Norman Waterman, age 83, died June17, 2011 at home after a long illness.
Norm was born to Helen Brown and Jay Waterman in South Wayne Wisconsin. He was a resident of Canyon Ferry, Helena, MT for the last 41 years. His wife, Connie, whom he married in 1972 in Denver, CO, survives him.
Norm had many jobs early in life: he was a veteran of World War II, he drove a milk truck and delivered bread, and he was a laborer at the smelter in East Helena. His longest and most cherished employment was his 40 years with the State of Montana DPHHS. Norm started this career as a caseworker-in-charge in Scobey, and from there worked in Virginia City, Forsyth and Glasgow in various positions. He was most proud of his position as County Welfare Director in Helena for Lewis and Clark County. Every working day he found both interesting and amusing and he loved the challenge of helping the less fortunate. He always championed the underdog and felt some of his greatest accomplishments were helping to procure the first adolescent group home in Helena and the start-up of the Lewis and Clark County Comprehensive Health Clinic. Norm thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff at the county office and took great personal pride that they thought him a great boss. After a long tenure Norm’s last job at DPPHS was that of Administrator of Economic Assistance.
He is survived by his wife Connie Waterman, his daughters Cathy Grace (Andrew), Bozeman, MT; Jeri Mulrow (Ed), Arlington, VA; and his beloved grandchildren Allie and Dan Mulrow, Arlington, VA.
Also surviving are brothers Rus Waterman (Patricia), Denver, CO and Darrell Waterman (Steve Jacobsen) San Bernardino, CA; nephew George Taylor (Pam) Hesperia, CA; and great niece Lindsay Taylor, Arvada, WY.
Children from a former marriage also survive him: Wendi MacKenzie (Matt), Mick Waterman (Cathy); Norma-Lou Scranton, her children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Norm’s name to ACLU of Montana, 7 W. 6th Ave. Helena, MT or Hospice of St. Peter’s, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT.
Norm will greatly miss taking care of his yard at Canyon Ferry.
Per Norm’s request, there will be no funeral. A memorial gathering will be held Monday, June 27th at Benny’s Bistro, 108 E. 6th Ave., Helena, MT from 4-6pm.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Bill Spivey says
Connie: I recently received the OB. I was surprised and wish I could have attended. Norm was a very good and close friend and I will dearly miss him and I hope I get to see you sometime when I return to Helena. I realize how close the two of you were and Joan and I send our deepest symapthies and we will never forget you guys. God Bless
Carol E. Bonner says
Connie & Family,
I will be thinking of you this afternoon during the memorial for Norm. Please know Norm’s accomplishments will be remembered!!! I will always cherish our girls growing up w/your guidance plus Cinnamon & the Subarus. Hugs to each of you,
Carol
dorothy McCarter says
To Connie and family,
I was so saddened to learn of Norm’s passing. What a nice guy he was! Our world just won’t be the same without him.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Dorothy McCarter
john ilgenfritz says
Connie, Just heard of Norm’s passing. Norm was one of the first people I met when we moved to Helena in ’78. Great guy to work with. He was such a champion of the downtrodden and what a sense of humor. Condolences to you and your family.
Judith Williams nee Taylor says
I had hoped to be able to attend Norm’s funeral but that didn’t happen. I knew Norm from our shared occupations as County Welfare Directors and other state employment. He was a good guy, on the ball, concerned about clients, staff and taxpaying public.
Kelly Stanley-McNurlin says
Cathy, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I have fond memories of sleepovers at your house. Your dad was such a kind and gentle soul! I still turn my head when I go by that house! Peace, Love, and Strength to you & your family.
Machele (Knutson) Jones says
Connie and Cathy –
Like Kelly, I have many fond memories of sleepovers and riding the bus out “to the lake”. Norm was always kind and gentle – and seemed to love having kids around. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.