Norman “Norm” J. Newberry of Boise, Idaho, passed away on January 19, 2012 at his home surrounded by family and friends. 

Norm was born in La Rochelle, France on July 21, 1953 to Norman E. and JoAnna Newberry and raised in southern California with his siblings Malia and Brendan.  He graduated from Loara High School in 1971, and proudly served his country as a Sargent in the United States Air Force.  Norm married the love of his life Rita in 1978 and was blessed with two children; Zachary and Kelly.  He worked in the high tech industry for over 30 years which brought him from California to Colorado to Idaho and back to California again.  In December 2008 Norm was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and shortly after retired back to Idaho.  In retirement Norm participated in several fundraising and awareness efforts through the MDA.  He and Rita worshiped at Eagle Church of the Nazarene and built many strong relationships through the word of Christ.               

Norm was a member of AA for 26 years, an Ice Hockey fanatic and had a passion for drumming and Latin percussion.  He was known for his infectious smile and his faith and courage through his battle with ALS.   

Norm is survived by loving wife Rita; son Zachary Newberry (Karen) of San Jose, CA; daughter Kelly Standley (Derek) of Spring Creek, NV; granddaughters Madison and Rochelle Newberry; mother JoAnna Newberry; sister Malia Jewel (James); brother Brendan Newberry (Denise); sister-in-law Bonnie Lee (Norm); brother-in-law Dennis Claman (Sue); wiener dogs Lincoln and Hoagie and a large and loving extended family.  Norm is preceded in death by his father Norman E. Newberry and mother and father-in-law William and Irene Claman.

We thank God for His promises; the promise that, although Norman Newberry has left us, our heavenly Father will never leave us nor forsake us.  The promise of seeing Norm again, that is our hope in Christ Jesus.          

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February  4,  2012 at Eagle Church of the Nazarene , 1001 W. State St. in Eagle, Idaho.  Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian. 

The family requests that any gifts or memorials be made to ALS research through the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Remembrances may be left for the family online at www.AccentFuneral.com.

Condolences:

Sender's Name: Shelley Simanson Fowler
I lived across the street from the Newberrys, in Anaheim, California, and read about Norm's passing via the Loara High School Facebook page. I am so sorry to hear this news - Norm and I were "buddies" back in the old days - we even had a little folk song "band" together. Please accept my deepest condolences for his loss - I was blessed to know him in childhood and shall cherish these memories always. Blessings of Peace and Love, Shelley.