Norman

Norman died Monday evening. 

Norman and Doris Hair came to St. Thomas by the Sea Episcopal Church, Laguna Beach in retirement. He had completed a long, illustrious career at Gulf Coast College, and long years directing choirs at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, and even longer years directing choirs at First Presbyterian. Probably reading my mind as he saw my face light up with possibilities the first Sunday we met, he preempted me by saying he didn’t want to take on another choir but would enjoy singing in the congregation. 

It wasn’t long before Norman said he would love to work with our choir, and with Gordon and me at St. Thomas. We became close friends, even were somewhat “birds of a feather,” loving as we did, the good old hymns as well as lots of the new ones, and creating imaginative worship together. Happy times, blessed Sundays and wonderful memories. No parish priest ever had a nicer, more loved and talented colleague, or a closer, warmer, happier, more enjoyable and permanent friendship.

LaBron's phone call sent me down front by the Bay for the shelter of my cedar tree. Sunset, the close of day. Perhaps, promise for tomorrow, and eternity. 

O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last.

TW+