Norman LeRoy Gould “Stormin’ Norman” also known as “Spike” went home to be with the Lord with his son Mark, daughter in-law Mary, and his second wife Rose by his side on December 28, 2018. He was 81 years old.
Norman was born to George and Loretta Gould on May 20, 1937 in Rome, New York. He graduated from West Canada Valley Central School, where he earned the nickname “Spike” by starring as a guard for the school’s sectional championship basketball team at a height of only 5’6″. He continued his education at Mohawk Valley Technical Institute, earning his Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Norman married the love of his life, Nancy Lee Young, on August 2, 1958, in Middleville, New York. The couple lived and raised their family in several towns in the Mohawk Valley. Norman’s engineering career began at Carrier Corporation. For many years Norman and Nancy farmed and sold vegetables in Vernon and Verona while Norman worked as a Metallurgical Engineer for Oneida Ltd Silversmiths. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Newport Fire Department as well as the Verona Fire Department. After losing crops to hail damage, Norman and Nancy formed Norm Gould and Sons Excavating and transformed the farm into Verona Mobile Home Trailer Park on Route 31. Built to last, the trailer park still thrives today with streets named after their children.
In 1977, the family chose to move west to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to seek new opportunities and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. They owned the Ponderosa Motel in West Glenwood Springs while Norman worked construction for Harley Rippy. After selling the motel, Norman and Nancy saw the opportunity to further develop their excavating company starting with digging basements for homes in Glenwood Springs. Norman had an outstanding work ethic and took great pride in his work and his family.
Norman and Nancy were married for 26 years before she passed away of cancer in 1984. He married his second wife, Rose Marie Braden, in 1985. Norman continued working with two of his sons, Mark and Brett, by his side until he suffered a heart attack and retired several times not wanting to give up his profession. He was a pioneer with his portable coffee cart at Walmart before the coffee craze hit Glenwood Springs.
Stormin’ Norman was not one to sit back and relax. He was full throttle or sleeping, hence the name “Stormin’ Norman!”
He took great pride in his grandchildren, teaching them to drive trucks, four wheelers and big yellow machines while instilling in them a solid work ethic.
Norman volunteered at the Rifle Correctional Facility introducing religion and his love of the Lord to inmates. He made a difference to many people he encountered with his gentle, caring, accepting personality. Norman was constantly hugging people including strangers while telling them, “God Bless You” and “It’s all about love and forgiveness,” one of his favorite mantras.
He enjoyed playing music and singing at his church. Not having the opportunity to serve in the military, he was honored to play taps for Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day ceremonies as well as funeral services. Play on in heaven, Norman, while you are surrounded by your loved ones that have been waiting for you to meet your Lord and Savior.
In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by his brother, Nelson, sister Ada and her husband Stanley Pomichter, and his wife Nancy Lee Gould. Survivors include his sister Alma and her husband Homer Gokey, his sister in-law Nelson’s wife, Mary, his son Mark and spouse Mary, son Brett and spouse Sandra, daughter Kelly, son Eric and spouse Iranni, and his second wife, Rose. Norman was also blessed with eleven grandchildren, two granddaughters in-law, and five great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.
A celebration of Norman’s life will be held later this spring.