Norman and my dad (Dick Moran) became friends while attending Gunsmithing college in Susanville in the late 1940's.  One time Norm even drove my folks (they didn't own a car) and me (age 2) to Modesto when he was traveling back to Paso to visit.   My Mom & Dad thought the world of Norm and my Dad told me many stories of those years with other young WWII veterans at Lassen JC.  I reconnected with Norm about 8 or 9 years ago when our daughter moved to Paso.   Norm subsequently spent time with my family, and wowed our 2 granddaughters with his story about the Cape Buffalo hunt (along with pictures).  He and I talked many hours about my Dad and their mutual friends.  The best thing I can share about this great man was that he sent me a letter a few years back about life, marriage and friendship.  It was so good that I copied the letter for our children and our oldest (who never met Norm) keeps it posted on his fridge.  I'm pretty sure Norm outlived all of his gunsmithing buddies and when I learned that he had passed I was very saddened that he was gone and surprised because he always struck me as bulletproof.  He was truly a special and gentle, man.  George Moran and family

Donald Ashton, Jerry Ashton, Norm, Donald Bridge, Shane Redenbaugh

Norm was like a second father to us he helped my mom who couldnt speak English and bought my mom a TV so she could learn English while our dad was fighting in Korea. We lived two houses down from Norm and were very close neighbors.  Taught us how to hunt and fish. He helped me get my first hunting rifle threw him and he got it all set up for me with scope and sling , butt cushion and back of rifle. We will never forget the kindness he gave to our family all those years as we grew up. Our deepest condolences  go out to Art and Debbie and all of the family  for there loss of such a wonderful father , grandfather.

I met Norm Bridge in 2013 when he was Pioneer Day Marshall and we were setting up his display case at the Paso Robles Area Historical Society. As his memorabilia was placed in the cabinet, he had a great story about each item. Little did he know I had never held a gun in my life. He handed me a small handgun and told me his grandmother kept it under her pillow most of her life. He never knew if it was loaded. Then he passed me a rifle he said they used for hunting to put food on the table. I feel grateful for even that short time together with a very lovely gentleman.

I met Norm almost 30 years ago when I used to go in to Bridge’s and see my friend Judy who worked there at the time.  I would go in there once in a while to chat about something or another.  As the years have past by I would see Norm around town, at Cowgirl Cafe mostly and even though he only knew me from those visits to see my friend he would always smile and say hello to me when we would come across each other.  He always brightened my day with that smile.  He was a true gentleman.

OBITUARY

Norman Bridge

8 April, 1925 – 19 December, 2019

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home

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