar”. That’s because he was always raising so much dust when he left & the plates were a blur. Guess it was to supersede the “SRT” on the side of the car.
Then we decided to all go camping again on Memorial Day and as usual about froze our tushes off in the snow storm (Kayden & Myha stayed with Grandpa for the weekend). Where were you two adult chickens. Afraid of freezing during the predicted crappy weather? Then Norm sold the camper & got the motorhome and then we made plans to travel together this summer. We were suppose to go down the Oregon Coast this year together.
He called me on my birthday (don’t think he knew it was my birthday) to tell me the news, “but Sherri, it’s not that bad. I am taking off for Mayo” and that was all I really remembered of the call. But the powers that be, had greater plans for this special guy and surgery was not in the cards. After he got back, we called, just to leave messages for him, because he didn’t want to talk on the telephone. On July 23, we were away from the telephone and miss “that special call” from Norm. Apparently he decided to call and talk and I wasn’t there. So just left a message. “Just called to say hi”. That telephone message brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it. Pictures taken through the years are great, but the memories will last us a lifetime and beyond.
We are so thankful & happy you were all able to provide the needed care for him, so he could spend all of his time, while he was so sick, at home surrounded by his family. You & Jay have done your Dad & family proud. Now just hold onto all your memories of him & hold them very near and dear to your hearts. But most of all ~ remember them often.
Norm, we will all miss and remember you forever. You were one of a kind & there will never be another like you. Sherri & Bill
Leona Zaharko says
I worked with both Norm and Kathy at the VA. So sorry for your great loss. I will always remember Norm picking Kathy up after work with all the cute dogs in the truck.